Pesticide testing laboratory at i2 FAST
Pesticide testing at i2 FAST is accredited by UKAS in accordance with the internationally recognised standard ISO/IEC17025:2017.
Our pesticide testing laboratory and accreditation covers a range of matrices which include:
Fresh Produce
Dried fruits
Vegetables
Cereals & Nuts
Analysis of products outside this category can also be offered and reported as non-accredited.
General limits of quantification (LOQ) are 0.01mg/kg with the exception of Dithiocarbamates where the LOQ is 0.05mg/kg. Whilst every effort will be made to achieve the lowest LOQ, for complex matrices the LOQ may have to be increased.
Pesticide Testing Screen
The standard pesticide testing screen at i2 FAST contains in excess of 656 actives including:
A wide range of banned chemicals
Those restricted for use by retailers
Actives included in the UK and EU surveillance programmes
Actives commonly used in routine agronomy practice throughout the world
For a full list of actives please contact the laboratory.
Cautionary note - the standard pesticide screen will not include all the actives that may have been used in the agronomy process of your crops. The screen has been developed based on common chemistry to capture and quantify as many of the key actives used on agriculture.
It is recommended that available PPPL (Plant Protection Product Lists) authorised for use and spray records are fully interrogated against the pesticide screen to ensure all key actives that are of risk are being tested for. Actives not included in the screen may require separate testing if they are a risk.
Examples of actives not included in the pesticide screen that can be provided at i2 FAST are as follows:
Dithiocarbamates
These are a group of fungicides widely used in agriculture. Due to the complication of determining these actives, analysis is carried out using a generic method based on the presence of the sulphur moiety present in these molecules, converted to CS2 and then determined.
Cautionary note – naturally occurring sulphur is present in certain products such as brassicas and alliums, false positives may arise.
Chlormequat
Commonly used on cereals. Secondary form of contamination on mushrooms where straw is used during production. Pears from Belgium and grapes from India are a potential risks.
Fosetyl Aluminium and Phosphorous acid
Widely used on top fruit, soft fruits and a range of vegetables.
Cautionary note – residue definition includes Phosphorous acid which could arise from the use of fertilisers resulting in false positives.
Ethephon
Plant growth regulator and ripening promoter used on cereals, grapes, pineapples and bush fruits.
Chlorate and Perchlorate
Although chlorate containing pesticides have been banned for many years, residues can arise via the use of fertilisers, environment and contact with cleaning agents.
Dithianon
Fungicide authorised for use in top fruits, grapes and blackcurrants.
Costs of analysis will depend on sample numbers and frequency, commodity, and reporting time required.
Our service has been designed to meet the challenges faced by industry where analysis needs to be supported with technical assistance. Our scientists have a proven track record which is highly recognised by the fresh produce sector, both industry and retailers and are available to assist and advise as required.
The key features of our service include:
Comprehensive pesticide screen – one of the largest in the UK giving you extra security and peace of mind
Detailed reports to enable easy management of data and the trends that emerge
Strong communication network to ensure smooth transfer of samples from you to us and then data to you
Access to our bespoke Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to track your samples and effectively manage your data
Emergency response
Rapid testing service
We can support with training courses and on site bespoke training if this facilitates your needs
Comprehensive Pesticide Screen
i2 FAST offers one of the most comprehensive pesticide testing services in the UK with the standard pesticide screen including over 656 actives. This outnumbers any screens currently provided in the UK providing customers a greater level of confidence on the quality of the products tested and value for money as many laboratories will charge you extra for many of the actives included in the i2 FAST pesticide screen.
The pesticide screen is carried out using GC and LC mass spectrometry. The demands of the industry and legislation is continuously increasing therefore, our investment has been towards the most modern and higher operating specifications of GC and LC equipment to enable greater precision and sensitivity to be achieved.
The pesticide testing screen has been carefully designed to include key actives that have been banned over the years, actives that give concern amongst the retailers as specified in the RAG lists and those monitored by the UK government and EU surveillance schemes.
The pesticide testing laboratories are furnished with the newest analytical equipment and the layout has been purposefully designed to enable effective sample flow and efficiency. The methods employed have been carefully researched and validated to minimise the use of solvents, making the process environmentally friendly.
Advice and Consultancy
Our technical staff are available to discuss your testing programme, understand your remit and help to design a testing programme that will deliver what you need.
In the event of adverse results, we will assist as best as we can to help you resolve the issue. General advice will be a feature of our standard service, but where investigative or programme design is required, charges will apply.
Detailed Reports and Data Management
Our standard pesticide reports gives you detailed information saving you time and effort to reference, find and calculate the required data.
In addition to all the information you have registered relating to the sample, reports will contain:
A summary page showing what has been found
For each pesticide found, there will be:
A reference to the EU & GB MRL
% of the MRL
Visual map of approval and authorisation within the EU
Toxicity calculation by NESTI
The i2 FAST on-line LIMS system will facilitate easy registering of samples either via a PC or an APP on your phone. You can track your sample at the different stages of the analysis journey.
All data will be accessible via a database enabling you to search, find and trend data.
Trained Staff
Staff training and their knowledge is key to delivering a quality service ensuring attention to detail when reporting to you. We will communicate exceedances to you in the required format.
Emergency
Standard testing will range from 5 to 3 working days from receipt of samples. Urgent testing can also be carried out which can be same day (day of receipt of samples) or next working day. Where possible we will assist out of hours.
Training and Education
Our training courses covers all aspects of pesticide testing, from a basic understanding of pesticides, how they work, the analysis, interpretation of data, including toxicity calculation and understanding pesticide breakdown.
Where required we can represent you at technical committees so that you can voice your opinion and remain anonymous.
We would love to chat about your pesticide testing requirements.
Call us on +44(0)1442 371 720