Food Contact Material Elemental Testing
The testing of food contact materials (FCMs) is a critical process ensuring that substances do not leach into or contaminate food products during processing, storage, and consumption. This service focuses on elemental analysis to identify the presence and concentration of elements within FCMs. The analysis can help prevent potential health risks associated with harmful substances migrating from packaging materials into food.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to international standards such as ISO 21579:2013, which defines methods for evaluating the migration of metals and other elements from FCMs. This ensures that our testing is both rigorous and consistent with global best practices. Elemental analysis plays a pivotal role in maintaining food safety compliance and meeting regulatory requirements set by organizations like the Food Safety Authority (FSA) or the European Commission.
When performing this service, we consider various factors including the type of FCM being tested, its intended use, and the associated migration limits. For instance, different packaging materials may have varying thresholds for acceptable levels of certain elements. The testing process involves thorough sample preparation followed by advanced analytical techniques to achieve accurate results.
Our team uses state-of-the-art instrumentation like Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometers. These tools enable us to detect even trace amounts of elements, providing precise data on the elemental composition of FCMs.
The importance of this testing cannot be overstated given recent food safety incidents linked to contaminated packaging materials. By offering reliable and accurate results, we help our clients ensure product quality and compliance with international regulations such as EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food.
Our service not only helps companies stay ahead of regulatory changes but also enhances brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to consumer safety. With increasing global trade, the need for standardized testing procedures is paramount, ensuring that FCMs meet standards recognized internationally.
Why It Matters
Ensuring food safety and quality is paramount in today's competitive market. Contamination of food by harmful elements from packaging materials can lead to serious health issues for consumers. By conducting thorough elemental analysis on FCMs, we provide peace of mind that products are safe and compliant with relevant regulations.
- Reduces the risk of recalls due to contamination or non-compliance issues
- Enhances brand reputation through adherence to high standards
- Aids in meeting international regulatory requirements for FCMs
- Supports R&D efforts aimed at developing safer and more sustainable packaging solutions
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on offering top-tier services that cater specifically to the needs of our clients in the food industry. Our expertise lies not only in executing precise and accurate tests but also in providing actionable insights based on comprehensive data.
- Compliance with international standards like ISO 21579:2013
- Use of advanced analytical instruments such as ICP-MS and EDXRF spectrometers
- Experienced team of chemists specializing in food contact material analysis
- Quick turnaround times for results, ensuring timely decision-making
International Acceptance and Recognition
The testing methods employed by our laboratory are recognized globally, making sure that the results we provide are accepted across borders. Here is a list of some key standards and organizations that endorse our work:
- ISO 21579:2013 – Methods for Evaluating the Migration of Metals and Other Elements from Food Contact Materials into Foodstuffs
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration) guidelines on food packaging safety
- EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food
