FAQ – SQTS

What information is needed for order processing?

Questions about placing an order

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Please use our templates to place your order. You can find them on our download page.

Fill out the Company-Registration-Form if you are not yet registered
Client (company name) with complete postal address
Contact person (who receives the report and invoice) also corresponds to the billing address
If the billing address is different from the customer's address, please add it in the comments field, including the email address for the invoice.
Email address of the contact person – used to send the report and invoice
Copy recipient for report: please enter the email address(es) of the copy recipient(s)
PO number (purchase order number) if required

How do I fill out the order sheet correctly?

Questions about placing an order

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If there are several containers of a sample, the following questions arise:

Should a mixed pattern be created for the analysis?
How / which analyses are to be performed on the single or mixed sample?
Which tests on the single sample and which on the mixed sample?
Example: 1 line is filled out on the order form, 3 packages are sent = 1 sample (corresponds to mixed sample from 3 packages)
3 lines, 3 packages are sent in = 3 samples (= each package is examined separately).

Other points:

Please indicate reference values / target values / expected values for each analytical parameter if available (e.g. for vitamins, etc.).
Reference values / specification requirements for the product, according to which the analysis results in the report are to be assessed
Appointment request (specify whether express processing is desired with an indication of the desired date)
Order notifications can be sent to info@sqts.ch if needed.
Please enclose the order sheet or a previously prepared quotation with the sample.

Important: If not all mandatory information is complete when the sample is received, there may be delays in processing your order.

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According to which evaluation bases can the analysis values be assessed?

Questions about placing an order

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As a rule, we evaluate the analysis results on request according to Swiss legislation, EU law and various Swiss retailers (e.g. Migros, ALDI, LIDL, etc.) or your own internal specifications. We can also perform the evaluation of the analysis results based on your expected values (e.g. product specification, packaging information).

Are the research results and reports recognised by retailers and industrial companies?

Questions about placing an order

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SQTS, its services and test reports are generally recognised by all industrial companies and by all retailers in Switzerland (e.g. MIGROS, Denner AG, Globus AG, Jumbo AG, ALDI Suisse AG, LIDL AG, COOP Genossenschaft, Volg Konsumwaren AG, Manor AG, Bauhaus Schweiz AG, Hornbach AG, ...).

Do you have any special requirements for the testing?

Questions about placing an order

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If you have special requirements for the analysis (e.g. accreditation, method, detection/determination limit), please provide us with this information when placing the order:

Which measuring principle / method is desired?
Accredited / not accredited
Detection / quantification limit
Guide values / expected values, values from own specifications

Do I have to specify expected values when placing an order?

Questions about placing an order

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If you already have expected values or guide values for the analysis parameters, please state these when placing the order. This will help us to select the appropriate sample preparation, dilution, method and assessment for you. Such preliminary information can have a positive influence on the processing time and effort.

Is there a price list?

Questions about analysis costs

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Please request a quote. Depending on the order volume, processing time and scope of testing, we can provide you with an attractive quotation.

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How can I request a quotation?

Questions about analysis costs

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Our customer advisors will be happy to help you define the optimum scope of testing and will provide you with an appropriate quotation. Please use our contact form or give us a call.

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By when will I receive the test report / results?

Questions about order processing

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Our standard processing time for food is usually 10 working days.

For food contact materials and non-food, the processing time depends on the desired scope of testing.

Do you need an order confirmation? If you would like an order confirmation, please let us know when you place your order.
No binding dates can be communicated for examinations that are carried out in individual cases by external partner laboratories.

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Is express processing possible?

Questions about order processing

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Express processing is only possible after prior notification, stating the date of arrival, number of samples, matrix and desired scope of testing. The desired date will be clarified internally and reconfirmed by SQTS. Express processing cannot be guaranteed for express orders that we have not been notified about.
Notifying us that you will require sample testing generally helps us plan and efficiently manage order processing.
Express processing depends on the current workload of the laboratory and on the number of samples sent in.

