Explore detailed fact sheets on chemical topics in the food and cosmetics sectors. Our expert information provides you with comprehensive knowledge about chemical analyses, quality control, and safety standards in chemistry.
Foods
What is the significance of heavy metals in food?
How do heavy metals get into food? Heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment. They enter food through industrial processes, exhaust gases, sewage sludge or pesticides — via plants or the meat of grazing animals —…
What role do plant protection products (pesticides) play in food?
What are pesticides and how do they get into food? Pesticides are active substances and combinations of substances that contain one or more active ingredients. Pesticides protect plants and plant products from pests and…
What is the significance of mycotoxins (mould toxins) in food?
Fact sheet on mycotoxins (mould toxins) in food What are mycotoxins and how do they get into food? Mycotoxins (mould toxins) are secondary metabolites produced by certain moulds (e.g. Aspergillus, Penicillium species).…
Cosmetics
What role do preservatives play in cosmetics?
Fact sheet on preservatives in cosmetics What are preservatives? According to the Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009), preservatives are defined as: "substances which are used in cosmetic products…
What is the significance of heavy metals in cosmetics?
Fact sheet on heavy metals in cosmetics How do heavy metals get into cosmetics? Heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment. They therefore enter the raw materials used for cosmetic products predominantly from the…