Heavy metals are also considered as contaminants in animal feed and food. Their presence can be the result of environmental pollution or they can originate from individual stages of production, processing, transport and storage. Heavy metals in food and animal feed have an effect on its quality and present a hazard to the health of animals as well as people. Their maximum concentration in food and feed is regulated in EU Directives and is controlled.
Analysis Methods
PARAMETER - Heavy metals
- Arsenic (As)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Lead (Pb)
Note: the possibility of analysis of some other heavy metals, e.g.: chrome (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo) depends on the matrix and expected concentrations.
Quality
We ensure the quality of analyses of heavy metals in food and animal feed by using modern measurement equipment that we regularly check and calibrate ourselves or with the help of authorised institutions. We use reference materials and calibration standards with guaranteed traceability, internal reference materials, control charts and other tools that enable constant on-line quality control of the obtained results. We perform constant internal and external education of staff, and we regularly and successfully participate in internationally recognised inter-laboratory comparison (BIPEA - trace elements).
Contact person
mag. Vida Žnidaršič Pongrac, univ. dipl. kem., tel.: + 386 1 280 51 62 (odgovorni analitik)
Useful Information
Limit values of certain contaminants in food - Council and Commission (EC) Regulation 1881/2006 and supplements 1126/2007, 565/2008, 629/2008 and 420/2011
Limit values of certain contaminants in animal feed - Council and Commission (EC) Regulation No. 574/2011