Pesticides

Pesticide residue refers to the pesticides that may remain on or in food after pesticide formulations are applied to food crops. The levels of these residues in foods are often stipulated by regulatory bodies in many countries.

Pesticides are chemicals used in agriculture to protect crops against insects, fungi, weeds and other pests. In addition to their use in agriculture, pesticides are also used to protect public health in controlling the vectors of tropical diseases, such as mosquitoes. But pesticides are also potentially toxic to humans. They may induce adverse health effects including cancer, effects on reproduction, immune or nervous systems. Before they can be authorized for use, pesticides should be tested for all possible health effects and the results should be analysed by experts to assess any risks to humans.

In February 2022, the EU SCoPAFF (Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed) agreed to changes to EU MRLs for a number of active substances under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005.

If these pass scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council, the publication of EU implementing Regulations for the revised MRLs can be expected in the next 4-6 months.

The MRLs are likely to come into force six months following publication i.e. by early 2023.

Eurofins operates several pesticide testing laboratories within its global network in addition to the Group's Competence Centre, in Hamburg. This laboratory has a long-standing history in pesticide testing and in fact was the inventor of the multi-residue method S19 that later became the official European enforcement method. Quality at Eurofins goes beyond scientific excellence and correct results. Process optimization now allows for very fast turn-around times. High investment in state-of-the-art equipment provides all the capacity needed to meet customer requirements even in high season or in urgent cases.

Our Offer for pesticide testing

Performance of pesticide residue analyses
Recommendation of analysis scopes
Performance of express analytics (12, 24, 48 hour-testing)
Performance of GLP studies (in the context of pesticide's registration)
Helpdesk regulatory framework (regulations and maximum residue limits)
Consultancy in product safety
Pesticide analysis for GMP studies (Ph. Eur. / USP)
Design and technical implementation of test scopes in relation customer or product specification
Method development and validation under GMP/GLP guidelines for customers and in accordance with ICH guidelines
IFS audits
Sampling

This Competence Center with over 130 members of staff dedicated to pesticide testing is one of the leading laboratories in this field. Their experience in many matrices - including the difficult ones like tea, spices and tobacco - enables Eurofins to apply the right analytical strategy and to offer tailored advice to help clients to protect their products and brands. Eurofins has thus been invited to participate in many standardisation committees and industrial associations. Eurofins Dr Specht Laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited, supplemented by accreditation according to GLP and GMP standards.

Quality at Eurofins goes beyond scientific excellence and correct results. Process optimisation now allows for very fast turn-around times. High investment in state-of-the-art equipment provides all the capacity needed to meet customer requirements even in high season or in urgent cases.

Products tested for pesticides

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Dried fruits (incl. concentrates, powders etc.)
Fruit juices and concentrates
Tea, Coffee, Cacao
Babyfood
Cereals
Rice
Beverages, Wine and spirits
Fish & Fish products
Meat & Meat products
Convenience
Herbs & Spices
Oleoresine
Flavours
Dairy products
Fats and Oils
Drugs
Tobacco
Feed
Soil sample, drinking-, ground- or surface water
Sera, plasma, blood (in the context of GLP studies)
Candies
Honey

Contact

For more detailed information about the Eurofins pesticide testing services please contact Eurofins Dr Specht or your local Eurofins laboratory