Tsakalidis Analysis & Testing

The course of the workshops Tsakalidis Analysis & Testing started in 1940. Through a continuous presence in the field of metrology, we are already in the third generation operating since 1986 as a limited company with the name "A. Tsakalides E.E."

During these years, our laboratories are active non-stop with consistency and efficiency in the safety and quality control of:

Water
Food and drinks
Packaging Materials
Environmental and Agricultural samples

Tsakalidis Analysis & Testing laboratories are accredited by the National Accreditation Council (E.SY.D.) according to the ELOT EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. It was originally published in 2001 and through successive expansions today includes a sufficient number of methods in its field of application.

They have been licensed by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, have been included in the Register of Official Food Control Laboratories cooperating with EFET and are active members of the organizations:

HellasLab, National Member of Eurolab
Association of Official Analytical Chemists
International Technical Division on Reference Materials
SVPE & SYVIPYS

Our facilities are located in Piraeus, in a privately owned building complex of 600 m2. All our services are concentrated in one location in order to facilitate teamwork and collaboration between individual laboratories. The building is designed specifically for laboratory use and includes, in addition to the laboratory areas and administration offices, sample storage areas in controlled environmental conditions and special archive storage areas.

Tsakalidis Analysis & Testing, having a dedicated team of specialized and experienced scientists, supported by the most modern equipment (FT-IR, ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MS-MS, PLC), and a wide field of accredited analyzes , can support its clients to comply with the current legislative framework, and help them to deal with complex production processes and respond to the needs and trends of the respective market.

From raw materials to finished products, our laboratories can guide customers in choosing the right analytical approach, ensuring their products comply with national and international regulatory standards.

Water

Physicochemical parameters

Clean, safe and sufficient water is a vital factor for the survival of all living organisms as well as the proper functioning of ecosystems, societies and economies. Water quality monitoring has become necessary since population growth, industrial and agricultural activities as well as climatic changes have caused significant changes in the water table. Among the most important characteristics of water are the physicochemical ones, the knowledge of which is a basic condition for its quality, processing and disposal.

Microbiology

Microbiological testing is used to monitor and control the quality and safety of various types of water. In particular, it is necessary to control drinking water and treated water used for recreational purposes (swimming pools, spa pools and hydrotherapy pools). Seas, rivers and lakes that are considered swimming areas, as well as thermal springs, must also be controlled.

Metals

Metals enter the aquatic ecosystem from both natural and artificial (man-made) sources and processes. Some of the metals (Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn, etc.) are essential for living things, but they are also toxic in high concentrations. And heavy metals (eg cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic) are very dangerous because they tend to bioaccumulate and cause serious damage to health. The analysis of metals in water is necessary, and regulations and guidelines have been established that determine which metals should be tested, depending on the intended use of the tested water, and what are the permissible limits of their concentrations.

Micropollutants

The term micropollutants is used to cover a range of substances that can be found in water and include: – substances of either natural origin or products of anthropogenic activity – substances that are not directly excreted but are formed unintentionally (e.g. by-products of chlorination) or are formed during treatment through the degradation process – substances which are biologically active in the environment they enter and their presence is the result of their continuous elimination, persistence and mobility in the environment (e.g. bioaccumulation) – substances that remain during waste treatment and enter the water table through runoff.

Pesticides

Pesticides enter surface and underground waters mainly through runoff from crops and are mainly found in rural areas but also in urban areas. About 800 active substances are used worldwide, where each of them has different physical, chemical and toxic properties. The most commonly used pesticides are organochlorines, organophosphates, triazines, carbamate and amide pesticides and glyphosate.

Each year, tens to hundreds of thousands of kilograms of active ingredients are used in rural and urban areas, with the natural consequence that pesticides are potent pollutants of water sources and pose a significant risk to human and animal health, as well as to the environment. In the countries of the European Union, a maximum permitted concentration of 0.1 μg/l for each pesticide has been legislated for drinking water, while for all pesticides the maximum concentration is 0.5 μg/l.

In the case of aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide the maximum allowed concentration is 0.030 µg/L (Directive 98/83/EC). In the Tsakalidis Analysis&Testing laboratories for the detection and quantification of pesticides we use methods based on liquid-liquid extraction or in solid phase extraction and we analyze the samples with the help of liquid or gas chromatography with different types of detectors (MS, ECD, NPD, PDA)

Water analysis packages

Depending on your needs, you can configure your own analysis plan or choose one of the "analysis packages" that we have prepared and offer you at competitive prices.

