What is BS EN 13784-DNA comet assay for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs about?

BS EN 13784 is a European standard on foodstuffs that discusses the DNA comet assay for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs to ensure foodstuffs are safe for consumption.

BS EN 13784 specifies a screening method for foods that contain DNA. BS EN 13784 is based on micro-gel electrophoresis of single cells or nuclei to detect DNA fragmentation presumptive to irradiation treatment.

The DNA Comet Assay is not radiation specific, therefore, it is recommended to confirm positive results using a standardized method to specifically prove an irradiation treatment of the respective food, e.g., EN 1784, EN 1785, EN 1786, EN 1787, EN 1788, EN 13708, and prEN 13751.

Interlaboratory studies have been successfully carried out with a few food products, both of animal and plant origin such as various meats, seeds, dried fruits, and spices. Other studies demonstrate that the method under BS EN 13784 is applicable to a large variety of foodstuffs, but also that limitations exist.

Who is BS EN 13784-DNA comet assay for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs for?

BS EN 13784 on DNA comet assay for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs is useful for:

Foodstuff manufacturers
Food scientists
Food technologists
Food laboratories
Food health and safety departments

Why should you use BS EN 13784-DNA comet assay for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs?

Food irradiation is a process that uses radiation to control pests (e.g., microbes and insects) in food and prevent spoilage. DNA comet assay is a rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive biological technique to detect DNA damage in foodstuffs by irradiation.

BS EN 13784 provides you with guidance on apparatus, the procedures for the preparation of single-cell suspensions, pre-coating slides, casting the gels, electrophoresis, evaluation, limitations, validation, etc.

The screening method and procedure provided by BS EN 13784 assist you in the detection of irradiated foodstuffs and evaluating the damage caused by a clastogenic agent by measuring breaks in the DNA chain of animals and plant cells.

With obedience and compliance to BS EN 13784, you can enhance foodstuffs’ effectiveness and efficacy, hence, improving the quality and subsistence of foodstuffs.

BS EN 13784:2002

Foodstuffs. DNA comet assay for the detection of irradiatied foodstuffs. Screening method

Current

Published:

31 Jan 2002