In the field of food contact materials, SQTS is one of the few laboratories worldwide that offers a comprehensive range of analyses for almost all materials. In addition, we offer expert support for your compliance work that does not relate to materials.
In order to test new or existing food packaging, it is essential that the storage conditions can be simulated in an accelerated process. The law sets out exactly what these conditions must be. In our laboratories, we can carry out all migration conditions set out worldwide. These range from one-sided migrations through various temperature profiles to autoclave high-temperature conditions. Our specialists will find a suitable solution for every product.
During extraction, the packaging or raw material is crushed and extracted completely in a suitable solvent and at elevated temperatures. This provides a more complete content analysis of raw materials but also packaging. It is important to mention that an extraction is much more aggressive than a migration and therefore does not represent the “real-case”. The values of an extraction must also not be compared with those of a migration.
Target analysis describes the targeted screening of substances, which are either specified directly by the customer or compiled in a test plan through the testing of recipes/formulations carried out by us. SQTS has thousands of reference substances, which are then compared with the sample to be measured using GC- or LC-MS. In doing so, the substances are quantified by using corresponding references, which enables the product to be assessed.
In contrast to the “target analysis”, the “non-target analysis” looks at what is in the sample. This sounds easier than it is in reality. Full scan instruments allow a complete recording of the signals in the corresponding sample. Afterwards, the individual signals are compared with several databases to identify as many components as possible. This technique is essential for the detection of NIAS (non-intentionally added substances). These are, for example, reaction by-products or other unwanted contaminants. These must be identified, tested and evaluated for toxicity.
At the end of an audit, all our customers receive a final report, which includes an evaluation according to valid legal bases. Any global regulations can be evaluated as long as the scope of testing allows. The report enables the customer to make a good assessment of how the tested product performs or whether a new formulation can be launched on the market. Our customer consultants are available to provide advice and support.
