Chemistry

A specialised workplace that conducts chemical analysis of food, raw materials, biological materials, feedstuffs and water.

The department provides analysis.

Veterinary drug residues
Contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs – HBCDDs, PBDE), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), melamine, and others
Process contaminants, such as acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Additives, such as food colourings, preservatives and phosphates, as per Regulation 1333/08.
Nutritional parameters and energy value; micro and macro elements (as per Regulation 1169/11); and saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (including trans and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids).
Quality and wholesomeness of food and feed
Allergens
Drinking and surface water

The department also carries out the following:

Biochemical tests of blood, urine and rumen contents
Toxicological analyses
Identification of causes of mortality and intoxication
Investigating bee deaths

The National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) are located within the Chemistry Department and include the NRL for contaminants from production, the NRL for pesticide residues and PCBs, and the NRL for halogenated persistent organic pollutants in feed and food.

The laboratory carries out analyses to monitor the presence of unauthorised substances and contaminants in the food chain (Regulation 2021/808), as well as analysing the nutritional value of foods for nutritional value databases. In collaboration with government and private organisations, the laboratory carries out analyses of contaminants in the environment. The laboratory also conducts analyses for the State Agricultural Intervention Fund and participates in consumer testing of food and feed.

The instrumentation, technical equipment and methods used are as follows: