Ready meals
Analysis of ready meals
Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories’ service portfolio ranges from testing for potential residues, contaminants and allergens to microbiological and chemical analyses, shelf-life testing, labelling tests and nutritional value determination in ready meal products. We support you with complete solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Key services
General food analyses
- Allergens
- Testing for animal ingredients (vegan) incl. animal species identification (pig, cattle, etc.)
- Nutritional analyses (including Big 7, Big 8)
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Sensory analysis (proportion determination)
- Labelling tests
- Mycotoxins and algae toxins
- Pesticides, including fumigants
- Mineral oil (MOSH/MOAH)
- Heavy metals, e.g. cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, inorganic asenic
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Dioxins and PCBs
- 3-MCPD esters, glycidol
- Total bacterial count
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Salmonella
- Bacillus cereus
- Coliform bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, EHEC
- Yeasts and moulds
- Spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia
Special analysis
- Sulphurous acid and other preservatives
- Shelf-life validation and Challenge tests
- Irradiation detection
- Fat indicators, e.g. free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (POZ)
Special expertise in the field of ready meals
In addition to the simple preparation associated with ready meals; consumers are increasingly looking for ready meals using ingredients of organic origin. Organic products are subject to strict legal regulations. We support customers with the relevant analytical services to ensure regulatory compliance.
When placing goods on the market, for either import and export, Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories can assist clients with international labelling check, meeting the requirements of the legislation applicable in the country where the product is placed on the market.
Whether raw materials or finished products, we are your competent partner for the analysis of the following products, among others:
- Frozen products, e.g. frozen pizzas, frozen lasagne, frozen fruit and vegetables
- Canned products, e.g. canned tomatoes, tomato paste, canned ready meals
- Microwave and oven ready meals, e.g. cooled lasagne
- Cooled fresh products, e.g. desserts, fresh salads
- Dried products, e.g. packaged soups
- Fine food products, e.g. mayonnaises, sauces, dressings, ready-made salads
Legal bases and guidelines
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (provision of food information to consumers)
- Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the european parliament and of the council (nutrition and health claims made on foods)
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council (food additives)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (maximum levels for certain contaminants in food)
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.