EU regulations 2023/915 and EC 396/2005 set the maximum levels of heavy metals in human and animal food.
Heavy metals
What is a heavy metal?
How do you analyse heavy metals?
Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, aluminium, etc.) are metallic elements naturally present in our environment. In excess, they can pose a considerable health risk. As such, they are among the main contaminants in foodstuffs and their presence is subject to regulatory monitoring. It is essential to monitor heavy metal levels in our food, as trace metallic elements (TME) come from both human activities and their natural dispersion in the environment. They can accumulate in certain plant- and animal-based products and are thus found throughout the food chain. This is why they are now closely monitored in foodstuffs, as well as in water and soil.
CONTROL PLAN
Our expertise in heavy metal analysis
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Over 20 years of expertise in analysing heavy metals in food.
26
Our laboratory carries out, under COFRAC accreditation, analyses covering 26 heavy metals in accordance with regulations, ensuring reliability and trust.
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An analytical facility of over 200 m² combining the most modern TME preparation and detection technologies, for fast and reliable analyses.
40000
More than 40,000 samples tested for heavy metals and TME in 2025, demonstrating the robustness of our processes and the scale of our activity.
Phytocontrol identifies and quantifies all of these TME in food with great responsiveness, drawing on the most advanced preparation and detection technologies:
Mineralisation by microwave in a closed high-pressure system or by open Digiprep system, and detection/quantification by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS).
Arsenic speciation (arsenite AsIII, arsenate AsV, arsenobetaine AsB, arsenocholine AsC, monomethylarsonic acid MMA and dimethylarsinic acid DMA) by LC-ICP/MS with limits of quantification from 0.02 mg/kg.
Mercury speciation (methylmercury and mercury II) by LC-ICP/MS with a limit of quantification of 0.02 mg/kg.
Fluorine quantification in animal feed using a specific electrode.
Detection and characterisation of nanoparticles (TiO2, Ag, Au).
EXPERTISE
Which heavy metals do we analyse?
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Aluminium
- Antimony
- Barium
- Boron
- Chromium
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Tin
- Iron
- Iridium
- Lithium
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Nickel
- Palladium
- Platinum
- Rhodium
- Ruthenium
- Selenium
- Vanadium
- Zinc
- Thallium
QUALITY
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is accredited by COFRAC for the analysis of TME in all foodstuffs intended for human and animal consumption, in infant food, as well as in water.
Testimonial
How do we support Marie, Quality Manager in the food industry, in securing the compliance of her products?
We need reliable, fast results and a partner able to support us in understanding regulatory requirements. With Phytocontrol, we benefit from precise analyses and genuine technical support. The teams’ responsiveness and the quality of our exchanges allow us to secure our batch releases with confidence.
Beyond analysis
Our training courses
Recommended training courses
Discover 2 key training courses to quickly boost your skills
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Chemical contaminants
Manage the risks linked to the presence of heavy metals in food.
7 hoursRegistration -
Good sampling practices
Ensure the quality of your sampling before analysis.
7 hoursRegistration
Questions about our analyses or your project?
Our advisors respond within 24 hours. Tell us about your needs.
SECTORS
Products affected by heavy metals
Phytocontrol puts its analytical expertise at the service of food industry sectors to protect consumers and ensure the quality of foodstuffs.
Wines & Spirits
Cereal products
Fruit & Vegetables
Oilseeds & Oleaginous fruits / Oils
Spices, teas, herbal infusions
Dairy, meat, seafood & egg products
Bee products
Processed foods
Plant extracts, essential oils, PPAM (perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants)
Juices & Beverages
Infant food