Notes on correct sampling

Sampling

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Drinking water sampling from a tap:

Choose a clean tap
Remove the rubber seal
If possible, flame the water outlet
If possible, run cold water until the temperature remains constant or run for 2 minutes
Do not open the sampling container until just before you fill it
Fill, close and label sampling containers
Send the sample to the laboratory in St Aubin as quickly as possible and refrigerated (within 24 hours).

Legionella:

Send the samples uncooled and quickly to the laboratory in St Aubin. For legionella samples larger than 10, please notify us in advance.

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For analyses of mycotoxins, the current Commission Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006 dated 23 February 2006, stipulating the sampling methods and analysis methods for the official control of levels of mycotoxins in foodstuffs, must be taken into account.

How much of the sample / number of samples are required?

Sampling

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Food:

For microbiology, always send a separate sample package of at least 100–150 g, if possible. For prompt testing, please send the samples for microbiological testing directly to our Courtepin site.

For chemical analyses, at least 300 g of representative sample material is required, depending on the scope of the investigation.

Food Contact Materials (FCM): Depending on the objective of the investigation and the scope of the investigation, special requirements for sample quantities and submission are necessary. Please contact us in advance.

Non-food / textiles: Depending on the objective of the investigation and the scope of the investigation, special requirements for sample quantities and submission are necessary. Please contact us in advance.

Can SQTS assist in on-site sampling?

Sampling

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Please contact our customer service representatives for further information.

What are the opening hours of the SQTS sample reception?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Our sample reception is staffed at both laboratory locations (St Aubin and Dietikon) during the following opening hours:
Outside these opening hours, sample collection is possible in many cases by arrangement.
Please contact our customer advisors or send an email to info@sqts.ch.

To which location should I send my samples?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Foodstuffs can generally be sent to both locations. In the case of the following test focal points, you should preferably send the samples to the following locations:

Dietikon: pesticides, nutritional values, heavy metals, lactose and sulphites allergens, veterinary drugs (confirmation)

St Aubin: Microbiology, allergens (except lactose, sulphite), GMOs, veterinary medicines (Randox)

If you wish to carry out tests at both locations, there is a daily, refrigerated exchange of samples between Dietikon and St Aubin from Monday to Thursday.

Food contact material, non-food / textiles are tested in Dietikon.

Sending samples for immediate microbiological examination

Safe and smooth sample submission

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If the samples are to be taken on the same day, they must arrive at the St Aubin site Mon-Fri before 12 noon. Please mark the start of the analysis on the order form with "Analysis immediately".

If the samples arrive later, it is necessary to clarify your options with the customer service department in advance.

Notes for specimen transport conditions

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Example measures to ensure appropriate transportation include:

Specimens should be transported according to the storage conditions indicated on the packaging information.
Temperature-critical shipments should be planned so that they are not transported over the weekend. The transport containers should be selected so that the samples arrive undamaged.

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How must temperature-sensitive samples be sent?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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The temperature at which the samples are sent in / stored can have an influence on the analysis results. Please tell us the temperature at which the samples have been transported or stored before analysis.

To be absolutely sure that the cold chain is maintained, you can enclose data loggers with the shipment. We will gladly send them back to you for evaluation.

What should be considered when sending refrigerated samples with cold packs?

For the shipment of refrigerated samples, please send a sufficient amount (at least 4–5) of frozen cold packs. If possible, use cool boxes that are also filled with sufficient cushioning foil to avoid direct contact with the sample material and ensure that the sample material arrives intact.

Can SQTS return or provide cold packs?

When sending in your samples, please let us know if you would like them returned or if you are interested in additional packs.

What should be considered when sending refrigerated samples with dry ice?

The shipment of samples with dry ice must be declared as hazardous material transport. Please observe the corresponding regulations and surcharges levied by your transport company.

What should be considered when sending samples from abroad?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Shipping time from abroad:

Depending on the parcel service provider, there are different transport times and rates. Please choose the most suitable option for you when shipping temperature-sensitive goods and the urgency of the processing time.

Pack chemicals (e.g., ink, small quantities) well and label as research samples with no commercial value.

