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08.04.2024 - Foods

Quaternary ammonium compounds – toxic biocides in ice cream and cream

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QAC) are chemicals that have two main applications:

1.      Use as pesticides in plant protection products

2.      Use as biocides in disinfectants

The main representatives of QAC are benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC). The use as a pesticide is banned in the EU.

Since 2013, the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) Freiburg has routinely tested food for residues of BAC and DDAC and has been able to detect these QACs in approximately 7% of the samples. The QACs were most frequently detected in light-colored ice cream varieties and cream from dispensers. These QACs presumably enter these foods via disinfectants that are not sufficiently rinsed off.

A provisional Maximum Residue Level of 0.1 mg/kg applies to BAC and DDAC. The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL Bayern) criticizes ice cream at this maximum residue level.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly perform tests for QAC residues. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer service representatives are available to answer any questions you may have.

Further information:

Article from CVUA Freiburg: https://www.ua-bw.de/pub/beitrag.asp?subid=3&Thema_ID=7&ID=3354&Pdf=No&lang=DE

Article from LGL Bayern: https://www.lgl.bayern.de/lebensmittel/chemie/pflanzenschutzmittel/pestizide_tierisch_lm/ue_2017_bac_ddac_eis_sahne.htm

Regulation (EC) No 396/2005: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/ALL/?uri=celex%3A32005R0396