Analysis & Advice

  Reference institute
  Analysis & Advice
  Dioxine analysis
  Dioxin monitoring
  Russian Federation
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We carry out measurements and analyses, perform official inspections for the government, and provide advice. We are ready to be deployed on a 24/7 basis in the event of food safety and environmental incidents.

Contact: Piet Stouten

Analysis


20.000 samples
Each year, we receive roughly 20,000 samples from our clients. The nature of these samples varies enormously, including: urine, meat, fish, shellfish, eggs, animal feeds, milk powder, tulip bulbs, excrement, confectionery, potato crisps, bees, cattle hair, and materials confiscated by the VWA. We analyse these samples among other things for the presence of dioxins, heavy metals, pesticides, mycotoxins, prohibited growth promoters, GMOs and animal meal.

Forensic analysis
In addition, when requested by the VWA to do so, RIKILT investigates possible cases of fraud (within the framework of the EU subsidy schemes) or the illegal use of prohibited substances (pesticides, animal drugs etc.). Based on the results of such forensic analysis, the Public Prosecutor’s Office can initiate criminal proceedings.

We use a wide range of analytical methods to analyse these substances. These include almost all possible types of chemical analysis, bioassays, genomics, and immunological, biochemical and cellular & molecular biological analyses as well as microscopic and histological methods. 

RIKILT has an extensive set of analysis methods at its disposal.

  • residues
  • contaminants
  • verinary drugs
  • pesticides
  • heavy metals
  • micro-organisms
  • bioactive substances
  • genetically modified substances
  • animal proteins
  • allergens

For a complete overview see our hand out.

Advice

RIKILT plays an important role in advising the national government as well as international government bodies in the area of feed and food safety. Our consultancy role includes the following:

  • helping to determine standards and guidelines for the authorisation of new agricultural additives and foodstuffs;
  • new risk factors;
  • evaluating possible risks posed by GMOs;
  • providing advice on food safety in the food chain;
  • providing advice and recommendations, whether requested or not, during food safety incidents and crises;
  • participation in national and international committees on the standardisation and introduction of new analytical methods;
  • contributing to the development of policy guidelines in the area of food quality;
  • participating in international committees, for example within the framework of the EU, the EFSA, Codex Alimentarius and the World
  • Health Organization;
  • evaluating specific files: providing evaluations and recommendations in response to requests, e.g. for the authorisation of GMOs and
  • cattle feed additives; in such cases, attention is focused in particular on the health risks posed by the substances concerned.