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.

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 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

Specific carbohydrate analysis

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 thus far, with a select few being available in large quantities. HMOs reach the large intestine undigested where they promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota by acting as prebiotics. Several studies have elucidated the importance of HMOs during a newborn’s development, wherein they contribute immune modulation and brain development.

Phospholipids

While phospholipids (PLs) are typically known for their emulsifying properties, they more recently have been recognised for their role in biological, neurological and cognitive functions, in addition to their physiological role in membrane composition. PLs also contribute to heart health, brain development, cell signing and immune function in newborn babies, meaning that 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 common additives in various food, feed and pet food products due to their prebiotic effects. Fructans are important components of infant formula, and are strictly regulated by various authorities worldwide.

Particle size

Determination of particle size involves measuring 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 influences bulk density, stream properties, dust development, and solubility. Particle size also determines how powders react to being mixed with each other, 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, access our competence centre services, or do you need tailored analytical or consultancy support?

Contact Eurofins Food Testing Ireland today to speak to our experts by submitting an enquiry form or calling +353 (0)1 431 1306

Contact us