Cereals and derivatives

Laboratory testing for safety, quality, and contaminant control in cereals

Cereals and their derivatives—such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, and rye—represent one of the primary raw materials of the food industry. The cereal supply chain is particularly exposed to risks associated with mycotoxin contamination, pesticide residues, environmental contaminants, and physical impurities. For this reason, implementing a structured analytical control system throughout the entire production cycle is essential.

At Lifeanalytics, we support milling companies, food industries, and cereal supply chain operators with accredited laboratory analyses designed to verify the safety of cereal raw materials, monitor chemical and microbiological contaminants, ensure compliance with European regulatory thresholds, support the technological quality of grains and flours, and prevent non-compliance and product holds.

Regulations and safety in the cereal sector

The control of cereals and derived products is governed by specific European regulations concerning food safety and contaminants, including:

• Regulation (EU) 2023/915 – On maximum levels for certain contaminants in food (replacing Reg. (EC) No 1881/2006)
• Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 – On maximum residue levels of pesticides (MRLs)
• Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 – On the hygiene of foodstuffs
• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 – Food information to consumers

Laboratory analyses enable the verification of raw material and processed product compliance with the limits established by European legislation.

Laboratory testing for cereals, flours, and derivatives

Our ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited laboratories provide reliable and defensible analytical data, which are fundamental for audits, official controls, and supply chain verifications. Every day, we support companies in:

• Mycotoxin control: targeted analyses (Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, DON, Zearalenone, Fumonisins) to identify contaminated lots early and prevent non-compliance.
• Pesticide residues and chemical contaminants: multi-residue pesticide screening and monitoring of heavy metals, dioxins, PCBs, PAHs, and PFAS to ensure the safety of raw materials intended for processing.
• Microbiological analysis: testing for Salmonella, yeast and mold counts, and hygiene indicators in cereals and flours to monitor hygienic-sanitary quality during harvesting and storage.
• Physicochemical and technological analysis: determination of moisture, water activity, protein, ash, and full proximate analysis to evaluate the performance and technological quality of flours.
• Allergens, GMOs, and cross-contamination: testing for gluten and other regulated allergens, GMO screening, and cross-contamination controls to safeguard accurate labeling.
• Filth test and impurities: detection of insect fragments, plant debris, and inert materials (such as sand) to verify the physical integrity of lots and prevent commercial disputes.

Your trusted experts for the Cereal supply chain

Choosing Lifeanalytics means relying on a specialized technical partner for laboratory testing of cereals, flours, and derivatives. We support companies in monitoring typical contaminants of the cereal supply chain, ensuring the safety and quality of raw materials, passing audits and official controls, and ultimately demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements.

Thanks to a network of accredited laboratories and deep vertical expertise in the agrifood sector, we At Lifeanalytics, we provide a comprehensive ecosystem of testing, consulting, and training services, backed by constant regulatory updates, to help companies make confident decisions and safeguard their business.

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