Metal Contaminants Testing

A variety of metals and metal compounds are naturally present in the earth's crust. These substances can be brought to the surface by human activity, geological forces, and other natural phenomena, leading to an increased risk of exposure to metal contaminants. This exposure has been a concern since ancient times, when people were exposed to heavy metals through their food and water in regions where the environmental levels of these metals were naturally high. These contaminants can enter the food supply through various means, such as environmental contamination, agricultural practices, food processing, packaging materials, and cooking utensils. ^[1-3].

Types and source of metal contaminants in foods ^(4,5)

Metal contaminants can be found in food from various sources, including the environment, food packaging, and food processing. Some common types of metal contaminants found in food include:

Exposure pathways of metals in food:⁽⁶⁾

• Contaminated soil
• Water
• Industrial processes
• Food additives
• Cookware and utensils
• Contamination during processing
  
  

Recall incident ^(7,8)

• In November 2021, a food safety concern was raised when it was discovered that certain bottles of juice might have been contaminated with metal bolts or washers. The Food and Drug Administration issued a recall of select lots of 10-ounce bottles of juice that were distributed in certain states in the United States due to potential metal contamination.
• A frozen food company based in Woodbridge, IL is recalling about 13,099 pounds of frozen meat pizza product due to potential contamination with metal. The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall. Consumers who have purchased the affected product are advised to dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
  
  

Market overview ⁽¹⁰⁾

The negative impact of heavy metal exposure on infants and the elderly has led to an increasing demand for heavy metal testing. Regulatory bodies across the world have established limits for heavy metal content in various food groups, making heavy metal testing an essential step in ensuring food safety. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global market for heavy metal testing in food and beverage applications was valued at USD 3,212.59 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 5,924.29 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.95% during the forecast period.

Regulations and standards ⁽⁹⁾

 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established regulations for maximum permissible limits of various metal contaminants in food products to ensure food safety. Here are the maximum limits of some metal contaminants allowed in food products as per FSSAI regulations

The use of chemicals described in the monographs of the Indian Pharmacopoeia in foods is subject to the limits specified in the appropriate monographs of the Indian Pharmacopoeia that are currently in force. Specifically, the metal contaminants in such chemicals shall not exceed the limits set in the relevant monographs.

The limits for the presence of certain metals in food items, as specified in Column 3 of the table below, shall not be exceeded. The articles of food that fall under this regulation are listed in Column 2.

Testing methods

There are several methods that can be used to test for metal contamination in food. Some of the commonly used methods include:

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): This method is used to determine the concentration of a particular metal in a sample. AAS is widely used for testing heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in food.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): ICP-MS is a highly sensitive method that can detect low levels of metals in food samples.. ICP-MS is commonly used to test for heavy metals in food, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic.

X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF): XRF is a non-destructive method that can be used to test for the presence of metals in food samples. XRF is commonly used to test for metals in packaging materials and utensils used in food processing.

Electrochemical methods: Electrochemical methods such as potentiometry, coulometry, and voltammetry can be used to measure the concentration of metals in food samples Electrochemical methods are commonly used to test for trace metals in food, such as copper and iron.

Eurofins role in metal contaminants testing

Eurofins is a leading global provider of analytical testing services, including testing for metal contaminants in food. The company offers a range of testing services to the food industry, including testing for heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and other toxic metals that can be found in food. Eurofins' testing services help food producers and manufacturers comply with food safety regulations and standards, including those set by the European Union, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the World Health Organization. The company's testing methods are based on internationally recognized analytical methods and are designed to provide accurate and reliable results. Eurofins' metal contaminants testing services use a variety of analytical techniques, including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). These techniques allow Eurofins to detect and quantify even trace amounts of metal contaminants in food samples. Overall, Eurofins plays an important role in ensuring the safety and quality of food by providing reliable and accurate testing services for metal contaminants and other potential hazards in food.

References

1. Järup L. Hazards of heavy metal contamination. Br Med Bull. 2003;68:167-82. doi: 10.1093/bmb/ldg032. PMID: 14757716.
2. Tchounwou PB, Yedjou CG, Patlolla AK, Sutton DJ. Heavy metal toxicity and the environment. Exp Suppl. 2012;101:133-64. doi: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6. PMID: 22945569; PMCID: PMC4144270.
3. https://www.unep.org/cep/heavy-metals
4. https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-contaminants-pesticides/environmental-contaminants-food
5. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00830/full
6. https://foodsafetyhelpline.com/guidance-note-on-metal-contaminants-in-foods-potential-risk-and-mitigation-measures/
7. https://www.health.com/food/cocacolarecalled#:~:text=On%20November%2010%2C%202021%2C%20Coca,foreign%20objects%20in%20certain%20drinks.
8. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/08/frozen-pizza-recalled-over-metal-pieces/#more-217795
9. https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-heavy-metal-testing-in-food-and-beverage-application-market
10. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Contaminants_Regulations.pdf

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