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What documents must be enclosed with the shipment of goods from abroad?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Freight documents / movement certificate
Pro forma invoice / commercial invoice

Usually, your parcel service provider will provide you with templates online.

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Why do I need a waybill?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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The waybill provides information about the destination of the shipment and which services are used
It represents proof of the shipment and enables tracking on your parcel service provider's website by means of a unique shipment number.
It indicates for customs the contents of your shipment so that it is cleared smoothly and reaches its destination without delay.

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What information should the consignment note contain?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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For shipments from abroad, the waybill should contain the following data:

Sender data with phone number
Complete recipient data and telephone number of the contact person at SQTS

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How must the shipping documents be attached?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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The papers must be clearly visible, on the top of the package.

Make sure all documents are in a pouch (clear shipping bag).

For shipments from abroad, do not seal the shipping bag, as customs must have access to the documents.

Please put the order form for the analysis into the package together with the samples.

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Submissions of label checks, declarations and translations

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Label checks: To check labels for sales packaging for marketability in Switzerland, please send a sales package to our postal address or a print status sketch by email with an indication of the size to info@sqts.ch.

Declaration creation: Send a fully completed specification (language D/F/I or E) to info@sqts.ch.

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Has my sample arrived?

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Upon request, you are welcome to receive an electronic order confirmation (by email). We send the message by email to the client after we have received the sample and order acceptance with the date when we aim to send the report.

Input temperature increased?

Safe and smooth sample submission

Questions about order processing

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Should your temperature-sensitive samples be microbiologically tested and have an incoming temperature >5 °C at sample receipt, we would contact you as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.

What is meant by detection limit / quantification limit?

Information on the test report

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NG – detection limit

Designates the value of a measurement method up to which the measured value can only just be reliably detected.

BG – determination limit

BG is defined as follows:

a specific multiple of the detection limit
smallest concentration of an analyte that can be determined quantitatively with a specified amount of precision.

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What is RRT?

Information on the test report

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RRT stands for Relative Retention Time. The retention of a substance is calculated with the internal standard. This is necessary because the retention time can vary over the runtime of a column and thus a generally comparable value is generated with the RRT.

What is S/V? Surface-to-volume ratio

Information on the test report

Questions about placing an order

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This describes how much packaging comes into contact with the food. The standard refers to the EU cube of 6 dm2/kg LM. This would be well applicable for e.g. flour or sugar. If the packaging is intended for very light and voluminous food, e.g. cornflakes, a larger O/V can be used. The opposite is also possible, of course, but rather untypical. The values can be converted accordingly to correspond more to the real application. Please note that if the sample only shows good values with a very small O/V, no denser foods should be packed in it, otherwise the legal basis can no longer be complied with.

What are NIAS? Non-Intentionally Added Substances

Questions about placing an order

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In all chemical productions, undesirable by-products can also arise. These are therefore not intentionally added. They can result from secondary reactions or from minor impurities in the materials used. Since these are not apparent in the formulation, they cannot be determined/found by a targeted analysis. To address these kinds of questions, SQTS offers screening methods, in which basically everything is looked for that has migrated into the simulant/food. These screenings are performed by GC-QTOF-MS and LC-QTOF-MS and already provide a solid basis concerning the performance of the product.

What is set-off storage?

Information on the test report

Questions about order processing

Questions about placing an order

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Almost all food packaging is printed. This makes sense, since consumers should be able to see what they are buying and consuming. However, since the packaging is often produced, printed and stored before it is filled, what is termed as “set-off” can occur. If, for example, printed cups or films are stacked, the printing comes into contact with the food contact side. This can promote the transfer of substances and must therefore be taken into account in an analysis. If such a set-off has not already taken place in production, SQTS can simulate it for 10 days at 40°C and weigh down the sample. This means the “worst case” is simulated prior to the actual migration test. A possible set-off can be prevented by sufficient drying of the printing by the manufacturer.

How do I send sample material to SQTS?

