Quaternary Ammonium Compounds – Toxic Biocides in Ice Cream and Cream

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds – Toxic Biocides in Ice Cream and Cream

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds – Toxic Biocides in Ice Cream and Cream

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Aug 21, 2024 - Foods

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds – Toxic Biocides in Ice Cream and Cream

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAV) are chemicals that have two main applications:

  1. Use as pesticides in plant protection products
  2. Use as biocides in disinfectants

The main representatives of QAV are benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC). The use as a pesticide is banned in the EU. 

The CVUA Freiburg has been routinely testing food for residues of BAC and DDAC since 2013 and has been able to detect these QAV in approximately 7% of the samples since then. The QAV were most frequently detected in light-colored ice cream varieties and cream from vending machines. These QAV probably enter these foods through disinfectants that are not sufficiently rinsed off. 

For BAC and DDAC, a provisional maximum residue level of 0.1 mg/kg applies. The LGL Bayern objects to ice cream from this maximum residue level.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly carry out tests for QAV residues. We provide you with fast and reliable results. If you have any questions, our customer advisors are happy to help.

Source: www.lgl.bayern.de