PFAS Analysis at NutriControl: How Accreditation Makes the Difference

30 Mar 2025

PFAS analysis are playing an increasingly significant role in the food and feed industry, and NutriControl is one of the first laboratories to offer an accredited method for detecting these complex compounds. Harald Dahlmans, Senior Product Developer at NutriControl, takes us through the development of this advanced analysis. In this interview, he discusses the challenges, innovations, and the importance of accreditation in ensuring reliable results.

NutriControl: One of the First Laboratories with an Accredited PFAS Analysis for Animal Feed, Raw Materials, and Dairy Products What does this mean for our customers, and how does it set us apart from other laboratories?

Any reputable laboratory will seek accreditation for its residue analysis. Accuracy is crucial in every analysis, especially for those governed by legal standards. After all, self-regulation without oversight is not a reliable approach.

What advantages does this accreditation offer our customers, particularly in terms of regulations and reliability?

Accreditation provides customers with greater confidence in the accuracy of the results. It requires that the method is validated and that its accuracy is demonstrated through participation in proficiency tests. This ensures that the method meets rigorous industry standards.

Can you walk us through the process of developing a PFAS analysis? What factors determine how you set up an analysis?

It all starts with understanding the analytical process, beginning with modifying the LC-MS/MS system, separating the standards, and identifying potential risks of PFAS contamination during the analysis. Every component used in the analysis was tested for PFAS presence. Only when the procedural blank was completely free of contamination could we proceed with testing the actual samples.

What technical or methodological challenges did you encounter while developing this accredited PFAS analysis, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was finding materials free from PFAS contamination. Any product that comes into contact with the sample (or extract) must be completely PFAS-free, as even the slightest contamination can lead to false-positive results. By carefully selecting and testing all materials used in the process, we were able to eliminate this risk and ensure the integrity of our analysis.

Harald Dahlmans Senior Product Developer

We already analyze more than the four well-known PFAS compounds, ensuring that we are prepared for the future.

How did we ensure that the analysis meets the strict accreditation criteria, and what were the key steps in this process?

Based on the legal standards for the matrices to be analyzed, we developed a validation and accreditation plan. Recovery plays a crucial role in this process, as it indicates the accuracy of the obtained results. We also verify this by participating in proficiency tests, where results are compared across laboratories.

Were there any external parties, such as suppliers or certification bodies, that we collaborated with during the development of this analysis?

Of course, we consulted suppliers to determine whether their products were suitable for PFAS analysis. For instance, the first SPE columns delivered to us were not suitable, and we informed the supplier. Subsequent batches met the required standards. During the method development, we also switched to a different column supplier, which improved the separation of an interfering compound in egg samples.

What does the process look like for a customer requesting a PFAS analysis, from sample collection to reporting the results?

Our primary focus is analyzing eggs for PFAS presence. Similar to dioxin analysis, 20 eggs are mixed to obtain a representative measurement of the dioxin content from a single farm. Like dioxins, PFAS can be absorbed by free-range chickens through soil and earthworms. Testing a single egg would not provide an accurate picture of the overall contamination level. Since some chickens roam outside more than others, exposure risks vary. This is why a composite sample of multiple eggs is required to ensure a reliable assessment of dioxins and PFAS.

What specific techniques or equipment do we use for PFAS analysis, and what makes them unique or particularly reliable?

The use of labeled standards with an isotope dilution method ensures a highly reliable analysis. Additionally, tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is required for accurate PFAS detection.

Do you see opportunities to expand our PFAS services to other matrices or markets?

Yes, we are currently working on validating additional matrices to expand the scope of our method.

What innovations or developments do you expect in PFAS analysis in the future, and how is NutriControl preparing for them?

Regulations may be expanded to include additional PFAS compounds. Currently, legal standards exist for four well-known PFAS compounds and their sum, but we already analyze more than these four compounds, ensuring we are well-prepared for future developments.

PFAS Analysis at NutriControl: How Accreditation Makes the Difference

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