COFRAC accreditation for pyrrolizidine alkaloids

As part of its COFRAC flexible scope, Phytocontrol becomes the first French laboratory accredited for the analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids by UFLC-MS/MS, with limits of quantification ranging from 0.5 to 2 µg/kg depending on the matrix type.

The laboratory is able to detect and quantify 29 pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the following products: dried plants, spices, tea, cereals and derived products, leafy vegetables, honey and food supplements.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), from the alkaloid family, are toxins naturally produced by various plant species that can be present in certain foodstuffs. PAs pose a risk to consumers due to their carcinogenic and genotoxic properties.

At present, these substances are not regulated by the European Union, but they have already been the subject of numerous studies/controls, notably by the BFR (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment), EFSA and the DGCCRF.
In the French order of 24 June 2014 establishing the list of plants, other than mushrooms, authorised in food supplements and their conditions of use, the PA content must be monitored in borage seeds and flowers. A restriction requires that preparations of this plant are authorised only if it can be shown that they do not exceed 1 µg/kg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Analysis results will be sent to you within 3 to 5 days of the sample being received at the laboratory.

For any technical, pricing and/or regulatory information, please do not hesitate to contact us.