The packages we propose cover the requirements of the legislation as well as common technical issues:

Water for Human Consumption - Drinking (Test/Control monitoring KYA Y2/2600/2001)
Swimming Tank Water – Sanitary Regulation Γ1/443/73
Concrete Water – ELOT 345
Irrigation Water – Classification by Doneen
Water use license for irrigation / energy use – KYA 150559 (Government Gazette 1440/B'/16.06.,2011)
Water use license for watering / drinking animals – KYA 150559 (Government Gazette 1440/B'/16.06.2011)
Water analyzes for reverse osmosis

Food

Microbiology

We provide all the microbiological tests required by the food sector both for the control of safety criteria and for the control of hygiene criteria as provided by the current legislation (Reg. 2073/2005).

We also provide a full range of microbiological tests for pathogenic bacteria, indicator microorganisms and microorganisms of technological interest

Depending on your needs, you can configure your own analysis plan or choose one of the "analysis packages" that we have prepared and offer you at competitive prices.

Nutrition Labeling

Food labels are the most direct way of communication between consumers and food businesses. The European Union (EU) defines the labeling rules, with the aim of ensuring comprehensive and reliable consumer information about packaged food products and their appropriate ways of use.

Regulation 1169/2011/EU establishes the mandatory indication of the "nutrition declaration" on packaged foods, determines the content of this declaration and regulates the way of indicating the nutritional information on the label, both mandatory and optional.

The nutrition declaration must include the energy value (*), protein, fat & saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugars and sodium (salt). It may also include cholesterol, starch, vitamins, trace elements, etc. (*): The energy value is calculated from the values of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and dietary fibers.

The EU is collecting evidence and studying the future introduction of mandatory labeling or even restrictive conditions for trans fats.

Developments in the food sector and especially in the field of nutrition labeling require food businesses and catering units (restaurants, hospitals, canteens, etc.) to prepare appropriately and in time so that by 2014 the gradual implementation of the provisions of Regulation 1169/ 2011/EU to be ready to meet its requirements.

Trace elements

Minerals represent a large group of micronutrients, most of which are essential for the body and are usually obtained in free form through the diet. They are divided into macrometals and micrometals (trace elements). In addition to the useful minerals in our body, there are also heavy metals or toxic ones that create serious problems for our health, so they must be avoided. Toxic metals are lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminum.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds, which are necessary for the proper development and maintenance of a living organism. They belong to those components that must be obtained through food, since they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Their presence in food can be of natural origin or as a result of enrichment. Vitamins are divided into two main categories, water-soluble (C, B) and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K). Foods rich in water-soluble vitamins are fruits and vegetables, while fat-soluble vitamins are found mainly in fatty fish, butter and vegetable oils.

Regulation 1925/2006/EU defines the criteria for the addition of vitamins to food. See parameters and methods by clicking HERE

Food additives

Food additives are natural or synthetic substances, which are added to food to serve specific technical purposes and are grouped according to the function they perform. In the European Union there are three guidelines that define:

a) the permitted additives (and the prohibition of others), b) the foods in which the additives can be used and c) the maximum permitted concentration levels.

On this page you can see some of the analyzes we offer. If you don't find what you are looking for, please contact us and we may be able to help you with that as well.

Contaminants

Contaminants are dangerous substances that appear in food at various stages such as during production, packaging, transport or preservation. It can also be a consequence of environmental pollution. Since contamination has negative effects on food quality and can pose risks to human health, the European Union has taken measures to minimize the presence of contaminants in food.

The measures of the European Union concern the following pollutants: mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fusarium-toxins, patulin), metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, inorganic tin), dioxins and PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), chloropropanols (3 -MCPD) and nitrates.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are highly toxic substances produced by specific fungi, for example aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, while Ochratoxin A is produced by A. ochraceus and P. verrucosum.

About 20 % foods can be contaminated with mycotoxins, with the main types being cereals, nuts, dried fruits, coffee, spices, seed oils, peas, beans, and fruits. Mycotoxins are also found in beer and wine as well as in foods of animal origin such as milk, cheese, egg and are due to the consumption of contaminated feed. The main factors that affect the production of mycotoxins by fungi are temperature, humidity, ph and the size of the infection.

