Residues & Contaminants

Our solution package of parameters to be analyzed comprises residues & contaminants and reflects an important part of consumer protection. Many contaminants pose toxic, cancerogenic or teratogenic risks.
We follow common European regulations VO (EU) no. 2023/915 and VO (EC) 152/2009.

In case of our analyses methods we – amongst other things – focus on conventional technical procedures and lipophilic matrices as well as plant materials. Apart from multi-methods, we however always also offer corresponding analyses of single active ingredients, depending on application.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Organic, fat-soluble contaminants – occur mainly in cases of incomplete combustion processes, which enables penetration of environment. Within the scope of our selective GC-MS-method we can provide screening with regards to legally regulated PAK4 or an extended range PAK15+.

Plant Protection Agents (Pesticides)

Chemical plant protection is an integral part of modern agriculture. Legal provisions regulate maximum values in consumer products. By means of high-end analytics (LC- and GC-MS/MS), up to 600 substances can be identified in one screening, via a multi-method with two analytical devices. Lab goes by common methods like S19 or QuEChERS-procedures.

Mikrobiology

Production & Sales: Within the framework of common standardized procedures, we provide examinations with regards to total bacteria count, yeasts and molds, Escherichia coli (E. coli), enterobacteria and coliform germs. Analyses with regards to pathogens (salmonellae, staphylococcus, listeria etc.) can be conducted in addition.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Dioxins

Additives, used as softening agents in coatings, plastics etc.
Accumulations in fat-soluble matrices often result in penetration of the environment.

Mycotoxins

Mould fungus toxins, which can potentially emerge on the field and during storage.
A known group of Mycotoxins – with a very high toxicity – are Aflatoxins. Impacts of mould fungus toxins range from acute toxicity to a cancerogenic effect.
Analysis is effected via modern LC-MS/MS-procedures and corresponds with legal requirements.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs)

Natural toxins of plants, acting as a defensive compound against herbivores. Toxic and carcinogenic impact on human organism.
Since July 2022 maximum values for 21 Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids have been set at EU-level.
Analytical procedure is based on LC-MS/MS-technique and suitable for lipophilic matrices along with plant materials.

Softening Agents

Additives used for production of plastics, in order to generate elastical characteristics in plastics materials.
Following Esters belong to the most important substance groups: Phthalates, Citrates or Adipates.
Analysis is effected via a modern GC-MS/MS-procedure.

Residual Solvents

Solvents are partially used for extraction or cleaning purposes.
There are defined maximum levels for various food products. We examine oils, fats, extracts and supplements with regards to solvent residues of n-Hexane, Methanol, Benzene etc., via a HS-GC-FID resp. GC-MS-method.

Heavy Metals

For instance Arsenic, Antimony, Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium and Nickel belong to legally regulated heavy metals. By application of a ICP-MS-method, according to standard DIN 15763, several heavy metals can be detected in a single analysis step.