The USDA Agricultural Method Service (AMS) has approved two testing methods employed by Silliker JR Laboratories, a Mérieux NutriSciences Company, for the analysis of the Beta-adrenergic agonist-Ractopamine in animal tissue and meat. The methods, “Beta Agonists in Animal Tissue and Animal Derived Foods” and “Ractopamine in Animal Tissue and Fat by LC/MS/MS,” are posted at www.ams.usda.gov/betaagonists.

The methods were given official approval to be used in verification testing by the agency following an extensive review of method validation data, method performance specifics and associated recognition. The Beta Agonists in Animal Tissue and Animal Derived Foods method utilizes ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of several residues, including clenbuterol, isoxsuprine, ritodrine, tulobuterol and ractopamine. Developed at Silliker JR Laboratories, the LC/MS/MS method detects the presence of ractopamine in meat samples at 0.1 ppb. The method is also applicable for eggs and dairy products.

Ractopamine, a compound used to promote leanness and growth in food animals, has been found in minute traces in meat worldwide. Citing concerns about its effect on human health, a number of key export countries, including Russia, the European Union and China, have banned the use of the chemical stimulant in food animals.Silliker JR Laboratories, based in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) to test for ractopamine in pork and beef. The laboratory is also one of two facilities contracted to perform this testing as part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s residue monitoring program. Offering a comprehensive range of chemistry and microbiology services, Silliker JR Laboratories is accredited to ISO 17025 by SCC.

For more information on our ractopamine testing capabilities, call (604) 432-9311 or e-mail info@silliker.com.