Process Contaminants Testing

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are known to be highly toxic to humans, these are nitrogen containing compounds biosynthesised as secondary metabolites by different plant species. These substances were studied and the information on the tests includes hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity.

Neotron performs the analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids by LC-MS/MS technique, permitting to detect the residues, carrying out co-elutions tests, with a limit of quantification of 0,001 mg/kg for most matrices. This method is in compliance with Commission Regulation (EC) 2020/2040 of 11 December 2020. that shall apply from 1 July 2022.

Learn more about our proposal:

Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) in Food – MOSH & MOAH

Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) comprise a large group of mixtures of hydrocarbons containing thousands of chemical compounds of different structures and size, derived mainly from crude oil but also produced synthetically from coal, natural gas and biomass.

MOSH and MOAH are acronyms of a complex mixture of chemical compounds. Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) includes open chain and cyclic hydrocarbons. POSH (polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons) are another group of substances concerned by the characterisation of MOSH. POSH are oligomers of polyolefins. While mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) are highly alkylated mono- and/or poly-aromatic hydrocarbons.

There are several possible sources of MOH contamination into food: mainly food packaging materials, food additives, processing aids, and environmental contaminants such as lubricants. The contamination can occur both from raw materials and at various stages of food production process, including transportation and storage.

On the basis of today’s information, the principal food matrices that might be affected by MOH contamination are: dry foods (e.g. flour, cereals, coffee, cocoa powder, milk powder), confectionery, fatty foods (including chocolate), oilseeds, tree nuts, vegetable oils and animal fats.

Learn more about MOSH and MOAH Testing.

Learn more about our proposal:

PFAS in Food

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemical compounds characterized by the replacement of most of the hydrogen atoms with fluorine atoms that gives them particular physical – chemical characteristics such as water and oil repellence and stability at high temperatures.

The widespread use of these substances, together with their resistance to natural degradation processes, leads to a high degree of environmental contamination. They easily penetrate into the aquifers becoming widely present in the water environment and consequently in agricultural products and food.

Learn more about PFAS Testing.

Learn more about our proposal:

Perchlorates

Published Commission Regulation (EC) 2020/685 of 20 May 2020 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as regards maximum levels of perchlorate in certain food.

Learn more about our proposal:

Hydroxyanthracene derivatives

Published Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/468 of March 18, 2021 amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards botanical species containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives. It shall apply from 8 April 2021.

Learn more about our proposal:

3-MCPD in food

3-Monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and its fatty acid esters are process contaminants that form during high temperature operations on cereal products and during the process of refining oils and fats.

Given the possible health concern for infants and young children, the maximum levels of the sum of 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD) and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters in infant formulae, follow-on formulae and food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children and young child formulae have been established by Regulation (EU) 2020/1322 and incorporated into Regulation (EU) 2023/915.

However, recent occurrence data indicate that lower levels of 3-MCPD and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters can already be achieved.

The Commission has therefore decided to lower these maximum levels in order to ensure a high level of protection of human health.

In particular, the Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1003 of 4 April 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards maximum levels for:

Sum of 3-monochloroprenopandiol (3-MCPD) and 3-MCPD fatty acid esters, expressed as 3-MCPD on matrices such as infant formulae, follow-on formulae and food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children and young child formulae

The Regulation shall apply from 1 January 2025.

Neotron supports the customer in the determination of 3-monochloroprenopandiol (3-MCPD) and its fatty acid esters with the GC-MS/MS technique.

Determination of Dithiocarbamates in Food

Dithiocarbamates are a group of pesticides used as fungicides.

The population may be exposed due to occasional residues in food; these substances can be absorbed by the skin and mucous membranes and their accumulation can have harmful effects on human health.

Commission Regulation (EU) 396/2005 sets maximum residue levels for most of Dithiocarbamates (expressed as CS2).

 

Neotron developed a new UPLC-MSMS method to detect Dithiocarbamates.

Discover our proposal

Request an Analysis

To learn more about our services, or to request an analysis for your business, please don't hesitate to contact us.