As the global market demand for natural ingredients grows, animal extracts are increasingly used in medicine, health products and cosmetics. However, their safety and effectiveness need to be guaranteed by strict testing processes. This article will introduce the key testing links of animal extracts in detail to help foreign trade practitioners understand industry regulations.
Raw material collection and pretreatment
The quality of animal extracts starts from the source. Raw materials must come from certified suppliers, and the species, origin and collection method must be clearly stated. The pretreatment stage includes cleaning, crushing and preliminary separation to remove impurities and retain active ingredients. This link must comply with relevant regulations on animal welfare and environmental protection.
Physical and chemical property testing
The extracts after preliminary treatment need to be subjected to physical and chemical analysis, including indicators such as moisture content, ash content, pH value and solubility. These data can evaluate the purity and stability of the extract to ensure that it meets the product formulation requirements. For example, excessive moisture may lead to microbial growth, while excessive ash content may indicate residual inorganic impurities.
Quantitative analysis of active ingredients
The core testing link is to determine the content of the target active ingredient. Commonly used techniques include high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. For example, collagen extracts need to be tested for hydroxyproline content, while snake venom extracts need to be analyzed for specific enzyme activity. This step is directly related to the efficacy claims of the product and must strictly follow international standards such as ISO or USP methods.
Microbial and safety testing
Animal-derived products need to focus on pathogenic microorganisms, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli and prions (related to mad cow disease). At the same time, heavy metals (lead, mercury, etc.), pesticide residues and endotoxins also need to be tested by ICP-MS, GC-MS and other technologies. Some markets also require allergen screening, especially extracts containing bee products or animal serum.
Stability and efficacy verification
The final product needs to pass accelerated stability tests to simulate the shelf life performance under conditions such as high temperature and high humidity. Some companies will also conduct in vitro or animal experiments to verify the claimed efficacy of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, etc. to meet the regulatory requirements of the EU EFSA or the US FDA.
Mastering the above process will help foreign trade companies to accurately control product quality and enhance their international competitiveness. With the advancement of testing technology, the standardized production of animal extracts will further promote the sustainable development of the global natural ingredients market.
