Key services

Residue and contaminant testing

Detection of undesirable substances that may affect quality and compliance, such as

• Mineral oil (MOSH/MOAH) 
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs)
• 3-MCPD+Glycidyl esters in cocoa butter
• Heavy metals, e.g. Cd, Pb, Ni, Al
• Mycotoxins
• Pesticides
• Acrylamide

Molecular biology

• Allergens
• Genetically modified organisms (GMO) in soya lecithin

Microbiological safety

• Control of pathogenic microorganisms to ensure product safety (e.g. Salmonella)

Nutritional analysis

• Verification of nutritional labelling and product composition

Integrity and authenticity

• Analyses to confirm ingredient origin and Swiss market compliance
• Analysis of cocoa butter equivalent content

Risk assessment and supply chain audit

• Mineral oils (MOSH/MOAH) (multiple routes of entry)
• PAH4 (possible entry during the drying process)
• 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in cocoa butter (topic for all oils and fats)
• Heavy metals, e.g. Cd, Pb, Ni, Al (dependent on the natural composition of regional soils)
• Allergens (for proper trace labelling)
• GMO in soya lecithin
• Process contaminant acrylamide (roasting process of the beans)