CONAMA’s new air quality standards: how the changes impact society

CONAMA’s new air quality standards: how the changes impact society

Air Quality, Environmental

New National Environmental Council (CONAMA) Air Quality Standards: Impact on Health and Industry

For the first time in 30 years, Brazil establishes concrete deadlines to reach World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards. Discover how the CONAMA resolution transforms monitoring requirements and what this means for the productive sector.

The National Environmental Council (CONAMA) has recently approved a historic update to air quality standards in Brazil. After three decades of debates, the country now has a clear roadmap to align its pollution levels with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a fundamental milestone for public health and biodiversity balance.

The Link Between Air, Health, and Ecosystems

Air quality is not just an environmental indicator; it is a determining factor for human health. Atmospheric pollutants are responsible for a high incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to generating acid rain and processes that degrade fauna and flora. The new regulations from the National Environmental Council establish stricter concentration limits to ensure a safe environment for all.

Pillars of the New Resolution

In compliance with the WHO recommendations, key changes focus on three pillars:

  1. Rigorous Limit Reduction: Acceptable levels for critical pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) have been adjusted downward.
  2. Compliance Timeline: For the first time, specific deadlines are set for states and municipalities to adapt their policies and infrastructure, allowing for a gradual but mandatory transition according to CONAMA guidelines.
  3. Transparency and Surveillance: Strict guidelines for continuous monitoring and public disclosure of data are implemented, increasing the accountability of authorities and industries involved.

Comparison: The Evolution of the Regulations

Aspect Before the Resolution With the New Resolution
Alignment Outdated regarding modern science. Aligned with WHO standards.
PM2.5 Limits Permissive, above recommended levels. Restrictive, focused on lung protection.
Monitoring Less rigorous with low public participation. Strengthened, with mandatory full transparency.
Deadlines Undefined or non-existent. Clear goals with compliance dates.

Impact on Society and the Economy

The adoption of these standards established by the World Health Organization generates a positive domino effect:

  • Public Health: Drastic reduction in hospitalizations due to respiratory conditions.
  • Biodiversity: Lower chemical impact on soil and water sources, protecting sensitive species.
  • Innovation: Driving the development of clean technologies and more efficient industrial processes.

CEIMIC’s Technical Support

The implementation of these new guidelines from the National Environmental Council requires high-precision analytical capacity. Compliance with the new CONAMA limits is not just a legal requirement, but a commitment to sustainability.

As leaders in laboratory services and environmental analysis, at CEIMIC we are prepared to support industries and organizations in this transition. We have cutting-edge technology for emission monitoring and pollutant analysis, ensuring that your operation complies with the most demanding standards of the new regulatory framework.

Together, we build a cleaner environment for future generations.

CEIMIC. Life Sciences Testing Group. It’s about life.

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The Importance of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in the EU

The Importance of the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in the EU

Food

RASFF: The Rapid Alert System Safeguarding Food Safety in the European Union

How do European countries coordinate when a food risk arises? Discover the workings of the RASFF system, the key information exchange tool that guarantees product safety from farm to fork.

In the European Union (EU), food safety is an indisputable priority, and its standards are among the strictest in the world. To ensure product safety, the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) was established—a crucial platform that enables rapid and efficient information exchange between member countries regarding any detected anomalies.

Legal Basis of RASFF

The RASFF bases its operation on Article 50 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002, also known as the General Food Law. This regulation provides the necessary legal framework for control authorities to act in a coordinated manner, allowing for an immediate response to risks that compromise public health derived from food or feed.

Operation and Response Capacity

The primary goal of the system is to detect risks before they become public health crises. Its operational characteristics make it a global reference model:

  • 24/7 Surveillance: The system operates without interruptions, ensuring that urgent notifications are transmitted and responded to collectively and in real-time.

  • Immediate Mitigation Actions: Shared information allows for the activation of surgical product recall protocols, preventing them from reaching the final consumer.

  • Proactive Prevention: By identifying trends and emerging risks, the system protects the integrity of the supply chain, reinforcing confidence in the single market.

