Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

PBDEs are a group of chemical compounds used extensively as added flame retardants. Applied to a range of materials such as plastics, textiles and electronics, they are widely used across the globe and this extensive use can result in contamination of a range of foodstuffs. This contamination is significant, and as such there is a strong recommendation for these chemicals to be monitored in food and feed.

These potentially harmful chemicals are known to be able to affect the endocrine system and cause liver issues.  These extensive effects result in a great deal of interest from regulators, and therefore, potentially costly product recalls, refusals, and a loss of consumer trust can occur if PBDEs are found within your products at significant levels.

Analytes

Many different matrices can be tested not just foods, contact us for further information or to discuss your needs with one of our scientists.

Methods and Expertise

We use UKAS Accredited methods for Dioxins/Furans, PCBs, PAHs, Brominated Dioxins and Brominated Flame Retardants and make use of our accredited GC-MS methods to establish levels of a range of persistent organic pollutants (POPS) within your samples.

Our accredited analytical methods are invaluable by providing the credibility required to make key business decisions based on our findings. We make use of High Resolution Gas Chromatography coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS) to ensure accurate and detailed results are obtained.

Our expertise is not limited to standard analysis and we work with a number of organisations on a consultancy basis to tailor analyses for specific requirements. If you have questions about POPs testing, legislation, or the regulatory environment, then Fera's consultant senior scientists with broad and deep experience in the food industry can advise and support research interests.

Note - Fat analysis, where required, is performed by a UKAS accredited sub-contractor

National Reference Laboratory (NRL) status

We are at the forefront of PBDE and other dioxin like compound analysis. As a result we hold UK NRL status for Dioxins in Food and Feed. Regularly working with legislative bodies to highlight trends in PBDE levels in food and feed ensures current analysis measures are fit for purpose to meet developing requirements.

Turnaround & Reporting

Our prompt turnaround can provide valuable insights into your food samples and allow you to act in a timely manner to achieve maximum benefits to your production and supply chain processes.

Our accredited analytical methods require only 50-200g per sample (depending on the food/feed type) to provide the accuracy required. This can support ongoing due diligence testing, to be reassured of compliance and product safety within an ever changing regulatory landscape.