The European Union has established a series of regulations that define the control measures to be taken in member states to control food contamination by mycotoxins. Specifically, the maximum permissible limits of mycotoxins in food are determined by regulation 1881/2006/EC, while the criteria with which the sampling method must comply are determined by regulation 401/2006/EC.

Sampling, due to the uneven distribution of contamination in a lot, plays an important role in the accuracy with which mycotoxin concentration levels are determined in food and therefore great care should be taken in the method of sampling and the instructions it indicates should be properly followed the legislation.

The validity and reliability of the results for the determination of mycotoxins depend on two components, the correct sampling that you take care of and the correct analysis that we guarantee.

Pesticides

Primary production is subject to serious risks from competitors (insects, fungi, weeds, bacteria, viruses), so for its protection it is necessary to take measures, among which the most important is the use of pesticides. At least 2500 commercial pesticides containing approximately 700 active substances are currently circulating in our country. These substances, in addition to the effects they have on the ecosystem, adversely affect the quality of the products produced, and by extension the safety and health of the consumer. In particular, consumers are exposed to pesticides because small amounts remain in the harvest as residues.

The amounts of residues found in food must be safe for consumers and as low as possible The maximum residue limit (MRL) is the maximum possible limit of pesticide residue that is legally tolerated in food and feed. Regulation (EC) no. 396/2005 governs about 1100 pesticides used or used in agriculture, both in EU countries and in third countries, and lists tables with AUCs for 315 agricultural products as well as processed products, taking into account the dissolution or concentration of pesticides by the processing. Also, the safety of all consumer groups has been taken into account in the new regulation.

Pesticides are divided into the following categories:

Halogenated
Nitrous oxide
Organophosphates
Carbamates

At Tsakalidis Analysis&Testing we offer the above pesticide packages depending on the type of food and the

Allergens

It has been estimated that 3.5-4% of adults and 6-9 % of children have an intolerance or allergy to some type of food. The European Union with directive 2003/89/EC requires packaged foods to be labeled for the existence of specific allergenic ingredients or their derivatives.

Cross-contamination between different production lines is the most likely cause of allergens in the food industry. For this reason, the control of finished products, equipment and cleaning water can provide information on the effectiveness of the cleaning process and identify sources of contamination.

Early detection of allergen contamination can save you from problems due to incomplete labeling of your products and protect you from unpleasant and defamatory product recalls.

At Tsakalidis Analysis&Testing, using ELISA and PCR techniques, we offer the control of allergens provided for by legislation as follows:

Almond
Egg
Milk
Gluten
Divine
Crustaceans
Nut
Lupins
Mustard
Celery
Mustard seed
Soy
Sesame
Hazel
Peanut
Fish

Packaging - Migration

Environment

Solid wastes

The management of solid waste (municipal and industrial) is a complex and critical problem for modern societies. Landfilling of solid waste is usually the preferred stage of its disposal. At the landfill level, three types of landfill must be distinguished (inert, non-hazardous and hazardous waste).

Our laboratory can cover your analysis needs for the basic characterization of solid waste and compliance control for its disposal in Sanitary Landfills (Decision 33/2003 of the European Union)

Liquid waste

The intense concentration of populations in the urban centers and the rapid industrial development led to an overconsumption of water by humans and a rapid transformation of this precious good into "dirty water", i.e. waste.

Directive 91/271/EEC which was issued with the aim of protecting the environment and concerns the integrated management of waste, states that urban waste water is the liquid waste that comes mainly from sanitary areas, kitchens, laundries and generally from cleaning procedures of houses, offices , shops While industrial waste is the liquid waste of industrial or craft facilities, which is created during the production process and may contain residues of the materials used.

The direct disposal of waste to a natural, usually aquatic, recipient given that they contain infectious and polluting substances poses risks both to the recipient and to other living beings. Therefore, in order to ensure the protection of the environment and public health, it is necessary to know the characteristics of liquid waste, in order to assess their impact on the environment and to apply the appropriate treatment methods in order to achieve their correct utilization and safe disposal.

biological cleaning

The main objective of municipal waste treatment facilities is to protect the environment from the effects of the disposal of untreated or insufficiently treated municipal and certain industrial wastewaters and their by-products.

The management of urban waste water is determined by Directive 91/271/EEC as amended by Directive 98/15/EU, which was incorporated into national law by the Royal Decree 5673/400/1997.

