Determination of elements in food, feed and dietary supplements

Determination of elements in food, feed, and dietary supplements with ICP methods (ICP-MS, ICP-AAS, ICP-OES).

Elements can contribute to the quality and properties of food and feed in several ways. Some enhance the nutritional value, while others (e.g. heavy metals) are considered undesirable contaminants with maximum levels set in relevant legislation. Some elements can also contribute to the sensory properties of products.

Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 allows the declaration of certain minerals if the food contains them in significant amounts in relation to daily reference intakes. The EU also keeps a database of authorized mineral additives in feed and regulates the allowed tolerances between declared amounts and analyzed amounts.

Elements that are generally considered hazardous contaminants are regulated by Regulation (EU) No 2023/915 and Directive 2002/32/EC.

The most common elements that are available for analysis include:

• Aluminium (Al)

• Arsenic (As)

• Boron (B)

• Cadmium (Cd)

• Cobalt (Co)

• Chromium (Cr)

• Iron (Fe)

• Manganese (Mn)

• Mercury (Hg)

• Nickel (Ni)

• Lead (Pb)

• Selenium (Se)

• Tin (Sn)

• Zinc (Zn)

• Molybdenum (Mb)

• Calcium (Ca)

• Phosphorus (P)

• Magnesium (Mg)

• Potassium (K)

• Sodium (Na)

• Titanium (Ti)

• Sulfur (S)

It may be possible to analyze other elements upon request.

You can get more information on the analysis options and a quote for quantifying selected elements by contacting us.