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Contaminants & Residues Analysis

Identification and quantification of contaminants and residues in food, feed, and water under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

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From Trace Detection to Regulatory Compliance

A computer screen featuring a chromatogram graph from LC-MS-MS analysis, illustrating data peaks and patterns.

We analyse samples for regulatory compliance, quality control and risk assessment. Our key capabilities include trace‑level identification of contaminants in complex matrices, matrix‑specific LOQs with fully validated quantification, and multi‑parameter analytical workflows for a wide range of contaminants and residues, all evaluated in accordance with EU 2023/915, EC 396/2005 and EEC 315/93 to support regulatory compliance, quality control and risk assessment.

Parameter Portfolio

Two complementary analytical categories – each addressing different substance classes relevant to regulatory compliance and trace‑level detection in food, feed, and water.

Contaminants

Unintentionally introduced substances originating from environmental exposure, processing, packaging or raw materials.

Methods: LC‑MS/MS, GC‑MS/MS, GC×GC‑TOF, ICP‑MS, HPLC‑GC‑FID, HRMS (optional).

Common analytes: Mycotoxins, heavy metals, process contaminants (acrylamide, 3‑MCPD, furan, PAH), MOSH/MOAH, dioxins/PCBs, PFAS, plant toxins.

Residues

Intentionally applied substances such as pesticides, biocides and veterinary drugs.

Methods: LC‑MS/MS, GC‑MS/MS, QuPPe.

Common analytes: Pesticides (>700 MRL substances), glyphosate/AMPA, ethylene oxide, chlorate/perchlorate, veterinary drug residues.

Analytical Scope

Select a substance category to access the corresponding analytical parameters and method details. Each section links directly to a dedicated page with scope, methods, regulatory context and matrix‑specific considerations.

Matrices We Analyse

Our methods cover a broad range of food, feed, and environmental matrices.
Matrix‑specific LOQs and recoveries depend on analyte, composition, and regulatory requirements.

Various legumes, grains, nuts and seeds representing typical matrices for contaminant and residue testing.

Food & Ingredients

Analysis of contaminants and residues in plant-based and animal-derived foods as well as raw materials throughout the supply chain.

Example matrices: Cereals, grains, nuts, oilseeds, spices, herbs, cocoa, coffee, tea, fruit, vegetables (fresh and processed), confectionery, edible oils and fats, dairy products, eggs, meat, fish, and seafood.

Baby food and pureed products representing typical matrices for contaminant and residue analysis.

Baby Food & Special Nutrition

Analytical testing for highly sensitive product categories with stringent regulatory requirements and low maximum permitted levels.

Example matrices: Infant formula, follow-on formula, baby cereals, complementary foods, foods for special medical purposes (FSMP), clinical nutrition products.

Dry pet food representing a typical matrix for contaminant and residue testing.

Feed & Pet Food

Analysis of contaminants, residues and undesirable substances in feed materials and pet food products. 

Example matrices: Feed materials, compound feed, premixes, forage products, pet food (dry, wet and complementary).

Water sample representing a typical matrix for contaminant and residue analysis in environmental applications.

Water & Environmental Samples

Testing for environmentally relevant contaminants and residues to support water quality monitoring and the identification of potential contamination sources.

Example matrices: Drinking water, raw water, wastewater, soil, dust, environmental swabs.

Regulatory Framework

Contaminant and residue limits in the EU are governed by a layered system of framework regulations, maximum‑level regulations, and substance‑specific directives. Analytical verification must address compliance with permitted levels and the distinction between intentional use and incidental contamination.

We interpret analytical results according to applicable EU and UK regulations. Our team recommends parameters, methods and interpretation approaches tailored to matrix, origin and regulatory scope.

Regulation (EU) 2023/915
Maximum levels for contaminants in food (e.g., acrylamide, PAK, MCPD).

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005
Maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in food and feed.

Regulation (EEC) No 315/93
Framework regulation on contaminants in food.

UK Retained EU Law
Post‑Brexit framework retaining equivalent contaminant and residue requirements in Great Britain.

Related Analytics

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Nutritional Analysis

Proximate analysis, energy calculation, fatty acid profiles, sugars, fiber and mineral content for full nutritional declarations per EU FIC or UK requirements.

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Microbiology

Pathogen detection, colony counts, environmental monitoring – where microbiological and chemical contamination intersect.

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