Physicochemical analyses of food available at ANCHEM Testing Laboratory provide detailed information about the product and serve as a vital complement to microbiological and sensory testing, offering a comprehensive view of the quality and safety of food products. We offer a wide range of analyses conducted both in our own laboratory and through our partner laboratories.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE TESTING
ANCHEM Testing Laboratory offers comprehensive nutritional value testing of food, ensuring compliance with food law regulations, including EU Regulation No. 1169/2011.
Mandatory information on the label must include:
- energy value,
- fat content,
- saturated fatty acids (SAFA) content,
- carbohydrate content,
- sugar content,
- protein content,
- salt content.
Additional information may include: monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), polyhydroxyl alcohols, starch, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Sugar profile analysis enables detailed determination of: fructose, glucose, galactose, lactose, maltose, sucrose.
Fatty acid composition testing includes:
- full fatty acid profile,
- omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 fatty acids and their ratios,
- trans fatty acids,
- specific fatty acids (e.g., erucic acid, DEHA, EPA).
MICRO- AND MACROELEMENT TESTING
Testing the content of micro- and macroelements in food allows for the determination of the concentration of essential minerals.
Macroelements:
- calcium,
- magnesium,
- iron,
- zinc.
Microelements:
- copper,
- iodine,
- selenium.
These analyses are key for assessing the nutritional value of products and monitoring compliance with dietary standards. They are performed using precise techniques such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, or atomic absorption methods, ensuring result accuracy.
VITAMIN TESTING
Vitamin testing in food allows for the precise determination of key nutrients such as:
- vitamins A, C, D, E, K,
- B vitamins.
These analyses are performed using advanced techniques like HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) to ensure result accuracy. Regular monitoring of vitamin levels is essential both for assessing the nutritional value of products and meeting legal and quality requirements.
FOOD ADDITIVES TESTING
Food additive testing enables the identification and quantitative determination of substances such as:
- preservatives,
- food colors,
- flavor enhancers,
- emulsifiers,
- antioxidants.
These analyses confirm compliance with applicable regulations and assess their impact on the quality and safety of food products. Tests are conducted using modern techniques, including chromatography and spectrometry.
ALLERGEN TESTING
ANCHEM Testing Laboratory offers specialized allergen presence analysis in food products, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of individuals with food allergies. Allergens such as nuts, gluten, milk, soy, eggs, fish, and shellfish are among the most common causes of allergic reactions that can have serious health consequences.
GMO TESTING
GMO (genetically modified organisms) testing allows for the detection and quantitative determination of modified gene sequences in food and animal feed. These analyses are performed using advanced methods such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), ensuring high sensitivity and accuracy. GMO testing is essential for verifying compliance with regulations and ensuring transparency in the supply chain.
DETECTION OF FOOD FRAUD
Detecting food fraud allows for the identification of discrepancies in the composition or origin of raw materials, such as adulteration with foreign substances, ingredient substitution, or mislabeling of the country of origin. Commonly frauded products include honey (with syrup additions), olive oil (mixed with cheaper oils), spices (with foreign substances), milk (dilution), meat (species substitution), as well as wines and fruit juices (diluted with water or added sugar). These analyses use advanced techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and DNA testing to provide reliable results. These tests are crucial for consumer protection and maintaining the high quality of products.