Eurofins’ global Melamine testing method supported by new milk testing standard developed by IDF and ISO

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have developed a new test standard for the detection of melamine and cyanuric acid content in liquid milk, powdered milk products and infant formulae. The new standard, "Guidelines for the quantitative determination of melamine and cyanuric acid by LC-MS/MS", advises on sampling, test procedures and performance with examples of test results.

These guidelines are consistent with those already used in Eurofins' Competence Centers for Contaminants across US, Europe and Asia since 2008. Eurofins is the first and only testing service provider that has established guidelines and methods consistent with the IDF and ISO standard on a global basis.

Following the melamine in milk crisis that affected thousands of babies, and the subsequent recall of milk and dairy products in China in 2008, Eurofins had developed and implemented the LC-MS/MS method (liquid chromatography combined with double mass spectrometry) for the analysis of infant food and dairy products. The analysis detects the presence of melamine in the ppb range, and is much more sensitive than the original GC method (gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry). Eurofins' high equipment capacities allow laboratory analysis of hundreds of samples per day, with a turn-around-time of 24 to 36 hours upon receipt of sample on the Express Service, or 5 to 7 days on the Standard Service.

The report from the IDF and ISO is currently published as a technical report, but is expected eventually to become a fully-fledged International Standard.

The consistency of Eurofins' methods with the new standard issued by the IDF and ISO validates its strong competence and pioneering technical expertise in laboratory analysis, having already deployed the method across the relevant laboratories within the Group since 2008. More importantly, Eurofins offers identical LC-MS/MS analysis at several laboratories globally, including Eurofins WEJ in Germany, Eurofins Central Analytical Laboratory (CAL) in Louisiana, USA, and at Eurofins' Suzhou Laboratory in China, addressing the European, US and Asian markets respectively.

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Notes for the editor:

Eurofins - a global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins Scientific is a life sciences company operating internationally to provide a comprehensive range of analytical testing services to clients from a wide range of industries including the pharmaceutical, food and environmental sectors.

With 8,000 staff in more than 150 laboratories across 30 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 40,000 reliable analytical methods for evaluating the authenticity, origin, safety, identity, composition and purity of biological substances and products. The Group is committed to providing its customers with high quality services, accurate results in time and, if requested, expert advice by its highly qualified staff.

The Eurofins Group is the world leader in food testing and one of the global market leaders in pharmaceuticals and environmental testing. It intends to pursue its dynamic growth strategy and expand both its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in the field of biotechnology to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and the most comprehensive range of testing methods.

As one of the most innovative and quality oriented international players in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients' increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the demands of regulatory authorities around the world.

The shares of Eurofins Scientific are listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).

Important disclaimer:

This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgement of Eurofins Scientific’ management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the data available to the Company as of the date of publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity.