ICP-MS analysis, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, is a technique that measures trace elements and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury at very low concentrations in food samples, enabling verification of compliance with EU maximum levels for contaminants.
In trade practice
For Ukrainian honey, cereals and fruit products destined for the EU, exporters commission ICP-MS testing from an accredited laboratory to confirm that heavy metal concentrations do not exceed the levels set in Regulation (EU) 2023/915 on contaminants. The certificate of analysis must list each element tested, the measured value and the method detection limit, allowing buyers to confirm that results are not simply below an unvalidated reporting threshold. A common error is commissioning ICP-OES rather than ICP-MS for elements such as arsenic or cadmium where the required detection limit is below what ICP-OES can reliably achieve. The laboratory must hold ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the specific elements and matrices tested.
In a specification
A specification should name each heavy metal element required, reference Regulation (EU) 2023/915 or the applicable instrument as the compliance standard, and require ICP-MS results from an accredited laboratory to accompany each consignment.