Agrochemical Residue Chemistry and Analysis

Residue chemistry is used to identify, quantify, and investigate residues of an agrochemical in human foods, livestock feeds, and drinking water. Residue analysis data is then used for dietary risk assessments and to determine Maximum Residue Levels. Residue chemistry testing studies cover both the nature and magnitude of the residue as required for submission to international and to regional registration bodies.

Our team of study directors and scientific advisors are also able to provide additional support whether your study is a standalone or part of a bigger package.

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Nature of the Residue Testing

Nature of residue analysis studies define the metabolites which remain in crops after simulated use of the test item, or in livestock after a defined period of exposure. Pesticide residue testing generally uses the active ingredient or metabolite and focuses on thorough analysis of food or feed. Since a primary objective is to identify the residues, our laboratories offer a range of state-of the art pesticide residue analysis instrumentation and capabilities for accurate residue chemistry data.

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Crop Metabolism and Rotational Crop Metabolism Studies

Charles River has a unique ability to conduct outdoor pesticide residue testing studies for residue chemistry with multiple crop species and under varying conditions, using our range of dedicated facilities across Europe. The studies can also be conducted indoors in one of our numerous research-grade glasshouses allowing studies out with the normal growing season.

In primary crop metabolism studies, plants are treated with a radiolabelled form of the active ingredient to simulate the intended agricultural use. At suitable intervals, depending on the agricultural use and the crop species, samples are collected for pesticide residue testing to quantify and identify the radioactive residues.

Rotational crop metabolism studies are conducted under either confined or field conditions to assess accumulation and metabolism of soil residues in succeeding and rotational crops. In addition, studies for residue chemistry can be conducted with known soil metabolites.

Animal Metabolism Studies

  • Livestock Metabolism

    Typical species for animal metabolism studies can include cattle, goats, pigs and poultry.As part of our residue chemistry package, Charles River conducts livestock metabolism studies in purpose-built facilities. We can conduct metabolism studies in multiple species simultaneously and incorporate multiple investigations within a single study. Typical species can include cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry.

    In a standard study, animals are dosed daily with a radiolabelled form of the active ingredient or metabolite. At suitable intervals samples are collected for residue testing to quantify and identify of the radioactive residues in the edible tissues, organs, eggs, and milk.

  • Fish Metabolism

    Charles River conducts fish metabolism studies with rainbow trout and other species where needed. In a typical study, animals are fed daily with a radiolabelled form of the active ingredient incorporated into their diet. After dosing, samples are collected to allow quantification and identification of the radioactive residues in tissues such as the liver, fillet, and carcass.

Magnitude of the Residue Testing

Magnitude of residue studies follow on from metabolism studies in residue chemistry to determine the quantity of specified agrochemical residues in samples of crops, livestock, drinking water, and processed commodities. These studies use the active ingredient, or a metabolite, and focus on quantitative analysis of food and feed.

Samples are seamlessly transferred from field, glasshouse, or farm to the laboratory for pesticide residue testing. Removal of critical time lapses and changes in storage conditions between sample and pesticide residue analysis protect the integrity of results.

Crop Residue Studies

Supervised crop trials are conducted to determine agrochemical residue levels in or on raw commodities, primarily food and feed items. The studies are designed to simulate commercial use which could lead to the highest possible residue levels. Residue testing quantifies the expected residues in crop at normal harvest following treatment according to good agricultural practices. This determines the rate of decline of the residues and generates information which can be used for dietary risk assessment and to derive maximum residue limits.

Animal Residue Feeding Studies

  • Livestock Residue Feeding Studies

    Livestock residue feeding studies are conducted at our research facility or our own farm. These facilities enable studies for residue chemistry with multiple concentrations and complex designs. Typical species include cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry with other species available.

    In a standard feeding study, animals are dosed daily and then samples are collected for residue testing, at suitable intervals, to quantify the residues in the meat, liver, kidney, eggs, and milk.

  • Fish Residue Feeding Studies

    Charles River conducts the in-life phase of fish residue feeding studies with collaborating laboratories in rainbow trout and other species where needed.

    In a typical study, animals are fed daily with the test item incorporated into their diet. After the dosing regime, samples are collected over an elimination period to allow residue quantification in tissues such as the liver, fillet, and carcass.

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