Fruits and vegetables are fundamental to a healthy diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. However, ensuring their safety and quality is a growing challenge due to contaminants, pesticide residues, and microbiological risks. Strict regulatory standards and advanced analytical techniques are required to maintain consumer trust and product integrity.
In Europe, the fruit and vegetable sector is valued at around 50 billion euros, with Spain and Italy leading in production and exports. Given the high consumer expectations for safety, sustainability, and transparency, the industry must continuously evolve to meet stringent regulations.
Market Trends and Consumer Expectations
The fruit and vegetable industry is evolving to meet high food safety and quality standards, influenced by:
- Sustainable farming practices – Organic farming, integrated production, and zero-residue approaches.
- Environmental concerns – The European Green Deal promotes reduced pesticide use.
- Consumer awareness – Demand for transparent sourcing and certified quality products is rising.
To address these challenges, Mérieux NutriSciences supports agribusinesses with accredited laboratory services that ensure compliance with food safety regulations and evolving market expectations.
Mérieux NutriSciences: Comprehensive Analytical Services for Fruits and Vegetables
Pesticide Residue Analysis
Pesticide residues are one of the most critical chemical hazards in the fruit and vegetable sector, especially for vulnerable consumer groups such as children.
Mérieux NutriSciences provides:
- Extended multi-residue screening (>900 active substances).
- Anionic and cationic pesticide analysis.
- Dedicated profiles for organic, baby food, and zero-residue production.
- UNI EN ISO 15662:2018 compliant methods (QuEChERS extraction).
Mycotoxins and Plant Toxins Analysis
Climate change and agricultural intensification have increased the prevalence of mycotoxins in fresh produce. These fungal toxins pose a serious health risk.
Key analyses include:
- LC-MS/MS multi-residue screening for regulated mycotoxins.
- Targeted analysis for Alternaria mycotoxins, Patulin (in fruit purées), and ergot alkaloids.
- Plant toxin detection, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids and tropane alkaloids.
Heavy Metals and Inorganic Contaminants Analysis
Heavy metals and inorganic contaminants accumulate in fruits and vegetables through soil, water, and air pollution, posing long-term health risks.
Mérieux NutriSciences offers:
- Comprehensive testing for cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium, and inorganic arsenic.
- Detection of nitrites and nitrates in vegetables.
Nutritional Analysis and Labeling Compliance
Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which define their nutritional value.
Our laboratories provide:
- Complete nutrient profiling (vitamins, minerals, fiber, macronutrients, etc.).
- Labeling compliance for nutritional claims under Regulation (EU) 1169/2011.
GMO Analysis
In the EU, GMOs must be labeled if their content exceeds 0.9%.
Mérieux NutriSciences offers:
- GMO screening for authorized and non-authorized events.
- Identification and quantification of specific GMO events.
Allergen Detection in Fruits and Vegetables
Food allergens, such as celery and tree nuts, pose a serious health risk. Rigorous testing is essential to prevent cross-contamination.
Our expertise includes:
- ELISA and PCR-based allergen detection.
- Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 compliance for allergen labeling.
Microbiological Testing for Fresh Produce
Fruits and vegetables can be contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and fungi through soil, irrigation water, and handling.
Our microbiological testing includes:
- Pathogen detection (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, etc.).
- Compliance with Regulation (EC) 2073/2005.
Shelf Life Studies for Fruits and Vegetables
Determining the shelf life of fresh, processed, and frozen products is crucial for quality assurance.
Mérieux NutriSciences provides:
- Chemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluations over time.
- Shelf-life optimization studies for fresh-cut and heat-treated products.
Food Authenticity and Fraud Prevention
Ensuring the authenticity of fruits and vegetables is vital for brand protection and consumer trust.
- DNA-based species identification
- Isotopic analysis for geographical origin
- Traceability systems to confirm organic certification
Mérieux NutriSciences provides comprehensive support to Fruits and Vegetables industries at every stage of the supply chain
