Protecting the most vulnerable consumers with trusted scientific expertise.
Babies and young children are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to food safety. This makes the quality, safety, and nutritional accuracy of infant formula and baby food absolutely critical. Eurofins Food Testing UK, in partnership with our dedicated Infant Formula Competence Centre in Ireland, provides accredited, tailored testing solutions to meet strict UK and EU regulatory requirements; helping you protect your brand and meet the highest standards with confidence.
Comprehensive testing for infant nutrition and safety
Our laboratories offer a broad range of accredited services to support safety, compliance, and nutritional claims in infant formula and baby food, including
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Microbiological testing for pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Cronobacter spp.
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Contaminant analysis for heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, dioxins, MOSH/MOAH, acrylamide, and plasticisers
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Nutritional profiling of key components such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, and proteins
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Allergen verification and support with labelling compliance
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GMO screening and identification to support global market access
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Particle size analysis, which impacts solubility, bulk density, and powder performance
Specialist analysis for baby food and formula
Infant nutrition products are among the most thoroughly regulated and tested categories in the food industry. They must deliver complete nutrition while ensuring the absence of harmful substances. Our specialist services cover:
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs)
HMOs are the third most abundant solid component in human milk, after lactose and lipids. Over 200 HMO structures have been identified, but only a few are available at scale. These complex carbohydrates reach the large intestine undigested, where they promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota. Scientific studies have also linked HMOs to immune modulation, anti-adhesive effects, and cognitive development in newborns.
Phospholipids
Phospholipids (PLs) are known for their emulsifying properties and increasingly for their roles in infant brain development, heart health, immune response, and cell signalling. The quantity and quality of dietary lipids in infant formula are key determinants of long-term health outcomes.
Fructans (Inulin / FOS)
Fructans such as inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotics that support gut health and immune function. As regulated components in infant formula, accurate analysis is essential for compliance and nutritional validation.
Particle size
Accurate determination of particle size and distribution in infant formula powders is important for product consistency, solubility, flow properties, and mixing behaviour. This physical characteristic can impact everything from processing to consumer preparation.
Advanced carbohydrate and HMO analysis
Carbohydrates are essential in infant nutrition. Eurofins’ Competence Centre for Complex Carbohydrates supports product development and regulatory compliance with advanced analysis of
Using high-precision techniques including LC-MS and NMR, our experts deliver reliable insights to support innovation in infant formula composition.
Full-service support for infant formula manufacturers
Whether you are developing a new formulation or ensuring ongoing compliance for an established product line, we offer
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ISO 17025-accredited testing
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Regulatory and technical consultancy
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Method development and validation
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Risk assessments and food safety support
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Access to Eurofins’ global infant nutrition expertise
For support with your infant formula and baby food testing and compliance needs submit and enquiry or call + 44 (0) 845 604 6740.