Access and Transparency: RASFF Window

Although technical access is limited to competent authorities and the European Commission, the EU promotes transparency through public tools:

  1. RASFF Window: An interactive online database that allows users to consult risk notifications (without revealing sensitive commercial data). It is the main interface for third countries to stay informed about incidents involving products they have exported or received.
  2. Consumer Portal: Provides clear information on food recalls and current health warnings in member countries, ensuring citizens remain informed.

The Role of Preventive Analytics

The RASFF system is a fundamental piece of the EU security gear. Its coordination capacity has proven essential for maintaining international trade stability and the health of millions of people.

At CEIMIC, we understand that the best alert is the one that never happens. Therefore, we support exporters through high-precision analysis that ensures regulatory compliance before the product crosses the border, strengthening your company’s position in the demanding European market.

CEIMIC. Life Sciences Testing Group. It’s about life.

Official Border Controls of the European Union: Everything You Need to Know

Official Border Controls of the European Union: Everything You Need to Know

Ceimic Services, Food

Exporting to the European Union: Keys to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Official Controls

Food safety and quality are essential priorities in the European Union (EU). To guarantee these standards, the EU has implemented Regulation (EU) 2017/625, which introduces stricter and more coordinated procedures for the inspection of food products, including fruits.

Physical and Documentary Inspections

Inspections at EU borders are carried out by the competent authorities of each member state and include:

  • Physical and documentary inspections: Documentation is verified and a visual analysis of the products is performed.
  • Laboratory analysis: Tests are carried out to detect pesticide residues, microbiological contaminants, and other potential risks.

Physical Inspections

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 establishes several mandatory physical inspections:

  • Control of animals and goods: This includes visual and physical inspection of animals and products.
  • Control of packaging and means of transport: The condition and adequacy of the packaging and the vehicles used for transport are verified.
  • Labeling and temperature: Checks are made to ensure labeling is correct and product temperature is appropriate.
  • Sampling for analysis: Samples are taken to perform necessary analyses, tests, or diagnoses.

Documentary Verification

In addition to physical inspections, Regulation (EU) 2017/625 establishes rigorous documentary inspections:

  • Verification of accompanying documents: Certificates, permits, and other documents accompanying the products are checked.
  • Review of records: Records maintained by companies, such as production, transport, and storage, are inspected.
  • Control of import and export documents: Documentation related to the import and export of agri-food products is verified.
  • Management systems audits: Quality and safety management systems implemented by companies are evaluated.

Laboratory Analysis

Laboratory analyses are fundamental for official controls in the agri-food chain:

  • Microbiological analysis: To detect pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria in food and feed.
  • Chemical analysis: To identify pesticide residues, environmental contaminants, and unauthorized additives. These include:
  • Residue sampling and analysis: Samples of food and feed are taken to analyze the presence of pesticide residues.
  • Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs): Products must not contain pesticide residues exceeding established MRLs.
  • Risk-based controls: Analyses are performed according to a risk-based approach, prioritizing products and substances representing a higher risk to public health.
  • Veterinary residue analysis: To detect residues of veterinary medicines in products of animal origin.
  • DNA analysis: To verify product authenticity and detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  • Plant health testing: To identify pests and diseases in plants and plant products.

At CEIMIC, we have vast experience in pesticide analysis and are recognized for our precision and reliability in residue detection.

 

We offer a full range of analysis services for agri-exporters wishing to ship their products to the European Union, ensuring they comply with the strict requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

With our advanced sampling methods and risk-based testing, we help exporters ensure their products do not exceed the established Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), thus protecting public health and ensuring the acceptance of their products in the demanding European market.

 

CEIMIC. Life Sciences Testing Group. It’s about life.

Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj/spa

Commitment to Quality and the Environment: Celebrating World Environment Day at CEIMIC automatic

Commitment to Quality and the Environment: Celebrating World Environment Day at CEIMIC automatic

Environmental, Events

Commitment to Quality and the Planet: Celebrating World Environment Day at CEIMIC

 

On June 5th, CEIMIC reaffirms its commitment to protecting the planet by adhering to the highest standards in environmental analysis. Our laboratory, accredited under ISO/IEC 17025, guarantees accurate and impartial results, which are essential for technical trust and the international acceptance of data.

