Our Services

Food/feed

Microbiological analyses of food and feed are essential to assure hygienically safe products. Most state of the art techniques such as MALDI-TOF (MS) allow quick and secure identification of microorganisms.

Facility hygienic controls

Hygienic controls such as probing of surfaces and air in the operational environment of food production serve as useful support measures of internal quality assurance measures (HACCP).

Water

The quality of drinking water in Germany must comply with the requirements of the drinking water directive. It must be free of pathogens, safe for human consumption and clean.

On the other hand for drinking water for animals there are currently no detailed legal requirements but only orientation values for the suitability and general safety requirements.

Pathogens

For even faster as well as more specific requirements we also offer different „rapid tests“. The detection of living pathogenic bacteria by PCR is possible within about 18-28 h (with appropriate coordination).

Animal species

In many cases, for quality-related or ethnical reasons (e.g., halal products) parts, impurities or cross contamination of certain animal species are not desired. Using PCR, we examine your samples to detect traces of beef, pork, turkey, chicken and horse.

Allergens

According to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 allergens have to be high-lighted on the packaging label (even unpackaged products require information on allergens). Detection is carried out by PCR and / or EIA.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO)

Based on the Regulations (EC) 1829/2003 and (EC) 1830/2003 - with a few exceptions - all food and feed containing GMO must be labelled and traceable. Detection is carried out by PCR. We are listed at "Association Food without Genetic Engineering" (VLOG).

Nutritional value analyses

Since 13.12.2016 according to the Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 the nutritional values of the " Big 7" must be displayed in tabular form on processed, packaged food. The “Big 7” are: energy, fat, saturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt.

Our chemical laboratory supports you. All analysis are carried out in-house.

Determination of ingredients and additives

Additional parameters such as ethanol, lactose, calcium, phosphate and starch for further product characterization and classification are part of our detection portfolio.

Further parameters

The evaluation of meat and sausage products in accordance with the Guidelines for meat and meat products of the German Food Code, the BEFFE- (analysis) is another core competence of our laboratory. For example in the assessment of fat and cooking oil besides others the peroxide value and the sensory evaluation are important analytical tools.

Water

In addition to the microbiological analysis as already described, the chemical analysis of drinking water is an important part in order for assessing the quality of drinking water. pH, water hardness, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, iron, manganese and oxidizability are exemplary parameters of the Drinking Water Directive. In drinking water for animals the following parameters are of main interest: iron, pH, salt, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, KMnO4 consumption, conductivity, phosphate, sulphate, chloride.

Quantitative determination of bone particles in meat products and sausages

For the histological examination, deep frozen meat products and sausages are cut in microscopically thin slices. Then, these are stained and the bone particles can be counted under a microscope.

Consulting

Our laboratory tests also include an explanation of the results. In case of any additional counselling needed, we are of course on the phone or in person - also on site - at your disposal. Our comprehensive advisory services to the whole food industry support you in your activities through professional services and expertise. In particular, it is about:

Product Classification

Review of packaging and labels / declarations in accordance with applicable labelling regulations (as well as Health Claims Regulation)

Nutrition labeling

Reviews regarding the marketability of your products and preparation of marketability surveys.

Support and advise care at complaints from authorities.

Support and advise care at complaints from authorities official left samples

According to §43 Food and Feed Code (LFGB) a portion of the sample must be left behind with the manufacturer at an sampling by authorities – as long as the manufacturer does not refrain from it. This official retest sample may be opened and examined only by officially approved experts.

We can competently assist you in these cases with our two experts for control tests in house.

Approvals

• Listed laboratory for the analysis of drinking-water according to § 15 para. 4, Drinking Water Directive 2011
• Activities with pathogens according to § 44 Infection Protection Law (IfSG)
• Q+S certification feed salmonella
• Approval of experts for the investigation of official left samples according to § 43 Food and Feed Code (LFGB)