Identify heavy metals in your product
Metals can enter food and raw materials through soil, water, cultivation, processing, and other links in the supply chain.
A heavy metals analysis provides information about the selected elements in the tested sample. These measurement data support product evaluation, quality control, and further investigation of unexpected results.
Which elements might be relevant?
Which elements you have tested depends on the product and your research question.
For food products, the following elements, among others, may be relevant:
- lead
- cadmium
- mercury
- arsenic
- nickel
In addition, other metals, minerals, and trace elements may be included in elemental analysis. Examples include:
- chromium
- copper
- selenium
- tin
- zinc
- calcium
- iron
- potassium
- magnesium
- manganese
Not every element is relevant to every product. That is why we select the tests based on the product matrix and the purpose of the analysis.
Elemental Analysis
For elemental analysis, we use instrumental techniques that are suitable for the selected elements and product matrix. An example of this is ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
The specific technique, sample preparation, and analytical approach used depend on:
- the product matrix
- the elements you want to determine
- the expected concentrations
- the required reporting limits
- the purpose of the analysis
This ensures that the chosen method aligns with the information you need for your product assessment.
The product and matrix determine your analysis
Not every product matrix requires the same set of analytical methods. A food product has a different composition than, for example, animal feed, a soil sample, or a water sample.
Depending on your specific needs, elemental analysis may be relevant for, among other things:
- food products
- ingredients and raw materials
- animal feed
- crops
- soil and soil materials
- substrates
- water
Which elements you choose to have analyzed depends on the sample and the purpose for which you need the results.
That is why we first assess the type of product, the relevant elements, the reason for the analysis, and the intended use of the analysis results.
Assessment against relevant maximum limits
Statutory maximum levels may apply to certain elements and product categories.
Where applicable maximum limits are available, the measured concentrations can be evaluated in that context. This helps you use the results for product control and quality management.
An analysis result is always linked to the sample tested, the selected elements, and the method used. A single result therefore does not automatically provide a conclusion about an entire product stream.
From Measurement Value to Product Assessment
After the analysis, you have measurement data for the elements tested. This raises the practical question: what do these results mean for your product?
Perhaps you want to evaluate a raw material. Perhaps you’re investigating an unexpected result. Or you need the results to address a question from a customer or client.
By clearly defining in advance what you need the results for, the investigation can be structured in a more targeted manner.
An unexpected result: what now?
An unexpected result doesn’t automatically mean you need the broadest possible set of additional analyses.
First, check:
- which element deviates
- in which matrix it was measured
- whether confirmation of the result is needed
- what information is still missing
- whether examining another link might be relevant
We then determine whether a confirmatory analysis, an additional sample, or further investigation is warranted.
Need to have heavy metals analyzed?
Would you like to have a food product, raw material, or other sample tested for heavy metals? Or would you like more clarity on a previous result? Discuss the matrix, relevant elements, and desired assessment with our specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Metal Analysis
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Depending on the product and the research question, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and nickel, among others, may be relevant. For other matrices, additional elements can be analyzed.
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Appropriate instrumental techniques are used for elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The analytical approach depends on the product matrix, the selected elements, and the desired reporting limits.
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Possible matrices include food products, raw materials, animal feed, crops, soil, substrates, and water. The exact possibilities depend on the desired analysis.
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Where applicable maximum levels are available, results can be evaluated in relation to those values.
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In addition to heavy metals, elemental analysis can also be used to analyze various minerals and trace elements. Which analyses are relevant depends on your product and research question.