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 are conducted under accreditation, ensuring precision and reliability.

Strictly tested quality

We understand the importance of safety and quality when it comes to infant formula. That is why we provide accredited analysis services to ensure infant and follow-on formula meet all legal requirements.

Our services at a glance:

  • Microbiological testing: We test for harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Cronobacter
  • Analysis of chemical contaminants: We test for undesirable substances in milk, including heavy metals, pesticides and toxins
  • Specific carbohydrate analyses: These tests provide information on the composition, quality and nutritional value of the carbohydrates present

Using state-of-the-art technology and in-depth expertise, we support manufacturers offer safe, high-quality baby food that meets even the most stringent requirements.

Key services

Nutritional analysis

  • Nutrients (also “nutrition facts” for the USA and Canada), calorific value, protein, carbohydrates, fat, dietary fiber, salt (keywords: Big 4, Big 7, Big 8)
  • Determination of composition, quality, and nutritional value of carbohydrates 
  • Vitamins and minerals
  • Amino acids
  • Fats
  • Trace elements
  • GOS/FOS

Microbiological testing

  • Screening of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Cronobacter

Mycotoxins and biotoxins

  • Mycotoxins  
  • Aflatoxins  
  • Ochratoxin A (OTA)  
  • Fusarium toxins  
  • Ergot alkaloids (Clavine alkaloids)
  • Plant toxins  
  • Pyrrolizidine alkaloids  
  • Tropane alkaloids

Allergens

  • Plant-based allergens: e.g., gluten, peanuts, soy, tree nuts
  • Animal-based allergens: egg, milk protein
  • Pseudo-allergens: sulfite, lactose

Residues and contaminants

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

  • Screening, identification, and quantification of GMO components
  • Detection of botanical impurities

Your Competence Centre for carbohydrates and 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)

HMOs 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. HMOs reach the large intestine undigested where, by acting as prebiotics, they promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota. In addition, several studies have shown the importance of HMOs during a 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 also for their biological, neurological and cognitive functions, in addition to 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 and 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 analytical testing name for 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 provides information about the physical properties of a product. In milk products the particle size has an influence on bulk density, stream properties, dust development and solubility. Particle size is also a physical property of influence when powders are mixed, where large differences in particle size could lead to segregation in the product.

Get in touch

Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, or do you need tailored analytical support? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.

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