Pesticide and Residue Testing Services
Pesticides in food may leave residues that, when exceeding Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs), result in non-compliance. Mérieux NutriSciences offers a range of pesticide residue testing screens to help ensure consumer safety. Download the flyer to learn more about improved turnaround times.
Multi- and Single-Residue Pesticide Testing
We provide accredited multi-residue and single-residue pesticide testing services to help food businesses meet Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) regulations and protect consumer health. Using advanced techniques such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, our laboratories provide accurate and reliable detection of hundreds of pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, grains, and processed foods. Whether you need broad screening or targeted analysis, our solutions support food safety compliance, regulatory approval, and brand protection.
PEST-GCLC (Multi-Residue Screen)
- Description: A broad screen covering 500 compounds, including pyrethrins, methyl carbamates, organophosphates, organonitrogens, and organochlorides.
- Method: QuEChERS sample extraction paired with GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS determination.
- Suitable For: Fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, meat, dairy, processed foods, beverages, and select oils.
PEST-MR (Multi-Residue Screen)
- Description: A targeted screen analyzing 360 compounds across various chemical groups.
- Method: Utilizes QuEChERS extraction with GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis.
- Suitable For: Fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, meat, dairy, processed foods, beverages, and select oils.
PEST-USP (Multi-Residue Screen)
- Description: Conforms to General Chapter <561>, tracking 70 reportable combinations encompassing parent compounds and degradation products.
- Method: Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, including tests for dithiocarbamate fungicides and inorganic bromide.
- Suitable For: Dietary supplement raw materials and finished products.
PEST-NOP (Multi-Residue Screen)
- Description: Covers 215 frequently monitored pesticides alongside other common compounds.
- Suitable For: Fruits, vegetables, processed foods, and beverages.
OC-PCB-FD (Multi-Residue Screen)
- Description: Screens specifically for indicator PCBs and organochlorine pesticides.
- Method: GC-MS analysis.
- Suitable For: Meat, fish, fats, and oils.
PEST-HERB (Multi-Residue Screen)
- Description: Analyzes phenoxy acid herbicides, such as 2,4-D.
- Suitable For: Feeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Glyphosate (Single-Residue Screen)
- Description: Identifies both the parent molecule and corresponding breakdown derivatives.
- Suitable For: Dairy, processed foods, and cereal grains.
Paraquat and Diquat (Single-Residue Screen)
- Description: Evaluates herbicides subject to stringent North American restrictions.
- Suitable For: General food matrices and feeds.
Dithiocarbamates (Single-Residue Screen)
- Method: Headspace GC-MS screening confirmed via LC-MS/MS.
- Suitable For: Most food items and feeds, excluding brassicas and the allium family.
Contact Us for Pesticide Testing Solutions
For more information or to request our pesticide testing services, please visit our website or contact us directly. Our team is ready to provide detailed insights and tailored solutions to ensure your products meet all regulatory standards. Contact our pesticide experts today!
Pesticide Testing Resources and Insights
Packaging & Materials Testing: Frequently Asked Questions
Are your pesticide testing laboratories ISO 17025 accredited?
Yes, our pesticide testing laboratories operate under strict ISO 17025 accreditation. This globally recognized standard ensures that our analytical methods, quality management systems, and technical capabilities deliver consistently accurate and legally defensible residue data for your compliance requirements.
Can you verify pesticide MRL compliance for international export markets?
Yes, we provide comprehensive Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) compliance testing tailored to your specific export destinations. Our experts continuously monitor shifting global regulations—including EU, FDA, and EPA standards—to ensure your commodities meet the exact legal limits of your target markets.
What is the standard turnaround time for pesticide residue testing?
Standard turnaround times for routine pesticide residue testing generally range from 3 to 5 business days, depending on the complexity of the sample matrix. We also offer expedited testing options to support urgent supply chain releases and tight export deadlines.
What types of food products and matrices can you test for pesticides?
Our laboratories test a wide variety of matrices, including fresh produce, grains, botanicals, processed foods, dairy, and infant formula. We utilize specialized extraction methods to handle complex matrices—such as high-fat or high-sugar products—while maintaining precise trace-level detection limits.