Analysis and impact of heavy metals
Heavy metals are metallic elements naturally present in our environment. Although they are toxic in high concentrations, they have the capacity to accumulate in living organisms, including humans.
The main metals regulated include lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel and copper, which are known to be hazardous to human health, as they can cause a variety of health problems such as brain damage, nervous system disorders, cancer, developmental disorders and reproductive problems.
Exposure to heavy metals comes mainly from the consumption of contaminated food and water, making it essential to manage this health risk. In recent years, new European regulations have been introduced to guarantee consumer safety, and our Phytocontrol laboratory can help you set up a control plan to manage this risk.
What regulations apply to heavy metals?
Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets maximum permitted levels for lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury and nickel in foodstuffs intended for human consumption. The recently published maximum levels for nickel will come into force on 01/07/2025. Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are also defined by Regulation (EC) 396/2005 for copper and mercury. Directive 2002/32/EC sets maximum levels for total arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury and fluorine in animal feed. In addition, the decree of December 30, 2022 sets quality limits and references for certain metals in water for human consumption.
For a complete overview of these regulations, please consult our regulatory watch on heavy metals.
The Phytocontrol solution for heavy metals (ETM)
Phytocontrol rapidly identifies and quantifies all metals present in food, using state-of-the-art preparation and detection technologies:
- Mineralization by microwave in a closed system under high pressure or by open Digiprep system and detection/quantification by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP/MS).
- Arsenic speciation (arsenite AsIII, arsenate AsV, arsenobetaine AsB, arsenocholine AsC, monomethylarsonic acid MMA and dimethylarsinic acid DMA) by LC-ICP/MS with quantification limits as low as 0.02mg/kg.
- Mercury speciation (Methylmercury and Mercury II) by LC-ICP/MS with a quantification limit of 0.02mg/kg.
- Determination of fluorine in animal feed by specific electrode.
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC for the analysis of TMEs in all foodstuffs intended for humans and animals, in baby food and in water.
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