13.05.2022 - Lebensmittel

Quaternary ammonium compounds - toxic biocides in ice cream and cream

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAV) are chemicals that have two main applications:

1. application as pesticides in crop protection products.

2. application as biocides in disinfectants.

The main representatives of QAVs are benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and dialkyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC). Their use as pesticides is banned in the EU.

CVUA Freiburg has been routinely testing food for residues of BAC and DDAC since 2013 and has since been able to detect these QAV in approximately 7% of samples. Most frequently, the QAV were detected in light-colored ice cream and cream from vending machines. The QAVs probably enter these foods via disinfectants that are not sufficiently washed out.

For BAC and DDAC, a provisional maximum residue level of 0.1 mg/kg applies. The LGL Bavaria objects to ice cream from this maximum residue level.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly carry out tests for QAV residues. We provide you with fast and reliable results. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service representatives. 

- Further information:

Article of CVUA Freiburg
Article of the LGL Bavaria
Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005