Niko Markkinen

Standard DIN 10955 specifies test methods for the sensory analysis of food contact materials and articles. This analysis is performed according to the standard to determine the transfer of odor and flavor from the packaging material into the food. By default, testing is performed as a difference-from-control (DfC) test with a scoring scale from 0 to 4. A score of less than 3 is generally considered compliant with regard to the Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, Article 3 requirement that food contact materials must not negatively affect the organoleptic properties of food. The test is also available as a triangle test at an additional cost. A sensory analysis based on EN 1230-1 and -2 is available as an alternative for paper and board.

Determination of the specific migration of elements listed in Annex II of Commission Regulation (EU) No 2020/1245 (15th amendment of the Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011). The Annex lists the following elements and specific migration limits (SMLs) for each element: Element Symbol SML [mg/kg] Cadmium Cd Not detectable (LOD 0.002) Arsenic As Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Lead Pb Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Mercury Hg Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Chromium Cr Not detectable (LOD 0.01) Nickel Ni 0.02 Antimony Sb 0.04 Cobalt Co 0.05 Europium Eu 0.05 (sum) Gadolinium Gd Lanthanum La Terbium Tb Lithium Li 0.6 Manganese Mn 0.6 Aluminium Al 1 Barium Ba 1 Copper Cu 5 Zinc Zn 5 Iron Fe 48 Calcium Ca - Magnesium Mg - Potassium K - Sodium Na - The service is available with all conventional food simulants: Water-based simulants: water, 3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, 20% ethanol, 50% ethanol (simulants A, B, C, and D1), Solvent simulants: 95% ethanol, isooctane (simulants D2e and D2i), Vegetable oil (simulant D2), Tenax adsorbent (simulant E). The cost of the analysis depends on the number of samples, the desired scope of testing, and the food simulant used.

Analysis of the migration of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) into selected food simulant. NIAS have various sources and can be grouped into side products, breakdown products, and contaminants. The service is available with the following simulants: Water, 3% acetic acid, 10%, 20%, 50%, and 95% ethanol, and isooctane - suitable for plastic materials and materials with polymer coatings, Dry food simulant (Tenax) - also suitable for materials that cannot withstand liquid simulants (e.g. paper and board). The lower displayed price covers testing with liquid simulants and the higher with Tenax. A simple risk assessment based on EU regulations for food contact materials and EFSA's Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) approach is included in the cost. More extensive risk assessment is available upon request.

Targeted screening and quantification of PFAS compounds in various materials with accredited in-house LC-MS/MS methods. Number of substances covered by the method: 77 substances analyzed, 126 substances listed (salts of analyzed acids, alcohols, etc.), Total of 203 substances reported. Examples of target analytes include PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, and PFHxA. The full list of compounds is provided in a separate appendix together with the quotation. In addition to plastic and paper, the analysis is suitable for textiles, leather, wood, metals, paints, and coatings. Common applications of this analysis include evaluating compliance with Entry 79 of Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation on PFHxA and related substances in various consumer products, as well as EU and US regulations on PFAS in food packaging. When the goal is to ensure food contact compliance, a total fluorine (TF) or total organic fluorine (TOF) analysis should be conducted in addition to the targeted screening. We are happy to provide a single offer that includes both analyses.