Nanoparticles, whether present in certain materials or intentionally added, can be found in food products throughout the production chain. Their extremely small size makes detection complex and raises health and regulatory concerns. Eurofins Food Testing UK offers analytical solutions to identify and quantify nanoparticles, even at trace levels.
Key services
- Characterisation and analysis of nanoparticles
- Particle measurements include: median minimum Feret diameter, size distribution, particle images, and chemical composition spectra
Use of nanoparticles
Thanks to their varied and unique properties, nanomaterials enable technical and technological advancements across many sectors, including the agri-food industry. However, their use is subject to regulation.
Presence in food
Nanomaterials can be found in a wide range of food products. They are particularly used as additives to enhance technological properties in the following products:
- Dehydrated soups
- Biscuits
- Candies
Although banned, titanium dioxide may still be present in certain foods due to environmental contamination — this is the case with some milk products.
Analysis of nanoparticles
Nanoparticle analysis is carried out in 6 steps:
- Sample submission by the client
- Contract review and laboratory registration
- Sample preparation using a protocol tailored to each sample
- Grid analysis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
- Complementary analyses
- Delivery of the final report
Legal basis and guidelines
JRC Publications Repository 2019 Identification of nanomaterials through measurements
Commission Recommendation of 18 October 2011 on the definition of nanomaterials
