SUERC PPSL Pulsed Photo-Stimulated Luminescence (PSL) Rapid Irradiated Food Screening System
| Brand | SUERC |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Domestic (China) |
| Model | PPSL |
| Price | USD 140 (approx. based on ¥1000 at 1:7.14 exchange rate) |
Overview
The SUERC PPSL Pulsed Photo-Stimulated Luminescence (PSL) Rapid Irradiated Food Screening System is a dedicated analytical instrument engineered for the qualitative detection of ionizing radiation treatment in food products. It operates on the principle of photo-stimulated luminescence (PSL), a well-established method standardized under EN 13751:2009 and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited protocols. When food containing irradiated silicate minerals (e.g., in spices, herbs, dried vegetables, or shellfish) is exposed to pulsed blue light (typically 470 nm), trapped electrons in crystal lattice defects are released, emitting characteristic luminescence proportional to prior gamma or electron-beam irradiation dose. The PPSL system quantifies this signal intensity and compares it against pre-calibrated background thresholds to deliver a binary “irradiated” or “non-irradiated” classification within 15 seconds—without requiring sample preparation, chemical reagents, or external power beyond standard AC input. Designed for routine compliance screening in packaging quality control labs, regulatory inspection units, and third-party testing facilities, the system meets functional requirements aligned with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1999/1999 and FDA Guidance for Industry on Irradiated Foods (2022).
Key Features
- True rapid screening: Full measurement cycle completed in ≤15 seconds per sample—no PC connection required for basic operation.
- Dual-mode architecture: Standalone screening mode (push-button start) and optional PC-connected advanced mode for data logging, threshold customization, and audit trail generation.
- Integrated optical chamber: Light-tight sample compartment with temperature-stabilized LED excitation source (470 ± 10 nm) and high-sensitivity photomultiplier tube (PMT) detection.
- Robust calibration framework: Factory-calibrated using reference irradiated quartz and non-irradiated control samples; supports user verification with supplied check standards.
- Compliance-ready design: Supports GLP-compliant operation with timestamped result output, operator ID entry (via optional keypad or PC interface), and configurable pass/fail criteria per EN 13751 Annex A.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PPSL system is validated for detection of irradiation in foods containing naturally occurring silicate contaminants—including ground spices (e.g., paprika, black pepper), dried herbs, dehydrated vegetables, frozen seafood (e.g., shrimp, crab), and certain cereal-based products. It does not detect irradiation in low-mineral matrices such as fresh meat, dairy, or fruit juices unless exogenous silicates (e.g., anti-caking agents) are present. Method performance adheres to the minimum detectable dose requirements specified in EN 13751 (≥0.5 kGy for silicate-rich samples) and is compatible with routine use in laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation scope. The system itself is CE-marked for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and safety (Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU); full technical documentation—including Declaration of Conformity and test reports—is provided with shipment.
Software & Data Management
The optional PPSL Control Suite (v2.1+) runs on Windows 10/11 and enables secure data management in regulated environments. Features include encrypted local database storage, customizable reporting templates (PDF/CSV), electronic signature support, and full 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails—including user login history, parameter changes, result modifications, and instrument calibration events. All raw PSL counts, integration time, ambient temperature/humidity logs, and pass/fail determinations are time-stamped and immutably archived. Data export supports integration with LIMS platforms via ODBC or REST API. For non-regulated applications, standalone mode retains only minimal metadata (date/time, sample ID, result) in internal flash memory (up to 1,000 records).
Applications
- Routine screening of imported spices and dried botanicals at port-of-entry inspection labs.
- Pre-shipment verification for exporters subject to EU or Japanese irradiation labeling requirements.
- In-process quality assurance in packaging facilities handling irradiated ingredients (e.g., ready-to-eat meal kits).
- Regulatory surveillance by national food safety authorities conducting market monitoring programs.
- Method validation support for laboratories seeking ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for EN 13751 testing.
FAQ
Does the PPSL system require consumables or reagents?
No—operation is entirely reagent-free. Only certified reference standards (supplied annually) are needed for periodic performance verification.
Can it distinguish between gamma, X-ray, and electron-beam irradiation?
No. PSL detects the presence of radiation-induced crystalline defects, not the radiation source type. Classification is qualitative (irradiated/non-irradiated) only.
Is training provided with purchase?
Yes—SUERC-certified remote training (2 hours) and printed SOPs compliant with EN 13751 are included. On-site installation qualification (IQ/OQ) is available as an optional service.
What maintenance is required?
Annual PM includes PMT gain calibration, optical path cleaning, and firmware update. No user-serviceable parts; all diagnostics are self-reported via status LED and software alerts.
