Ensuring Food Safety: FSSAI’s Protocol for Ethylene Oxide and 2-CE Detection

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently approved an advanced method for analyzing residues of ethylene oxide (EO) and its reaction product, 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), in food products. This method, now officially published following the 44th Food Authority meeting in June 2024, utilizes Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) to ensure safe levels of EO in a variety of food matrices.

Why It is Important

Ethylene oxide is commonly used in food processing for sterilization and microbial control, but it rapidly forms 2-chloroethanol (2-CE), a compound with carcinogenic potential. The new detection method aligns with safety standards to protect consumers from harmful residues, particularly in foods treated with EO like spices, herbs, dried fruits, oilseeds, cereals, and certain food additives.

Key Features of the Method

The method, FSSAI.OM.EO.001.2024, leverages QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) methodology for sample preparation and integrates various techniques for GC-MS/MS, including Headspace (HS)-GC-MS/MS and multi-step enrichment HS-trap GC-MS. Some important highlights of the method is as follows:

• Selective Sensitivity: Provides high accuracy and precision for EO and 2-CE in both dry and high-moisture food samples.
• Safety Protocols: To handle EO's volatility and toxicity, laboratories must follow strict temperature-controlled sample handling and safety protocols, including protective gear.
• Advanced Calibration: The process includes multi-level matrix-matched calibration standards to meet stringent detection limits of 0.01 mg/kg.

Implementation Timeline

All FSSAI-notified laboratories are instructed to incorporate this method into their accredited procedures within six months, ensuring compliance and accuracy in testing for these residues across food products.

Find the method here

FSSAI’s New Protocol for Ethylene Oxide and 2-CE Detection

FSSAI Gazette Notification Update Oct 2024

The FSSAI has issued a Gazette notification  regarding the  changes in following food categories: 

• Vitamin-Mineral Premix for the Preparation of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK)
• Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK)
• Pickled Eggs
• Fish Oil
• Dried Parsley
• Microbiological Standards for Baker’s Yeast - Process Hygiene Criteria
• Microbiological Standards for Baker’s Yeast - Food Safety Criteria

Download the full notification from the following link:

FSSAI Gazette Notification Update Oct 2024

Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, toxins and Residues) First Amendment Regulations, 2024.

 Upcoming Changes in Food Safety Standards: FSSAI’s New Amendment on Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011, officially titled the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) First Amendment Regulations, 2024. 

This  update revising the permissible levels for contaminants, toxins, and residues in food products. 

Key Highlights of the FSSAI's 2024 Amendment

1. Purpose of the Amendment: The 2024 amendment seeks to further reduce health risks by tightening permissible levels of specific contaminants, toxins, and residues in food products. 

2. Effective Date: With the enforcement date set for April 1, 2025, food businesses have time to prepare for compliance, ensuring a seamless transition to the updated safety standards.

3. Focus on Compliance: Food industry stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated standards thoroughly. By staying informed and adhering to the revised guidelines, businesses can enhance product safety, protect consumer health, and build trust.

Access the Full Notification: The official FSSAI notification for this amendment can be found here.

Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, toxins and Residues) First Amendment Regulations, 2024.

ISO/IEC 17025: Clause 6.5 - Ensuring Metrological Traceability (Clause 6.5.1)

What is Metrological Traceability?

Metrological traceability is the process by which a analytical result can be related to a reference standard through an unbroken chain of calibrations, each having a known uncertainty. The reference could be an internationally or nationally recognized standard, which ensures that the analytical results made in different places and at different times are consistent and comparable.

In simple way, it ensures that a test results (for example, the weight of an object or the temperature of a solution) is accurate and can be linked back to a recognized standard through a series of well-documented steps, so that the result can be reliable.

Key Aspects of Metrological Traceability:

Unbroken Chain of Calibrations: There must be a sequence of calibrations connecting the test result to the reference standard.

Measurement Uncertainty: Each calibrations must have its uncertainty evaluated and documented to understand the potential variability or margin of error in the measurement.

Reference Standards: The test result are traced back to primary standards, such as national or international standards, which provide a reliable benchmark.

Competent Laboratories: The calibrations must be done by laboratories that have demonstrated their competence, often through accreditation to standards like ISO/IEC 17025.

Example of Metrological Traceability:

If a laboratory measures the weight of a sample using a balance, that balance should be calibrated using certified reference weights. These reference weights should have been compared to a national standard for mass (such as the mg or gm standard). The process of linking the measurement to the national standard through a series of calibrations is what provides the traceability.

Clause 6.5.1 of ISO/IEC 17025 specifies the requirements for laboratories to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their measurement results by establishing metrological traceability. The key components of this clause are:

Establishing and Maintaining Metrological Traceability: The laboratory must have system in  place to ensures all its test results are traceable to a recognized reference standard. This traceability must be maintained throughout the entire process of analysis.