This accreditation ensures efficient operations through rigorous requirements in processes, resources, and management. At CEIMIC, we maintain an optimal work environment with highly qualified staff and state-of-the-art technology to provide reliable results that help preserve ecosystems for future generations.

On this World Environment Day, we invite everyone to reflect on the importance of quality in environmental analysis and to join our mission of protecting and preserving our planet for future generations.

For more details about our practices and accreditations, we invite you to follow us on LinkedIn.

CEIMIC. Life Sciences Testing Group. It’s about life.

How to Know if a Food Analysis Laboratory is Ideal for Your Company?

How to Know if a Food Analysis Laboratory is Ideal for Your Company?

Ceimic Services, Food

Does your laboratory hold ISO 17025 accreditation and the support of agencies like SENASA, DIGESA, or ICA?

In the field of food safety, having analysis laboratories certified under  the ISO 17025 standard and authorized by government organizations such as SENASA, INEN,  DIGESA, SAG and ICA, among others, is crucial to guarantee the quality and safety of food  . that reach consumers’ tables. Learn the benefits of working with  high-class laboratories and how these certifications impact the food industry.

 

ISO 17025 and Food Safety: Key to Trust and Quality

In the food industry, the accuracy and reliability of laboratory analysis is critical to ensuring that products are safe for consumption. The ISO 17025 standard, which establishes the general requirements for the technical competence of testing and calibration laboratories, has become a global standard that guarantees the quality of the results obtained.

What is ISO 17025?

ISO 17025 is an international standard that specifies requirements for the technical competence of testing and calibration laboratories. This standard covers aspects such as quality management, documentation and technical processes, ensuring that laboratories not only meet quality standards, but are also able to consistently produce accurate and reliable results.

“ISO 17025 certification is a guarantee that a laboratory can consistently produce accurate and reliable results.”

Government Authorizations in Latin America

In addition to ISO 17025 certification, food analysis laboratories must be authorized by government agencies that regulate food safety in each country. Among the most prominent organizations are:

  • SENASA (Argentina): National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service, in charge of regulating and certifying processes related to food safety and animal and plant health.
  • INEN (Ecuador): Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization, which supervises the quality of food products and other consumer goods.
  • DIGESA (Peru): General Directorate of Environmental Health and Food Safety, which regulates environmental health and food safety.
  • SAG (Chile): Agricultural and Livestock Service, responsible for the protection and improvement of animal and plant health, and food safety.
  • ICA (Colombia): Colombian Agricultural Institute, in charge of agricultural health and the regulation of food quality in the country.

Benefits of Working with Certified Laboratories

  • Working with high-class laboratories and certifications such as ISO 17025 offers numerous benefits for both food companies and consumers. Some of these benefits include:
  • Reliable and Accurate Results: Certified laboratories ensure that analysis results are accurate and reliable, reducing the risk of errors and improving food safety.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Government certification and authorizations ensure that laboratories comply with all applicable regulations and standards, avoiding penalties and product recalls.
  • Improved Reputation: Partnering with certified laboratories improves the reputation of food companies, building trust among consumers and business partners.
  • Access to International Markets: International certifications such as ISO 17025 are recognized globally, facilitating access to international markets and compliance with export requirements.

“Working with certified laboratories improves the reputation of companies and generates trust among consumers.”

CEIMIC meets the highest quality standards in its food analysis. Our laboratory is accredited under the ISO 17025 standard and authorized by various government agencies, offering a wide range of services that include analysis of pesticides, metals, among others, complying with the highest quality standards in food analysis.

In conclusion, ISO 17025 certification and authorizations from government organizations such as SENASA, INEN, DIGESA, SAG and ICA are essential to guarantee the safety and quality of food. By choosing certified laboratories, companies can ensure that their products meet the highest safety standards, thus protecting the health of consumers and strengthening their position in the global market.

CEIMIC Life Sciences Group
It’s About Life