Overview
ISO 3890-2:2009 (IDF 75-2:2009) is the international test-method standard for purification and confirmation of organochlorine pesticide residues in milk and milk products. As Part 2 of the ISO 3890 series, it complements ISO 3890-1 by specifying chromatographic clean-up procedures, liquid–liquid partitioning options and confirmatory tests following extraction. The standard is the second edition (2009) and is published jointly by ISO and IDF.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Defines multiple validated clean-up and partitioning procedures (Methods A–H), including:
- Liquid–liquid partitioning (e.g., acetonitrile or dimethylformamide (DMF) partitioning)
- Column chromatography on adsorbents such as Florisil, alumina, silica gel (partially deactivated), and aluminium oxide of defined activity
- Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) for matrix separation
- Specifies reagents and apparatus requirements (solvent grades, adsorbent activation, column dimensions, rotary evaporators, separating funnels)
- Describes method-specific eluents and eluate fractions for separating groups of organochlorines (for example, separation of HCH isomers, heptachlor/heptachlor epoxide, aldrin/dieldrin/endrin)
- Includes confirmatory tests and additional clean‑up procedures to verify identity and reduce matrix interferences prior to instrumental analysis
- Requires final examination by gas chromatography (GLC/GC) and references analytical quality checks for adsorbent batches and solvent purity
- Contains specific adaptations for different dairy matrices (milk, butter, cheese)
Practical applications
- Standardizes laboratory workflows for reliable detection and confirmation of organochlorine pesticide residues in dairy products
- Helps laboratories meet regulatory monitoring requirements and enforce food safety limits
- Improves analytical reproducibility by prescribing clean‑up, fractionation and confirmation steps that reduce matrix effects and false positives
- Useful in method development, validation, inter-laboratory studies and proficiency testing for pesticide residue analysis
Who should use this standard
- Food safety and public health laboratories
- Dairy industry quality control and product testing labs
- Regulatory authorities and inspection agencies
- Analytical chemists developing or validating pesticide residue methods
- Accredited testing laboratories preparing method SOPs and compliance reports
Related standards
- ISO 3890-1:2009 | IDF 75-1:2009 - General considerations and extraction methods (complements Part 2)
- Other national and international pesticide residue method standards and laboratory accreditation guidance
Note: ISO 3890-2:2009 involves hazardous solvents and operations; the standard includes a safety warning and users must follow appropriate health, safety and regulatory requirements.