Determination of pesticide residues and their metabolites is performed by multiresidue GC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods after extraction and pre-treatment by dispersive SPE (QuEChERS method) according to EN 15662. Separate LC-MS procedures (QuPPe method) are available for highly polar pesticides such as glyphosate, glufosinate, phosethyl, chlormequat, phosphonic acid, chlorates and chlorates, nicotine, etephon, etc. Separate methods (single residue methods, SRM) are also available for the determination of residues of ethylene oxide or dithiocarbamate fungicides.
In the scope of all these accredited methods, we have more than 530 substances included. The laboratory applies a flexible scope of accreditation so that it can further extend the range of parameters tested.
All the methods are validated and controlled according to the SANTE/11312/2021 (v.2) document binding for the official control of food, drink and feed and are suitable for the analyses required for Global GAP certification, or for the inspection and certification of organic food and bioproducts, for the control of baby and infant food, etc. The laboratory is also qualified for the analysis of pesticide residues in fruit and vegetables according to Government Regulation No 80/2023 on the establishment of conditions for the implementation of agri-environmental and climate change measures.
Pesticide residues are assessed according to Regulation (EC) No 2005/396 of the European Parliament and of the Council on maximum residue limits for pesticides in food and feed, or according to specific regulations such as Directive 2020/2184/EU, which applies to water, as well as according to Government Regulation No. 80/2023 Coll. The laboratory procedures are also in accordance with the Guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture, which lay down specific rules for the collection, analysis and assessment of samples from organic farming. For the control of organic products it is always necessary to order complete multiresidue analyses, i.e. by GC-MS/MS (KM01) and LC-MS/MS (KM02).
Our specialists are ready to consult with you free of charge in advance on the choice of the appropriate range of residue analyses and the method of evaluation of the results, so that the testing is efficient and the test protocols are as fit for purpose as possible. The following methods are available, the ranges of which are specified in detail in the Annex to the Certificate of Accreditation and the current List of Activities:
KM 01: Determination of pesticides and their metabolites by GC/MS method (MRM1)
KM 02: Determination of pesticides and their metabolites by LC/MS method (MRM2)
KM 03: Determination of dithiocarbamate fungicides by SPME/GC/MS method
KM 04: Determination of highly polar pesticide residues and metabolites by LC/MS method (SRM)
KM 14A: Determination of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide by GC–MS
The collection of representative samples for the control of pesticide residues in foodstuffs and raw materials of plant and animal origin is recommended according to Directive 2002/63/EC, including sampling according to the Methodology to Government Regulation No. 80/2023 Coll. We are ready to provide methodological support for sampling foodstuffs and crops and their subsequent transport to the laboratory. We therefore recommend contacting the laboratory before delivery of the samples, preferably by e-mail (see Contacts).
Within the framework of official food control according to Regulation (EC) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Laboratory for State Agricultural and Food Inspection carries out analyses of pesticide residues and therefore the analytical methods and their ranges are fully harmonised with those used by other official laboratories in the EU. The Laboratory cooperates with the EU Reference Laboratories (EURL) for pesticide residues and undergoes inter-laboratory proficiency tests organised by them several times a year.