Hydrogen phosphide in cereals

Introduction

Cereals have been a staple in human diets for millennia, providing essential nutrients and energy to people worldwide. However, the safety and quality of these grains have come into question recently due to concerns about hydrogen phosphide, a chemical compound that is sometimes used in cereal storage. In this blog, we will delve into the world of hydrogen phosphide in cereals, exploring what it is, why it's used, and the potential risks associated with it.

Understanding Hydrogen Phosphide

Hydrogen phosphide, also known as phosphine (PH3), is a colourless, flammable gas with a pungent odor. It is a powerful fumigant used to control pests and insects in stored grains, including cereals like wheat, rice, and oats. Phosphine gas effectively penetrates and eradicates pests within grain silos, ensuring the integrity of the stored food products.

Why is Hydrogen Phosphide Used in Cereal Storage?

Efficiency: Hydrogen phosphide is highly effective at eliminating a wide range of pests, such as weevils, moths, and beetles, which can infest stored grains. Its efficiency makes it a preferred choice for grain storage facilities.

Residue-Free: Unlike some other pesticides or fumigants, hydrogen phosphide leaves no residue on the grains. This is crucial for ensuring that the cereals remain safe and suitable for consumption after treatment.

Reduced Resistance: Pests are less likely to develop resistance to phosphine, making it a valuable tool in pest management. In the food industry, various materials are used, some of which are non-biodegradable, while others are biodegradable. Here's a breakdown of both types:

Potential Risks and Concerns:

Health Hazards:

Hydrogen phosphide is highly toxic to humans when inhaled or ingested. It can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, and even death in severe cases. Handling and exposure to cereals treated with hydrogen phosphide can be hazardous if safety precautions are not followed.

Environmental Impact:

Hydrogen phosphide fumigation can release the gas into the environment. This can have adverse effects on non-target organisms, contaminate air and water, and contribute to air pollution. Concerns about its environmental impact need to be addressed.

Importance of testing

Market overview

In 2022, the global pesticides residue testing market achieved a valuation of USD 1,636.15 million. Looking ahead to 2032, the market is anticipated to undergo robust growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. This growth trajectory is primarily attributed to the escalating global demand for enhanced food safety measures

Regulations and standards

The maximum residue limit (MRL) of hydrogen phosphide in cereals in India is 0.1 mg/kg. This is the same as the MRL set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the government agency responsible for setting food safety standards in India. The FSSAI has issued a notification on the use of hydrogen phosphide for fumigation of cereals. The notification states that the use of hydrogen phosphide is permitted for the fumigation of cereals, but the MRL must be adhered to. The FSSAI also states that the use of hydrogen phosphide must be done by a licensed fumigator. The fumigator must take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the workers and the public. If you are concerned about the safety of a cereal product, you should contact the manufacturer or the retailer where you purchased the product. You can also contact the FSSAI for more information.

Testing methods

Testing for the presence of hydrogen phosphide (PH3) residues in cereals is crucial to ensure food safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Several testing methods are employed for this purpose, including:

Eurofins role in testing Hydrogen phosphide in cereals

Eurofins is a global leader in analytical testing and laboratory services, including the analysis of various contaminants in food products, including cereals. When it comes to testing for hydrogen phosphide (phosphine) in cereals, Eurofins plays a vital role in ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Here's an overview of Eurofins' role in testing hydrogen phosphide in cereals analysis:

1. Sample Collection and Preparation:

Eurofins laboratories typically receive samples of cereals or cereal-based products from food producers, manufacturers, or regulatory bodies. These samples are carefully collected to ensure they represent the product's composition accurately. Proper sample preparation is essential to maintain the integrity of the sample during testing.

2. Specialized Analytical Techniques:

Hydrogen phosphide, also known as phosphine, is a toxic gas used as a fumigant to control pests in stored grains and cereals. Eurofins employs specialized analytical techniques to detect and quantify phosphine residues in cereals. These techniques may include gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, or other relevant methods capable of detecting trace levels of phosphine gas or its metabolites.

3. Compliance with Regulatory Standards:

Eurofins' testing procedures are designed to ensure compliance with national and international regulatory standards for food safety. These standards specify maximum allowable levels of pesticide residues, including phosphine, in cereals and other food products.

4. Sensitivity and Precision:

Eurofins' laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation capable of detecting phosphine residues at very low concentrations. This high level of sensitivity is crucial to ensure that cereals meet safety standards and do not pose a risk to consumer health.

5. Timely Reporting:

Eurofins provides timely and accurate test results to its clients. The results of the analysis are typically reported in a clear and comprehensive manner, indicating whether the sample complies with regulatory standards or if any remedial action is required.

6. Expertise and Consultation:

In addition to providing testing services, Eurofins employs experienced scientists and experts in the field of food safety and analytical chemistry. They can offer guidance and consultation to clients on interpreting test results, regulatory compliance, and recommended actions if contamination is detected.

7. Quality Assurance:

Eurofins places a strong emphasis on quality assurance and control. Their laboratories are accredited and follow strict quality management systems to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.

Eurofins Analytical Services India, located in Bangalore, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. This makes Eurofins the first laboratory in Asia to receive such recognition.

References

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318776847_Method_development_and_validation_
   of_hydrogen_phosphide_and_inorganic_bromide_determined_as_fumigant_residues_in_commercialized_rice_
   grains_in_Thailand
2. Dieterich, W.H., Mayr, G., Hild, K., Sullivan, J.B., Murphy, J. (1967). Hydrogen phosphide as a fumigant for foods, feeds and processed food products. In: Gunther, F.A. (eds) Residue Reviews/Rückstandsberichte. Residue Reviews/Rückstandsberichte, vol 19. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8425-4_6
3. Yokoyama VY, Miller GT. Bale compression and hydrogen phosphide fumigation to control cereal leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in exported rye straw. J Econ Entomol. 2002 Apr;95(2):513-9. doi: 10.1603/0022-0493-95.2.513. PMID: 12020035.

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