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Food analysis at WESSLING

The efficient and reliable analysis of WESSLING supports food manufacturers and suppliers of raw materials in complying with legal requirements and ensures the highest standards in the field of food safety.

The long-term market success of food and the associated product brands depends to a large extent on their quality and safety, because consumers perceive and remember the quality or quality flaws of food in a very sensitive way.

We protect your brand for you as a food manufacturer or retailer and support you in meeting legal requirements by testing the quality and safety of your products in our accredited laboratories. Therefore we provide all methods of modern food analysis: from chemical-physical analysis to sensory tests to microbiological and molecular biological analyses and the identification of foreign bodies. Our competent experts will advise you comprehensively in the planning of sampling and analysis.

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Chemical-physical analysis

Chemical-physical analysis

Through reliable, independent food analysis, our experts at WESSLING create the basis for a safe evaluation of your food.

Experts at WESSLING evaluate a chemical-physical food analysis
Our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and efficient processes ensure the our customers receive reliable, on-schedule results of chemical-physical tests of their food.

Our range of services:

  • Nutritional analysis
  • Value-determining components and secondary plant substances
  • Additives
  • Authenticity verfication, food fraud detection
  • Undesirable ingredients
  • Key figures
  • Histological tests
  • Identification of foreign bodies

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Residues and contaminants

Residues and contaminants

The reliable detection of residues and contaminants in food places the highest demands on laboratory analysis. Thanks to our state-of-the-art equipment, WESSLING experts examine raw materials and products using multi or individual methods.

Performing food analysis in the laboratory: laboratory technicians during the examination for residues and contaminants
We provide a comprehensive service from sampling and analysis to expert evaluation of the results. Should residues or contaminants be detected in your food sample, we will be happy to support you through our many years of experience in detecting the cause.

Our range of services:

  • Pesticides
  • Dioxins and polycyclic biphenyls (dl-PCB, ndl-PCB)
  • Mycotoxins
  • Chlorate, perchlorate
  • Heavy metals
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • Pharmacologically active substances (human and veterinary medicines)
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAV (DDAC, BAC))
  • Phthalates
  • Mineral oil components (MOSH/MOAH)
  • Process contaminants
  • Acrylamide
  • 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and Glycidyl ester

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Crop protection

Crop protection analysis - analysing pesticides in food

In order to find residues of pesticides, as from crop protection, in our food, WESSLING carries out regular tests and inspections for Germany's largest food manufacturers, suppliers of raw materials and traders.

Pesticide analysis in food

The analysis and evaluation of pesticides in food places high demands on expertise and technology. With our extremely efficient laboratory equipment and highly qualified employees, we achieve the highest quality in analysis. Our experienced experts advise food producers, raw material suppliers and retailers on all questions of the analysis spectrum and professional sampling. They evaluate the results and check the conformity of raw materials and products with legal requirements and trade standards in accordance with the EU Pesticide Maximum Quantity Regulation 396/2005 and the Maximum Residue Quantity Ordinance.

Crop protection analysis for food manufacturers and suppliers of raw materials

organic apples in a tree

The basis of our food testing is a continuously updated list of relevant pesticides: our pesticide screening comprises about 600 important active ingredients and metabolites. Multi-methods are supplemented by numerous individual methods for active ingredients, so that our experts also cover challenging matrices and adapt to the individual needs of food production and trade.

We would be pleased to send you the current list of active substances analysed by us. Please contact us.

Our service range includes

  • GC and LC screening for more than 550 active ingredients according to the established ASU procedures (L 00.00-34 (S19), L 00.00-113, L00.00-115 (QuEChERS))
  • Chlorate/perchlorate
  • Chlormequat/Mepiquat
  • Inorganic total bromide
  • Ethephon
  • Dithiocarbamates, thiuram sulfides
  • Dodin
  • Dithianone
  • Glyphosate/AMPA/Glufosinate
  • Fosetyl aluminum
  • Phenoxyalkanoic acidsn
  • PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls)
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds BAC/DDAC
  • Toxaphene
  • Pesticides according to Ph. Eur. (analysis for pesticides according to European Pharmacopoeia)

Our accreditations* and authorisations

  • Authorised laboratory for residue monitoring in fruit and vegetables and for feed monitoring at the QS Qualität und Sicherheit GmbH
  • Authorised laboratory fruit monitoring (HDE)
  • Authorised laboratory 4fresh (soon: Fresh.Point) (Deutscher Fruchthandelsverband – DFHV)
  • Approved for the analysis of official counter samples according to §43 LFGB

Our accreditation* ensures that our results are recognized worldwide.

* Testing laboratory accredited by DAkkS according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018. The accreditation only applies to the scope of accreditation listed in the certificate attachment [D-PL-14162-01-00].

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Sensory tests

Sensory tests

The quality of a food and its consistent sensory profile play a decisive role in the consumer's purchasing habits and acceptance of a product.

Performing food analysis in the laboratory: laboratory technicians during the examination for residues and contaminants
This is supported by the sensory tests of the WESSLING experts in our in-house laboratory. They can provide decisive factors in the development of new products, in the optimisation of products, ingredients, processes and costs, as well as in quality assurance, and are therefore part of the comprehensive analytical spectrum of food. WESSLING has a regularly trained test panel, a sensory kitchen as well as a test room with single cabins according to DIN 85,89, ASU L 00.00-90/2.

