Frequently asked questions about Chemical tests
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What is BEFFE?
The term "connective tissue protein-free meat protein" (abbr: BEFFE) is defined in the guidelines for meat and meat products. It is considered a measure for the pure muscle meat content in a meat product. The guidelines…
What is Fipronil?
Fipronil is a biocide and acts as a highly toxic insecticide against fleas, mites, lice, and roaches. It is used as a contact poison mainly in pet care products to prevent and treat infestations of parasites. Fipronil…
What are guiding principles?
The guidelines of the German Food Code describe the characteristics of certain foods. They are prepared by experts from food monitoring, science, consumers, and the food industry based on Section 16 of the Food and Feed…
What are MOSH and MOAH?
The abbreviations MOSH and MOAH stand for chemical compounds found in mineral oil. MOSH stands for "mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons," while MOAH stands for "mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons." MOSH can be absorbed by…
What is meant by POSH?
POSH stands for "polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons." These are saturated hydrocarbons found in plastics. POSH can migrate into food from plastic packaging. A conclusive health assessment of this substance is…
Which foods are contaminated with heavy metals?
Total mercury is absorbed about 55% from animal and 45% from plant foods. The particularly problematic methylmercury (organic mercury) is mainly absorbed from fish and seafood. In all other foods, mercury is…
How is coumarin regulated in food?
Coumarin is a natural flavoring agent found in cinnamon, sweet woodruff, and tonka beans. For a small group of particularly sensitive individuals, the consumption of foods containing coumarin can lead to liver damage.…
How is the use of preservatives in food regulated?
The use of preservatives serves to inhibit yeasts and molds (sometimes also bacteria) in foods, thereby improving their shelf life. The authorization of preservatives for certain foods is regulated by Regulation (EC) No…
How should allergens be labeled in non-prepackaged foods?
On 13.07.2017, the European Commission published a notice that clarifies the labeling of allergens in several aspects. Specifically, for non-prepackaged foods, the Food Information Regulation No. 1169/2011 (FIR) does…
How are vitamins declared on pre-packaged food?
Vitamins can be used either as additives or for vitamin enrichment in foods. As additives (e.g. ascorbic acid as an antioxidant in potato products), they are listed with the corresponding additive class designation…