Looking for more than 500 pesticides and other contaminants and residues in our food and in our environment
We study the health hazards linked to the presence of chemical residues in our environment, and more specifically in our food.
Our accredited analysis methods enable us to detect, identify and quantify various chemical contaminants with harmful effects on human health, such as pesticides or pharmaceutical residues, for example.
We also examine the different routes of exposure to these substances and human contamination patterns, such as, for example, from the environment to humans via food. To do so, we analyse these substances in urine or human breast milk.
Our data is based on population studies and enables us to advise the authorities on public health matters.
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We work closely with the health authorities in Belgium (FPS Health, FASFC, BELSPO) and Luxembourg. Based on the results of our research, we support them to define and implement their public health policies.
We develop new, innovative analysis methods to detect the presence of toxic chemical contaminants and residues in our food and environment.
Our laboratory has proven expertise in this area. Enjoying an excellent reputation in Belgium and abroad, it also acts as a national reference laboratory (NRL). We are the NRL for the analysis of pesticides and in collaboration with the University of Liège for the analysis of process contaminants (PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), acrylamide) and environmental contaminants (PCBs (polychlorobiphenyls), flame retardants and perfluoroalkylated substances) in our food (fruits and vegetables, but also products of animal origin).