Documented Unbroken Chain of Calibrations: To achieve traceability, the laboratory must document an unbroken chain of calibrations. This means that the instruments used for analysis must be calibrated, and each calibration must be traceable to a  standard (such as a national or international standard).

Measurement Uncertainty: Each calibration step in the chain contributes to the overall measurement uncertainty.

Linking to an Appropriate Reference: The calibration chain must ultimately link to an appropriate reference, such as a national or international standard. These standards serve as the benchmarks for accurate measurements, ensuring that the laboratory’s results are consistent with those obtained elsewhere using the same traceable standards.

 

Opportunity: MPEDA Invites Applications for Lab Trainee Positions

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has announced an exciting opportunity for qualified postgraduates from the SC/ST communities. If you are passionate about chemistry and seeking to enhance your practical experience in a laboratory environment, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Position: Lab Trainee (Chemical)
Duration: Two Years

MPEDA is inviting applications for the post of Lab Trainee (Chemical) in their Quality Control Laboratories across multiple states. Candidates who hold a postgraduate degree in chemistry from a recognized university are eligible to apply. This program offers invaluable hands-on experience in the field of chemical analysis, particularly in marine product quality control, with training centers available in states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Kerala.

Training Locations and Stipend:

The trainees will receive a stipend, which increases over the two-year period as follows:

• Year 1: ₹15,000 per month
• Year 2: ₹18,000 per month

Location-wise distribution of vacancies:

• Andhra Pradesh: Nellore (2 positions), Bhimavaram (2 positions)
• Odisha: Bhubaneswar (2 positions)
• Gujarat: Porbandar (2 positions)
• Kerala: Kochi (2 positions)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Postgraduate degree in Chemistry.
• Upper age limit: 33 years, including a 5-year relaxation for SC/ST candidates.
• Candidates must have completed their post-graduation on a regular basis.

Important Details:

• Application Process: Interested candidates can apply online through the MPEDA website. The last date for submission of applications is 31st October 2024.
• Selection Process: Shortlisting will be done based on the information submitted during the online application process. Make sure all details are accurate as any discrepancies could lead to rejection.
• No Right to Permanent Employment: It is important to note that completing the lab trainee program does not guarantee permanent employment with MPEDA.

MPEDA provides an excellent platform for young chemists to gain industry-relevant training while contributing to the quality control processes of India’s marine product exports. 

Check the Notification here

Update on NABL Accreditation Cycle: Extended to 4 Years

 Update on NABL Accreditation Cycle: Extended to 4 Years

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has officially extended its accreditation cycle from 2 years to 4 years with effect from 01.10.2024. This change means that certificates issued from this date onwards will now have a validity period of four years, as opposed to the previous two-year cycle.

This shift is likely aimed at reducing the administrative burden on laboratories while maintaining the integrity of the accreditation process.

For laboratories, this update signifies a longer period of operational assurance under NABL accreditation, allowing more time between renewals while still adhering to necessary surveillance and re-evaluation processes.

Find this update here 4 years Accreditation cycle

Stay tuned for further details and guidelines regarding this extension and how it impacts NABL-accredited laboratories.

Position Available: FSSAI Authorized Food Analyst at Tea Research Association

 Position Available: FSSAI Authorized Food Analyst at Tea Research Association

The Tea Research Association (TRA), the world’s largest and oldest tea research entity, has announced an exciting job opportunity for a Food Analyst. The TRA, under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, holds prestigious recognition from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), and boasts ten branches with its registered office in Kolkata.

Position Overview: The association is seeking dynamic, energetic, and innovative professionals to join its team at TLabs, Kolkata as a Food Analyst (FSSAI Authorized). This role is particularly suited for individuals with a passion for analytical sciences, possessing advanced degrees and a keen interest in food safety.

Essential Qualifications:

• A M.Sc. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a relevant field.
• The candidate must be qualified for appointment as a Food Analyst by the FSSAI Authority.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of experience in the analytical field, specifically in handling equipment.
• Experience working in NABL accredited laboratories and familiarity with ISO 17025:2017 standards will be highly valued.

Key Details:

• Monthly remuneration: Negotiable as per industry standards.
• Contractual basis: The appointment will be for a term, with renewal based on performance every three years.
• Application deadline: October 31, 2024.

Interested candidates are encouraged to send their applications, including their bio-data and FSSAI Food Analyst Certificate, to secretary@tocklai.net with a copy to b.kanrar@tocklai.net. Please note that applications without the FSSAI Food Analyst Certificate will not be considered.

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, with travelling allowance provided.

If you're a qualified professional seeking to make a mark in the food safety sector, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a leading institution in the tea industry!

For more information, visit the official Tea Research Association website 

Link for Situation Vacant for FSSAI authorized Food Analyst