Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH 4) determination

UPLC-MS/MS analysis for determining the melatonin content in dietary supplements. According to Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, melatonin supplements may be marketed with the following health claims: "Melatonin contributes to the alleviation of subjective feelings of jet lag." The claim can be used if the product contains at least 0.5 mg of melatonin per portion., "Melatonin contributes to the reduction of time taken to fall asleep." The claim can be used if the product contains at least 1 mg of melatonin per portion..

Determination of starch in food with a spectrophotometric method.

Determination of microplastics present in food samples using Raman or FTIR microspectroscopy. The analysis report will specify different types of polymers by size (1-50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–500 µm, >500 µm).

Determination of vitamin B7 (biotin) in food with an HPLC-UV-VIS method, or in supplements with a UPLC-MS/MS method. According to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, the biotin content of food products may be included in the nutrition declaration if it is present in significant amounts. The daily reference intake for biotin is 50 µg, and biotin content can be declared if the product contains at least: 7.5 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of reference intake), 3.75 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of reference intake), 7.5 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of reference intake). Foods that contain at least the above amounts of biotin can be labeled with the nutrition claim "Source of biotin." Additional nutrition and health claims related to vitamin B7 can be applied in accordance with Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EU) No 432/2012.

Determination of patulin content in food, feed, and dietary supplements with an HPLC method based on EN 14177. Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by several different species of fungi. Apples and apple products are especially susceptible to patulin contamination, but the toxin can also be found in other foods. Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets maximum levels for patulin in various high-risk products, such as juices, apple products, and baby food. The EU has also addressed the means to reduce and prevent patulin contamination in apple juices and apple juice-based beverage ingredients in a Commission Recommendation from 11 August 2003.

Analysis package for mycotoxins listed in Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/915, including the following determinations: Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, Ochratoxin A, T-2, HT-2 toxins, Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone. Testing of the listed mycotoxins is usually required for almost all types of cereals and cereal products, including foods for infants and young children. We can also offer additional mycotoxin analyses, including for ergot alkaloids and patulin. Do not hesitate to ask for more information or request a quote.

Benzoic and sorbic acids can be used as preservatives in various foods. Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 regulates the foods in which benzoic and sorbic acid can be used as additives and specifies the maximum levels allowed. This HPLC-UV method can be used to quantify amounts of benzoic and sorbic acids or corresponding sodium and potassium salts.

The peroxide value (PV) measures hydroperoxides formed as a result of the autoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in food and feed products. Accumulation of autoxidation products affects sensory quality and is potentially harmful to human and animal health, making PV an important quality indicator in the food industry. Autoxidation reactions occur at different rates during the manufacturing, storage, and use of food and feed, but are generally sped up with elevated temperatures and exposure to light. This method includes an extraction step, after which the determination of peroxide value is performed on the extracted fat or oil. The method is suitable for all food and feed products that contain fat.

The peroxide value (PV) measures the amount of oxygen chemically bound to oil or fat as peroxides, particularly hydroperoxides, as a result of autoxidation reactions. It is an important quality parameter in food and feed production, as a high peroxide value is linked to several detrimental effects: Change in chemical and physical properties (such as smoking point and viscosity), Compromised sensory quality (rancid odor and flavor), Potential harm to human and animal health. Autoxidation reactions may occur during the manufacturing, processing, storage, and use of fats and oils. Risk factors include elevated temperatures and exposure to light, making products like deep-frying oil particularly susceptible to elevated peroxide levels. This peroxide value analysis is suitable for animal and vegetable fats and oils, fatty acids, and their mixtures. The method is not suitable for milk fats and lecithin.

Screening of pesticide residues from various matrices, including food, feed, and dietary supplements. Pesticides are extracted using acetonitrile according to the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method and analyzed using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. A list of the tested compounds (500+) is available upon request. Pesticides are used to protect plants and plant products from the effects of harmful organisms. However, these substances can be present as toxic residues in treated plant products, animals feeding on those products, and honey produced by bees exposed to pesticides. Compliance can be evaluated using Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 as a safety reference.