Our range of services:

  • Descriptive tests
  • Suitability tests for human consumption
  • Difference test
  • Triangle test
  • Popularity test
  • Training courses at WESSLING Academy, also in-house

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Molecular biological analysis

Molecular biological analysis

In order to achieve the shortest possible testing times for our customers, WESSLING Laboratories use modern protein and nucleic acid analysis methods such as PCR, DNA sequencing and immunoenzymatic investigations (ELISA).

Preparation of molecular biological food analysis for animal species identification

Our range of services:

  • Animal species determination
  • Genetically modified organisms (GMO)
  • Allergens
  • Bacteriotoxins
  • Molecular Sexing and Species Identification in Meat

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Microbiological analysis

Microbiological analysis

One of the most important criteria for the marketability of a food product is that it is microbiologically safe. The WESSLING Group has very efficient microbiological laboratories for food testing.

Microbiological laboratory analysis
The new laboratory for microbiological food analysis at the Altenberge location, with its state-of-the-art equipment, is divided into 1,800 square metres of laboratory space. This is in accordance with Bioactive Substance Ordinance 2 and 3, and our one-way street principle, whereby all samples pass through our microbiological laboratory, ensures clean analysis by reducing the risk of contamination.   Our range of services also includes testing probiotic products for their content of specific microorganisms and the identification of microorganisms.

Our range of services:

  • Cultural procedures
  • Rapid methods
  • Spoilage organisms
  • Hygiene indicators
  • Identification of microorganisms
  • Pathogenic microorganisms
  • Studies for minimum shelf life

Food analysis: the services of WESSLING in detail

Identification of foreign bodies

Identification of foreign bodies

Physical solids which are not part of the recipe and can be sensory detected are named as foreign bodies in food.

Identification of foreign bodies in food through laboratory analysis
Foreign bodies include metal parts, wood or glass splinters, pieces of textile, hair, plastic particles, cigarette butts, tablets, paint particles, insect and other animal fragments. They can be contained in raw materials due to harvesting, but can also be introduced into food during the further production process, storage or transport. In addition, entry into food can occur during its preparation or while in the supermarket. Depending on their nature, foreign objects can pose a physical hazard and are generally undesirable in food. The type and origin of a foreign body is not always immediately apparent. In order to obtain further information, identify or exclude sources, an assessment using laboratory analysis is helpful.

Our range of services:

  • Documentation of dimensions
  • Photographic documentation of buildup or striking deformations
  • Visual inspection for a rough classification of the material
  • Light microscopic examination of biological materials and powdery foreign bodies to identify amorphous or crystalline structures
  • FT-IR spectroscopy for a non-destructive examination of plastics, e.g. foils, or hard plastic particles
  • ATR technology to identify the type of polymer and additives, e.g. plasticisers for homogeneous materials
  • EDX to identify glass particles, metallic or mineral foreign bodies or other predominantly inorganic particles, identification of elements from atomic number 5 (boron), quantification from atomic number 11 (sodium)
  • SEM images for further information on the microstructure of a foreign body
  • X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) or mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) to examine element composition
  • Molecular biological analysis of animal or plant fragments, either via species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or via PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism)

Identification of foreign bodies - learn more!

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Identification of foreign bodies in food through laboratory analysis

What to do in case foreign bodies are detected in food?

Foreign bodies in food are physical solids that are not part of the recipe and can be detected by sensory means. Depending on their nature, they can pose a physical hazard and must therefore be prevented or effectively removed.

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WESSLING expands with new microplastics lab

The demand for microplastics analysis and related consulting services is increasing. Our microplastics experts are also aware of this, and in response we have opened a new microplastics laboratory at the company's location in Bochum.

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Your contact for food analysis

„Our highly specialised laboratory experts provide you with reliable, independent food analyses. Together with our customers we create the conditions ensuring that your food is safe, healthy and genuine - and thus successful in the market.“

Our services for your industry sector

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Analytical and consulting services - tailored to your individual needs

Baking goods

Reliable checks and qualified training courses

Food hygiene

The experts at WESSLING record the hygiene status of your production in all details - and train your management and employees in accordance with the food hygiene regulations.

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Management consulting

Certification standards in the food industry

IFS, BRC or rather FSSC 22000? Very few companies are still able to manage without proof of their food safety measures. But what standards are there today? And which standards make sense and when should they be employed? We tell you!

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organic apples in a tree

Herbicides

Analysis and evaluation of pesticide residues

At WESSLING our competent team of experts is at your disposal for this highly sensitive analysis - using state-of-the-art measuring instruments and methods we provide you with reliable results.

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Food analysis

Chlorate residues in food

WESSLING analyses chlorate residues in plant and animal food products for food producing companies. By using water that has previously been treated with chlorinated substances in the various stages of food production, chlorate can enter either fruit or vegetables.

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Colourful plastic cutlery

Safety through laboratory analysis

Materials with food contact

The across-the-board expertise at WESSLING ensures that your materials for food contact are produced to excellent standards and marketable - so that consumers can consume safe, good quality food.

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News from our range of services

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WESSLING – Precise laboratory analysis

Determination and assessment of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in food products

EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, is expected to publish an updated toxicological risk assessment on mineral oil hydrocarbons in food later this year.

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Assessment of contaminants in foods: New version of the European Contaminants Regulation in force

The Contaminants Regulation (EU) 2093/915 regulates exactly how many residues and what maximum amounts may be contained in a food. The new version brings with it a large number of changes. We tell you which ones.

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