Dyes are known to have been used illegally as topical fungicides, acaricides, bactericides and antiparasitics in the aquaculture industry. The use of dyes in food production is banned within the EU because of their potential carcinogenic properties and persistence.
No Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are defined in Commission Regulation (EU) 37/2010 for dyes due to the risk they pose to human health. There is, however, guidance on Minimum Method Performance Requirements (MMPRs) for some dyes, including Crystal Violet (and its leuco form) and Brilliant Green. A Reference Point for Action (RPA) is in force for Malachite Green (and its leuco form) under Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1871.
This test screens for the presence of the following dyes: Malachite Green, Leucomalachite Green, Crystal Violet, Leucocrystal Violet and Brilliant Green. It is a reduced version of the Dyes VM00008 screen.
Sample types screened include aquaculture products, typically fish and prawns. Both products are at risk of containing non-compliant residues resulting from the illicit use of dyes in aquaculture.
The analytical method used at Fera is based on sample extraction using QuEChERS methodology. Testing is then carried out using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).
Fera’s food safety experts use established, accredited analytical testing methods to detect and quantify dye residues within your food samples. We provide the evidence required by regulators to verify that levels of dye residues within your food products are compliant.
Our analytical methods are validated in accordance with the principles set out in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Confirmatory Analysis
Confirmatory analysis, where required, will be at the same value as the analysis performed. Fera will contact you beforehand to establish if the additional analysis is required. The delivery time for confirmatory results will be 10 working days from your instruction to proceed.
Please contact us to discuss volume discounts.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard Turnaround Time | 10 working days |
| Method Used | LC-MS/MS |
| Accreditation | ISO 17025 |
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Dyes Screen
Add Samples
| Your Ref | Type | Qty | Expected Arrival | Origin | Added | Surcharge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dried thyme herb mix/1 | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 9 Jul 2026 | United Kingdom | 3 Jul 2026 | £0.00 | |
| Complete Vanilla 26014 | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 11 Mar 2026 | United Kingdom | 10 Mar 2026 | £0.00 | |
| Complete Vanilla 5302 | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 11 Mar 2026 | United Kingdom | 10 Mar 2026 | £0.00 | |
| Complete Choc 5302 | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 11 Mar 2026 | United Kingdom | 10 Mar 2026 | £0.00 | |
| Complete Choc 25195 | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 11 Mar 2026 | United Kingdom | 10 Mar 2026 | £0.00 | |
| Sheese grated mozzarellla ZIC031125 BB 150726 | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 20 Nov 2025 | United Kingdom | 19 Nov 2025 | £0.00 | |
| Sheese mozzarella grated ZIC031125 BB 15.07.26 | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 20 Nov 2025 | United Kingdom | 19 Nov 2025 | £0.00 | |
| dfdg | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 17 Nov 2025 | United Kingdom | 13 Nov 2025 | £0.00 | |
| ruth east | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 13 Nov 2025 | United Kingdom | 5 Nov 2025 | £0.00 | |
| Stick | Other (Check with Fera) | 200 g | 17 Oct 2025 | Denmark | 8 Oct 2025 | £0.00 |
Your Current Samples
Please review your sample(s). Additional sample charges may apply where applicable.
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