Controlling the risk of neoformed contaminants
Phytocontrol assists you in carrying out your control plans for processed products and is able to measure the presence of neoformed contaminants resulting from the transformation process.
Certain food preparation methods lead to the formation of compounds that may present a health risk. The main neoformed substances found in our food are PAHs, acrylamides, 3-MCPD and glycidol esters.
Acrylamide, PAHs, glycidol, 3-MCPD, and health risk
Acrylamide is a substance that forms naturally during cooking (Maillard reaction), starch-rich matrices and coffee are particularly concerned.
Commission Regulation (EU) No 2017/2158 of 20 November 2017 sets out mitigation measures and reference levels for the reduction of acrylamide in foodstuffs.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are persistent pollutants that are formed during the process of uncontrolled cooking or incomplete combustion of organic material. Contamination of food can occur through atmospheric deposition (plants), accumulation in animal species (meat, fish) or during the preparation of food with charcoal.
Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 and its successive amendments set maximum levels for benzo(a)pyrene and the sum of Benzo(a)anthracene, Benzo(a)Pyrene, Benzo(b)Fluoranthene and Chrysene in certain products.
The manufacturing process (refining) of fats or edible oils containing chlorides can generate the formation of glycidol esters (GE), glycidol, 3-MCPD (3-monochloro-propanol-1,2-diol), and 2-MCPD (2-monochloropropanol-1,3-diol). These compounds are found in vegetable oils and fats, fish oils and in infant formula.
The sum of 3-MCPD and its esters as well as glycidol fatty acid esters are regulated by Regulations (EU) N°2018/290 and N°2020/1322 amending Regulation (EC) N°1881/2006.
The Phytocontrol solution
Based on its expertise in the analysis of free and ester MCPDs, as well as glycidol, the laboratory has developed an improved method for the analysis of these substances under accreditation on vegetable oils and fats, fish oil, dairy products and baby food products.
Phytocontrol has developed an innovative and accredited LC-MS-MS method that is robust, sensitive and rapid for the analysis of acrylamide.
For the Multi-PAH analysis, Phytocontrol has developed an innovative method, under accreditation, allowing to have access in one single injection to Benzo(a)Pyrene, Sum of the 4 PAHs: Benzo(a)anthracene, Benzo(a)Pyrene, Benzo(b)Fluoranthene and Chrysene, and Multi-HAP: 20 compounds.
Do you need technical, regulatory and pricing information? Our customer service is available from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.
