News
17.05.2023 - Foods
Quinoa in the eco-test - Analysis for pesticides, mineral oil components (MOSH/MOAH), and mold toxins (mycotoxins)
In the April 2023 issue of Öko-Test, 19 quinoa products were tested, including 15 products with an organic label.
The following testing parameters were examined:
- Mold toxins (mycotoxins)
- Pesticides
- Mineral oil components (MOSH/MOAH)
Pesticides
In one tested product, an increased level of the pesticide fluopyram was measured, which is slightly above the legal maximum residue level. However, when measurement uncertainty is taken into account, the level is still within the permissible range. In all other products in the test, no pesticides were detectable.
Mineral oil components
Mineral oil components can enter food through the lubricating oils of machines or packaging plastics. Among the aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH), there may be carcinogenic compounds. Contamination with mineral oil components (MOSH/MOAH) was detected in five quinoa samples.
Mold toxins
Mycotoxins are metabolic products formed by molds that are undesirable in foods and feedstuffs due to their toxicity. While rarely acutely harmful to human health, they can be carcinogenic and mutagenic. Therefore, mycotoxins are subject to strict maximum content regulations. No mold toxins were detected in any of the tested products.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for pesticides, MOSH/MOAH, and mycotoxins. We provide fast and reliable results.
For questions, our customer advisors are very happy to assist you.
Sources:
Öko-Test No. 04/2023
www.oekotest.de
www.efsa.europa.eu