Organic analysis and references

Profile

Every day we use many different products and services without even thinking about it, ranging from food to plastics, cosmetics and cleaning agents. We trust manufacturers of these products to comply with recommended health guidelines. In exactly the same way, we rely on clinical laboratory testing when it comes to making decisions in the healthcare system.

In the “Organic Analytics and References” division, our services enable industry, the research sector and administrative bodies to perform reliable, accurate and traceable measurements. In order to ensure that these measurements are comparable, we provide traceability to internationally agreed reference values.

To guarantee high-quality and efficient analysis, we continuously advocate the development of new analysis methods and the further development of existing ones. The “Organic Analytics and References” laboratory is accredited alongside the “Chemical tests and consultancy” division, under standard SN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018, accreditation number STS 0119.

In order to keep pace with developments regarding the state of the art, we are continuously enhancing our measuring capabilities. To that end, we conduct various research and development projects.

Services

We examine a wide variety of analytes, for example:

• various process contaminants
• polyaromatic hydrocarbons in food
• volatile organic compounds, for example allergenic fragrances
• biocides and preservatives
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
• Mycotoxins
• Phthalate

On behalf of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, we run reference laboratory for process contaminants in foodstuffs. (Link)

We perform analyses relating to chemicals legislation on behalf of the Federal Office of Public Health.

Our clients are mainly administrative units of the Swiss Confederation, but our experience in traceable analysis (also trace analysis) is available to all interested parties on request.

Using reference materials traced to the SI system (“metrologically traceable”) is the method of choice in order to guarantee the comparability of measurements, and thus  their quality, in the long term. In this context, we position ourselves as a reliable point of contact and service provider, and are happy to provide information about the added value of metrology.

Consultations
If you have any questions about our services or require a consultation, we will be happy to be of assistance. Contact us with no obligation on your part.

Research and development

We keep our measurement facilities and expertise at the forefront of technology with the aid of research and development projects. This enables us to continue offering the required services and promoting innovation in the years to come. At the same time, we work with other metrology institutes, universities, administrative bodies and industry.

In the context of the EURAMET research programmes, we are also involved in European projects.

 

Our R&D focal points are:

Metrology in food safety 

Contaminants are materials which unintentionally end up in food, e.g. during the production process. They are undesirable due to their toxicity and require special attention during analysis. Thanks to our highly accurate measuring devices and procedures, we can guarantee the traceability of contaminants in food/food matrices based on internationally agreed reference values. This is made possible, on the one hand, with various projects for the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) and on the other hand in our function as reference laboratory for process contaminants.

• Metrology in food safety
• Metrology helps to ensure food safety (PDF, 13 MB, 19.05.2021)

Last modification 24.03.2023