Sampling

Questions about placing an order

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Step 1:

Pack solid sample material in aluminum foil to avoid contamination. Non-identical material should be packed separately. Please mark the side to be tested if the sample material cannot be filled or inserted. Liquid sample material should be shipped in tightly sealed containers. To avoid contamination in the event of damage or leakage, please also pack them individually in sealed bags (e.g. zip bags).

Step 2:

In order to process your order as quickly as possible, please enclose all documents relevant to the order: a fully completed order form or, if available, an SQTS quotation.

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How much material is needed for the analyses?

Questions about analysis costs

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The amount of material required depends heavily on the test plan. Please read the FAQ "What information does SQTS need to create a test plan for testing in accordance with the Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles or the regulations EU1935/2004 and EU 10/2011?"

If you are unsure, please contact our FCM customer service team (fcm@sqts.ch) in advance.

How long is the processing time?

Questions about order processing

Questions about placing an order

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The processing time depends on the type of analysis and the duration of the migration. Once we have received your order and the sample material has been registered, you will receive an email with the expected deadline. You can also view the estimated end date of your analyses on our web portal(https://web.sqts.ch/login).

Is your laboratory accredited?

Information on the test report

Questions about placing an order

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Yes, our laboratory is accredited according to ISO 17025. You can find our certification certificate here(Accreditation).

Can I order an express analysis or a faster analysis from you for a fee?

Questions about placing an order

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In order to treat all our customers equally, we do not offer express analyses in the FCM area. In very urgent exceptional cases, you can clarify possible options with your contact person.

I have not yet ordered an analysis from SQTS, how should I proceed?

Questions about placing an order

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Step 1: Please let us know your contact details and your request so that we can send you a quote (contact form).

Step 2: We then need information on the desired examinations. Please read the FAQ

"What information does SQTS need to create an inspection plan for the inspection in accordance with the Swiss Commodities Ordinance or the regulations EU 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011?"

and send us the availableinformation by email to fcm@sqts.ch. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Can I reserve a migration slot in advance?

Sampling

Questions about placing an order

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As soon as the finished test plan has been finalized (final offer), you are welcome to reserve a migration slot with us in advance. Please note that we need to receive the samples at least one week before the migration start. In the event of late submissions, the reserved migration slot will be deleted and the communicated deadline cannot be met. We therefore ask you to inform us in the event of delays to samples for slots that have already been reserved.

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What information does SQTS need from me to draw up an inspection plan for the inspection in accordance with the Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles or the EU regulations 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011?

Questions about placing an order

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In order to confirm the conformity of the material, the material must be specifically tested in view of its use. For this we need the following information from you:

a. Type of food with which the product comes into contact

b. Contact time and contact temperature of the material with the food

c. Raw materials used, their composition and any available declarations of conformity

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According to the legislation of which countries/regions can I have SQTS inspected?

Safe and smooth sample submission

Questions about placing an order

Information on the test report

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We offer testing in accordance with Swiss and EU legislation. We can also carry out extractions in accordance with FDA. We are also happy to advise you on other country-specific legislation such as Mercosur.

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I am missing certain information from suppliers. How can I proceed?

Questions about placing an order

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There are two options available to you:

1. SQTS can request the formulations from the suppliers for a fee and create a test plan based on them. The composition is usually communicated to SQTS with a non-disclosure agreement. For this reason, the tested substances are then only stated in the quotation and in the report in encrypted form and are not disclosed to you.

2. Alternatively, you can ask your suppliers to contact us and send us their formulation or declarations of conformity directly.

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Does SQTS issue declarations of conformity?

Information on the test report

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SQTS is a testing laboratory and provides analysis results. We do not issue declarations of conformity. However, we always classify the results in the context of the applicable legislation and interpret them accordingly. This can help you to draw up your own declaration of conformity.

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When will I receive the invoice?

Invoices

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You will only receive the invoice after all analyses have been completed. It is possible to receive this invoice on a weekly or monthly basis.

The invoices will be sent out at the beginning of the week and will be visible in the SQTS WebPortal.

