Baby food and infant formula
Analysis of baby food and infant formula
Babies and young children are among the most vulnerable groups, making the quality and safety of their food a top priority. At Eurofins Food & Feed Testing, we uphold the highest quality standards, making us a trusted partner for numerous baby food producers and retailers. Our analyses in this segment are conducted under accreditation, ensuring precision and reliability.
Analyses for baby food & infant formula
We understand the importance of safety and quality when it comes to infant nutrition. That’s why we offer accredited analyses to ensure baby food and formula meet the highest regulatory standards.
Our testing services include:
- Microbiological testing: Screening for harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Cronobacter.
- Chemical contaminant analysis: Detection of unwanted substances in milk, including heavy metals, pesticides, and toxins.
- Specific carbohydrate analysis: These analyses help determine the composition, quality, and nutritional value of carbohydrates present in the infant formula.
With cutting-edge technology and expert knowledge, we support manufactures in delivering safe, high-quality baby food that meets the most stringent standards.
Key services
Nutrients
- Nutrients (also “nutrition facts” for the USA and Canada), calorific value, protein, carbohydrates, fat, dietary fiber, salt (keywords: Big 4, Big 7, Big 8)
- Vitamins
- Amino acids
- Fats
- Minerals
- Trace elements
- GOS/FOS
Mycotoxins and biotoxins
- Mycotoxins
- Aflatoxins
- Ochratoxin A (OTA)
- Fusarium toxins
- Ergot alkaloids (Clavine alkaloids)
- Plant toxins
- Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
- Tropane alkaloids
- Plant-based allergens: e.g., gluten, peanuts, soy, tree nuts
- Animal-based allergens: egg, milk protein
- Pseudo-allergens: sulfite, lactose
Organic contaminants
- 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and esters
- Furan
- Acrylamide
- Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Plasticizers (e.g., packaging adhesives containing phthalates)
- Bisphenols
- Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (PCDD/F, DL-PCB)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, especially non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs))
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Screening, identification, and quantification of GMO components
- Detection of botanical impurities
Further testing for residues and contaminants
- Pesticides
- Veterinary drug residues and metabolites
- Toxic meals and elements
Your Competence Centre for carbohydrates & dietary fibres
Our Competence Center for carbohydrates, Eurofins Food Testing Netherlands BV, is an internationally recognised laboratory at the forefront of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and related specialty testing. It specialises in the comprehensive analysis of critical nutritional compounds such as Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), phospholipids, and fructans, as well as the physical characterisation of ingredients through particle size determination. These components play essential roles in early development, gut health, immune function, and product performance, making their accurate measurement and understanding vital for innovation in food, feed, and pharmaceutical applications.
Determination of important components and particle size
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
HMO are the third most abundant solid components in milk after lactose and lipids. More than 200 different Milk Oligosaccharide structures have been identified in human and animal milk so far, with only few of them being available in large quantities. (H)Mos reach undigested the large intestine where, by acting as prebiotics, promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota. In addition, several studies have shown the importance of HMOs during the newborn’s development. Antiadhesive properties, immune modulation, and brain development are, amongst other, demonstrated health benefits that are related to HMOs.
Phospholipids
Phospholipids (PLs) are appreciated for their emulsifier properties but more recently for their biological, neurological and cognitive functions, besides their physiological role in membrane composition. PLs have a great beneficial impact on the health of newborn babies especially in the areas of heart health, brain development, cell signing & immune function. The quantity and quality of dietary lipids in infant formula have a significant impact on health outcomes.
Fructans
Fructans, including inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), are added as ingredients to all kinds of food, feed and pet food products for their prebiotic effect. Fructans are important components in infant formula and they are strictly regulated by various authorities worldwide.
Particle Size
Determination of particle size is the combined name of the measurement of the average particle size and/or the particle size distribution of a powder or liquid sample. The particle size of a sample gives information on the physical properties of a product. In milk products the particle size has influence on bulk density, stream properties, dust development and solubility. Particle size is also a physical property of influence at mixing of powders, where large differences in particle size could to segregation of the product.
Get in touch
Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, or do you need individual analytical support? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.