Food testing news and events in brief
International Convenience Food Conference
Eurofins will hold its International Convenience Food Conference on topics around challenges in the supply chain on October, 30th in Amsterdam. Expert speakers from Coca Cola, Unilever, DSM and the Dutch Food Authority (VWA) will discuss issues and offer approaches to solving problems.
For more information: www.foodconferences.com
New microbiology laboratory in Germany
In autumn 2013, Eurofins will open a modern microbiology laboratory in Hamburg, Germany. The laboratory will have the capability to analyse all food-related pathogenic microorganisms as well as hygiene parameters and spoilage organisms, providing classical microbiological methods and modern PCR-analytics. Due to the use of modern equipment and the laboratory's structure following a "Lean-Process-Model", the laboratory's will be able to react rapidly to urgent testing requirements and cope with a high sample throughput. Currently DAkkS accreditation to the DIN ISO 17025 standard is planned.
Contact: service@eurofins.de
New EU recommendation on mycotoxins
T-2 / HT-2 T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin are mycotoxins produced by various Fusarium mould species. The EU has now adopted Commission Recommendation 2013/165/EU defining a comprehensive monitoring program for T-2 and HT-2 toxin in cereals and cereal products. Indicative levels for both toxins in cereals and cereal products are defined except for rice. Where these levels are exceeded, investigations are required in order to elucidate factors behind the occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin. Eurofins offers the analysis of T-2 and HT-2 and all other important Fusarium toxins in all relevant matrices using HPLC-MS/MS.
Contact: NadjaFluechter@eurofins.de
Perchlorate in food products
Over the last few months there have been regular inquiries and reports concerning the presence of perchlorate in fruit, vegetables and other food. These were triggered by a report from a state laboratory in Southern Germany on findings in lettuce at the beginning of the year. The topic recently found its way into German public media reports which increased the pressure on the food retail trade and suppliers in this country to take action. Perchlorate is used as a component in rocket fuel and fireworks as well as in medicine as active ingredient for the regulation of thyroid dysfunctions. Public awareness of this matter is high. There are currently only theories about how this chemical has found its way into the food supply, but the ubiquitous and persistent presence of perchlorate is significant. Indications pointing towards fertilizers are apparent since perchlorate has been shown to occur in certain fertilizers. At the beginning of June, the BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) issued a recommendation for a health assessment and referred to the fact that whilst perchlorate is not a plant protection agent (herbicide/ pesticide) it should tentatively be regarded and assessed as such in terms of toxicology, as the entry pathway has not been clearly identified. Since there is currently no established legal maximum allowable quantity, the laboratories are working with "action limits". Eurofins Dr. Specht Laboratory has been involved in the development of these "action limits" from the outset and offers a corresponding analytical method for perchlorate.
Contact: ThiesClaussen@eurofins.de
