This procedure is for simultaneous analyses of propylenethiourea (PTU) and ethylenethiourea (ETU) in a wide range of sample matrices. The methodology both identifies (screen) and quantifies residues within your food sample using state of the art liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) equipment. This data can ensure your production processes are fit for purpose, as well as providing strong evidence to regulators and consumers about the safety of your foodstuffs and compliance with various regulations, including Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs).

Fera acts as the National Reference Laboratory for the analyses of pesticide residues. We employ leading experts to carry out tests to confirm that food complies with regulatory requirements; ensuring consumers are not exposed to unacceptable levels of pesticide residues.

PTU and ETU are breakdown products / metabolites of a range of dithiocarbamates (DTCs) and they are formed during food processing. DTCs are used extensively within agriculture, most notably as fungicides, as well as having a plethora of uses in different industries e.g. rubber, paper industry. Due to concerns about highly toxic nature of PTU, it is listed as one of the undesirable substances that should not be present in baby food. Therefore, infant food and infant formulae require very sensitive methods to ensure its absence.

This analysis can provide the evidence required to assure regulators and consumers that DTCs have been correctly used by farmers, adhering to good agricultural practice (GAP). This in turn ensures that residues are within the regulatory limits and thus within safe levels in foodstuffs minimising consumer exposure.

Through our industry accepted comprehensive innovative multi residue and single residue methods utilising state-of-the-art technologies, we can accurately detect and quantify levels of a range of pesticide residues within your foodstuffs to meet regulation and protect consumers. Our fast turnaround times (1-10 working days) to ensure your results reach you quickly and you can address any potential issue in timely fashion. Our analysis requires only 100 g sample of your foodstuff to ensure accurate analysis, but a bigger sample (typically 1 kg) may be required to comply with EU and Codex regulations.

Our experts can test for ETU & PTU individually as well as a combined test.