Food testing and laboratory analysis
Microbiological food testing and laboratory analysis
Medi Lab S.A. carries out a full range of microbiological analyzes covering the requirements of European and national legislation, in accordance with Regulations (EC) No. 2073/2005 and its amendments (Regulation. 1881/2006, 1441/2007).
Our goal is to always meet customer’s needs, reaching a quality certified final product, while covering food hygiene and safety standards throughout the production line.
| Parameter | Method |
|---|---|
| Listeria monocytogenes | VIDAS Biomerieux |
| Salmonella spp. | VIDAS Biomerieux |
| Bacillus cereus | ISO 7932:2004 |
| Staphylococcus aureus | TEMPO Biomerieux |
| Escherichia coli | TEMPO Biomerieux |
| Enterobacteriaceae | TEMPO Biomerieux |
| Total coliforms | TEMPO Biomerieux |
| Vibrio parahaemolyticus | ISO 21872-1/2007 |
| Clostridium perfringens | ISO 7937:2004 |
| Clostridium sulfite | ISO 15213:2003 |
| Total viable count (aerobic colonies) | TEMPO Biomerieux |
| Yeasts and Fungi | ISO 21027-2, ISO 21027-1 |
Physicochemical analyzes
Nutritional labeling
Indication of “nutrition declaration” on packaged foods is mandatory, as is clear from the Regulation 1169/2011 / EU.
Under this legislation, nutritional content is obligatory written on every products label in a specifically protocoled manner.
| Parameters | Methods |
|---|---|
| Proteins | ISO 1871, Nx6.25 |
| Full fat | Soxhlet |
| Fat profile (Saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated, omega-3, omega-6, EPA, DHA, trans) | GC (gas chromatography) |
| Sugars | GC-FID |
| Total carbohydrates | Computing |
| Digestible carbohydrates | Computing |
| Dietaty fibers | AOAC 991.31 |
| Sodium | Flame amission |
| Energy | Computing |
Mycotoxins
Certain fungal species produce toxins called mycotoxins, which in high concentrations may cause poisoning and other problems.
The maximum limits of these mycotoxins in food down in Regulation 1881/2006 / EC.
| Parameter | Μέθοδος |
|---|---|
| Aflatoxins Β1, Β2, G1, G2 | AOAC 991.31 |
| Ochratoxin Α | HPLC |
| Deoxynivalenol(DON) | ELISA |
| Zearalenone (ZON) | ELIZA |
Trace elements
Trace elements are listed among nutrients. Meaning they are substances necessary for the development and operation of every organization.
Trace elements are needed in smaller amounts than macronutrients, but they contribute in the functioning of enzymes.
| Parameter | Methods |
|---|---|
| Calcium | Microwave digestion / AAS FLAME |
| Potassium | Microwave digestion / AAS FLAME |
| Cobalt | Microwave digestion / AAS FLAME |
| Manganese | Microwave digestion/ GFAAS |
| Magnesium | Microwave digestion / AAS FLAME |
| Μολυβδαίνιο | Microwave digestion/ GFAAS |
| Sodium | Microwave digestion / AAS FLAME |
| Selenium | Microwave digestion/ Ηydride AAS |
| Iron | AOAC 1999.10 |
| Phosphorus | ISO 2294, AOAC 970.39 |
| Copper | AOAC 1999.10 |
| Chloride | Volhard |
| Chromium | Microwave digestion/ GFAAS |
| Zinc | AOAC 1999.10 |
Vitamines
Vitamines are necessary for our body. Their deficiency may cause tiredness, weakness, headaches, skin diseases and concentrating problems. Additionally our needs for vitamines increase after a suffering physical or mental strain.
Regulation 1925/2006 / EE establishes the criteria for the addition of vitamins in food.
Determination: Vitamin A, B vitamins (B1-Thiamine, Riboflavin B2, B3-Niacin, B5-pantothenic acid, B6-Pyrodoxini, B9-Folate, B12 Cobalamin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Vitamin D, Vitamin E (tocopherol), Vitamin K.
Allergens
Allergens are proteins derived from various sources and have only in specific individuals, the ability to activate the body’s defense system to produce antibodies.
Allergens can roughly be divided:
- airborne allergenscausing respiratory allergies when inhaled i.e. allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and allergic conjunctivitis, and include:
- the pollen of plants and trees
- epithelia of animals, usually cats and dogs
- the house dust mites
- fungal spores
- food allergens (theoretically all foods contain proteins that can act as allergens) and cause food allergies
- pharmaceutical allergens (antibiotics, aspirin, analgesics, anesthetics, insulin) that cause drug allergies
- Hymenoptera insect venom allergens (bee and wasp) that cause allergies to these insects
- latex allergens
The European Union Directive 2003/89 / EC requires packaged foods to be labeled for the existence of specific allergens or derivatives.
Pesticides
In more than 70% of fresh products traces may be found establishing its regular control in all agriculture products.
Detection of any type of meat and its products
Rigging as in the recent horse meat as well as quality concerns case have increased control in all large scale meat trading companies.