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How is the order processed within SQTS?

Questions about order processing

Questions about placing an order

Invoices

Sampling

Safe and smooth sample submission

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Link to YouTube video

What are PFAS?

Sampling

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PFAS are a diverse group of synthetic compounds in which hydrogen atoms in carbon chains are partially (polyfluorinated) or completely (perfluorinated) substituted by fluorine. In addition to the alkyl chain, the substances often contain a terminal functional group, such as a carboxyl or sulfonic acid group.

According to the latest estimates, this group of substances comprises more than 10,000 different substances which, due to their properties (chemical and thermal stability), do not degrade in the environment. They have been produced since the 1940s and are used in many industrial processes and products (in cleaning agents, paints, cosmetics, cookware, paper coatings, textiles, pesticides, etc.). They enter our bodies through food and drinking water and accumulate there.

PFAS do not degrade under natural conditions, which is why they are also referred to as 'forever chemicals'.

PFAS - Which products are affected by this contamination?

Sampling

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According to the EFSA study (Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food (wiley.com), the main contributing categories 'fish / meat', 'fruit and fruit products' and 'eggs and egg products' are responsible for the combined exposure to PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS for all population groups. According to the EEA Emerging chemical risks in Europe - 'PFAS' - European Environment Agency (europa.eu) and EFSA, the harmful effects on the body are kidney cancer, liver damage, hormonal disorders and low birth weight in newborns as well as a reduced immune response after childhood vaccinations.

How are PFAS regulated?

Sampling

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Some PFAS have now been identified as substances of very high concern, for many the effects on humans and the environment are less well known.

Annex 1.16 of the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem, SR 814.81) currently regulates perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its derivatives, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and its precursor compounds as well as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C14-PFCA) including their precursor compounds. In addition, maximum levels for PFAS apply to the food categories eggs, fish / crustaceans, meat and drinking water in the following ordinances:

PFAS

Food:

VHK SR 817.022.15: Contaminants Ordinance (VHK)

EU 2023/915 Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006

EU 2022/1431 Recommendation on the monitoring of perfluoroalkyl substances in foodstuffs

Drinking water:

TBDV Ordinance of the FDHA on drinking water and water in publicly accessible baths and shower facilities

EU 2020/2184 Directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption

Food Contact Materials:

EC 1907/2006 REACH, SVHCs and POPs incl. revision EU 2022/586

EU 2020/784 Delegated Regulation concerning the inclusion of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA precursors

No maximum values have yet been defined for fruit and vegetables or milk and dairy products in Switzerland and the EU. However, EU 2022/1431 defines guideline values in the categories fruit, vegetables, wild mushrooms and starchy roots and tubers, milk and baby food, whereby the cause of the contamination must be investigated if the values are exceeded, or cantonal complaints cannot be ruled out, as these could be classified as unsafe according to LMG Art. 7.

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PFAS - What needs to be considered when taking samples?

Sampling

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The sampling procedure for the analysis of PFAS is based on the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1428 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the control of perfluoroalkyl substances in certain foodstuffs.

Important points from the regulation summarized for you:

The bulk sample must weigh at least 1 kg or contain 1 l, otherwise this will be noted on the analysis report.

The person responsible for sampling must take the following precautions:

Nitrile gloves must be used to prevent contamination with cosmetics, hand creams, etc.

The materials used for sampling and sample storage must be free of PFAS. The sample should ideally be stored or shipped in sampling containers made of HDPE (high density polyethylene) or polypropylene.

PFAS - Analysis at SQTS

Sampling

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Our determination of PFAS is carried out using LC-MS/MS on a SCIEX 7500 system via electrospray ionization (ESI). Our method comprises >35 different substances such as PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHxA and PFBA and is constantly being expanded with new substances. Depending on the substance, the instrumental detection limit is in the low ppt range. For the vast majority of substances, it is in the range of 1-5 ng/l measuring solution.

For a non-binding offer, please contact food@sqts.ch

If you cannot find the answer to your question or you have special requests, please feel free to contact us directly.

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