Elemental Testing For Food and Edible Products
By Exeter Analytical (UK) Ltd in Coventry
In today’s globally interconnected food industry, ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of food products is not only a regulatory obligation—but a fundamental responsibility. From raw agricultural materials to processed goods and dietary supplements, trace elemental analysis is a critical tool in detecting harmful contaminants, meeting regulatory standards, and protecting public health.
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At Exeter Analytical, we specialise in high-precision elemental testing for food products, raw ingredients, nutritional supplements, and food additives. Our services help food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, nutraceutical companies, and quality assurance teams meet stringent international safety standards while upholding consumer trust.
1994
EST.
CALL OUR TEAM ON 024 7632 3223 FOR A QUOTE
Why Elemental Testing Is Essential in the Food Industry
1. Consumer Safety & Public Health
Even trace levels of toxic elements can pose severe health risks, particularly when exposure is chronic. Heavy metals such as:
Lead (Pb) – linked to neurological damage
Arsenic (As) – associated with carcinogenicity, especially in inorganic forms
Cadmium (Cd) – harmful to kidneys and bones
Mercury (Hg) – affects neurological and developmental functions
2. Regulatory Compliance
EU Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 on maximum levels for contaminants in foodstuffs
Codex Alimentarius standards
FDA (USA) and EFSA guidelines
USP <2232> for dietary supplements
National regulatory frameworks in APAC, UK, and beyond
3. Raw Material & Ingredient Screening
Elemental contamination can enter the supply chain through:
Agricultural inputs (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers)
Contaminated water
Processing aids and bulking agents
Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in nutraceuticals
Manufacturing equipment (e.g., metal contact surfaces)
Proactive screening of raw materials helps identify and eliminate contamination risks before they impact production.
4. Quality Control & Batch Release Testing
Consistent elemental composition is vital for ensuring batch-to-batch uniformity, particularly in fortified foods, supplements, and mineral-rich products. Our rapid turnaround testing supports efficient production and timely release.
Elements of Interest in Food & Supplement Testing
We routinely test for a wide range of elements, including:
Toxic Heavy Metals
Lead (Pb)
Arsenic (As)
Cadmium (Cd)
Mercury (Hg)
Nickel (Ni)
Tin (Sn)
Antimony (Sb)
Chromium (Cr)
Essential Nutritional Elements
Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn)
Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na)
Selenium (Se), Iodine (I), Molybdenum (Mo)
(Quantification of these elements supports labelling, fortification validation, and nutritional claims.)
Other Inorganics
Aluminium (Al), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Vanadium (V) Phosphorus (P), Sulphur (S), Chloride (Cl)
CALL US TODAY ON 024 7632 3223 FOR A QUOTE
​Our Capabilities
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ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy)
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Microwave digestion and customised sample prep for complex food matrices
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CHNS elemental analysis for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur content
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Support for solid, liquid, powder, gel, and encapsulated sample formats
Partner with Exeter Analytical
Whether you’re testing nutritional supplements, functional foods, or natural extracts, our team of expert chemists, ensure your results are:
Accurate
Compliant
Traceable
Fast Turnaround Time
You can also trust us for elemental testing for cosmetics, agrochemicals, and more.
Exeter Analytical offers advanced instrumentation and expertise in:
Let Exeter Analytical support your commitment to safe, high-quality food products. Contact us today to discuss your elemental testing requirements.
024 7632 3223