Pesticide Residue Testing: Four Essential Tips for Preventing Sample Contamination
Posted on: 15 November 2022
Pesticides are critical in global food production. These chemicals protect farm yields by minimising losses to dangerous insects, worms and rodents. Moreover, the formulations can increase harvests by promoting faster growth, and the increased output can fight shortages and famine. Unfortunately, some residues can persist on crops after pesticide application. Proper management of the remnant chemicals is essential for protecting consumers. Government authorities monitor and regulate the maximum allowable chemical compounds in foods. Therefore, if you are involved in food production, you must plan for residue testing to comply with the relevant laws and protect your customers by identifying the dangers. The first step in pesticide residue analysis and management is sampling the suspect crops, soil or related substances. Here are essential precautions for collecting samples and minimising contamination for the integrity of the results.
Use Personal Protective Wear
Proper personal protective wear will keep you safe from injuries and exposure. In addition, the gear will prevent the contamination of samples from your clothes. Choose clean protective wear, preferably disposable. Reusing protective gowns and gloves could damage the materials if the items were used when spraying pesticides. Also, remember to switch your gloves between different samples to avoid transferring residues.
Choose Suitable Containers
Your sampling containers should not leach chemicals into the food items. Some materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, may degrade or react, causing the addition of compounds into the sample. Therefore, consider acquiring laboratory containers from your pesticide residue testing specialist. You can also use sample bags for easier handling and packaging. Ensure the bags are tough and nonporous, and the seals must be intact.
Clean the Sampling Tools
If you must use tools like knives or trowels during sample collection, consider the risk of cross-contamination. The particles left on the surfaces after material handling might seem negligible, but they will affect the following sample. Keep in mind that pesticide residues are found in low quantities, but the minute quantities can still be dangerous. Therefore, maximise the accuracy of results by washing tools before collecting a new sample.
Plan for Storage and Transport
Finally, plan for the transportation of your sample to the laboratory for residue testing. Avoid poor practices that could expose the materials to more pesticides. Where possible, the sample containers or bags should be sent to the lab in a clean truck for analysis immediately after collection. However, if you need to store for a short period, choose a clean, dry spot without agricultural chemicals.
For more information, contact a pesticide residue testing professional near you.
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