EN 16215:2012

This European Standard is applicable to the determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), (together termed ‘dioxins’ (PCDD/Fs)) and dioxin-like PCBs and non dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs and ndl-PCBs) in animal feeding stuffs. Collaborative studies have been carried out. The method is suitable for the determination of dioxins, dl-PCBs and ndl-PCBs at the appropriate MRL in compound feed and ingredients e.g. oil, mineral clay. The method is applicable to samples containing residues of one or more of the following dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and indicator PCBs. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the relevant individual congeners of dioxins/furans is 0,05 pg/g (OCDD/F = 0,1 pg/g), of non-ortho PCBs 0,05 pg/g, of mono-ortho PCBs 10 pg/g and of indicator PCBs 100 pg/g.For determination of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, the procedure can be used as confirmatory method as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 for dioxins and dl-PCB in feed [1]. Confirmatory methods are high-resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) methods. If only the analysis of indicator PCBs is required, a GC-LRMS method can be used (e.g. EN 15741 Animal feeding stuffs - Determination of OC-pesticides and PCBs by GC/MS [7] and EN 15742 Animal feeding stuffs - Determination of OC-pesticides and PCBs by GC/ECD [8]) provided that appropriate analytical performance criteria are met in the relevant range for the matrix of interest.This European Standard is split into four modules each describing a part of the whole procedure (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) to be followed:a)Module A:Description of standards which might be used;b)Module B:Description of extraction procedures;c)Module C:Description of clean up procedures;d)Module D: GC/HRMS determination.Each module describes a part of the whole method as well as, when applicable, alternatives which should be equivalent. Each module has to be regarded as an example. Combining modules and/or alternatives gives a highly flexible procedure which is "performance based". It is permitted to modify the method if all performance criteria laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 [1] are met.Any deviation of the described method, combination of modules needs to be recorded as part of the QA/QC procedures of accredited laboratories and should be available on request.