At Tsakalidis Analysis&Testing we offer you all the chemical and microbiological analyzes necessary for the control of Biological Cleaning.

Chemical Analyzes – Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) – Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) – Total Nitrogen – Ammonia – Nitrate – Total Phosphorus – Suspended Solids – Volatile Solids – Total Conductivity

Microbiological Analyzes – Total Coliforms – Fecal Coliforms – Escherichia Coli – Micro-organisms Enumerations

Marine environment

The member states of the European Union in accordance with Directive 2008/56/EC must first assess the ecological status of their waters and the impact of anthropogenic activities. This assessment includes, among other things, the analysis of the fundamental characteristics of the waters (physical and chemical characteristics, habitat types, animal and plant populations, etc.);

As Greece is famous for its beaches, in order to monitor the quality of bathing waters, it has been harmonized with Directive 2006/7/EC through Government Decree 8600/416/Ε103/2009 (Government Gazette 356B'/26-2-2009) and participates in the "Blue Flags" International Program. In our laboratory we carry out all the physico-chemical and microbiological analyzes required for the control of the quality of swimming waters according to the "BLUE FLAGS" program.

Also responding to the fact that marine fish farming has now established itself as the fastest growing sector of primary production in our country (Greek production corresponds to 52% of the Mediterranean and 48% of the European), at the Tsakalidis Analysis&Testing laboratories we provide you with the possibility of performing the analyzes required in the context of the quality control of fish farming units in accordance with the directives (2000/60/EU, 91/493/EU).

Workplace

The study of indoor air quality is of particular interest since increased concentrations of gaseous pollutants directly affect human health and cause serious diseases. In order to assess the air quality and to record the possible sources of burden in the workplaces, our laboratory provides the possibility of analyzes on air sampling filters. The analysis protocols are based on the methods developed by NIOSH and OSHA and involve trapping the compounds on solid adsorbent materials, then desorbing them either by extraction in suitable solvents or by heating, and finally measuring them with the appropriate methodology.

PARAMETER	METHOD
Benzene	Min. Op. 130879/87
Diphenyl	NIOSH 2530
Metals	OSHA ID 121
Hydrogen peroxide	OSHA VI-6
Hexavalent chromium	NIOSH 7600
Volatile organic compounds	(VOC's) EPA 8260

Rural

Soil science

The analysis of the soil is by far the most useful tool for the rational fertilization and the prevention of nutrient deficiencies of the crop. Accurate knowledge of the soil components is also necessary for the best evaluation of a foliar diagnostic test. Depending on your needs, you can configure your own analysis plan or choose one of the "analysis packages" that we have prepared and offer you at competitive prices.

Leaf diagnosis

When a crop is in an advanced stage and shows nutritional problems, then the foliar diagnostic examination, always combined with the soil analysis, can offer valuable information to solve the problem. The leaf diagnostic test we offer includes the following parameters: – Total nitrogen – Phosphorus – Potassium – Calcium – Magnesium – Iron – Zinc – Manganese – Copper – Boron – Evaluation of the results Depending on the type of crop and the stage it is in, special attention is required in the selection of sheets to send for analysis. For this purpose, before collecting the samples, you must contact the laboratory to give you the appropriate sampling instructions.

Irrigation water

The good performance of a crop depends on the harmonious combination of three main factors: Soil - Plant - Irrigation Water Given the soil of the field and the quality of the available water, you will choose the most appropriate crops and cultivation practices. For the evaluation of irrigation water we use the Donneen method by which we check the burden that the water will cause on the soil in terms of – salinization – alkalization – Boron enrichment The above risks are evaluated for all possible soil categories, from sandy with high water permeability to loamy with very low water permeability. A soil that drains easily is more forgiving of poor quality water.

Fertilizers

Press here to see the definition and methods of fertilizers

Animal feed and fish feed

A. Chemical composition in terms of nutrients but also various health and safety risks. Such hazards come from toxins, micropollutants and bacteria.

Macronutrients Dietary and Crude Fiber Amino Acids Vitamins Trace Elements Heavy Metals Toxins Histamine Urease Activity Dioxins (PCDD/PCDF) Microbiological

B. Feed homogeneity study using a suitable tracer (e.g. cobalt)

Poultry farming

We participate in the program of the Ministry of Agricultural Development for the control of salmonella enteritis and typhymurium in poultry farms. We operate as an approved self-testing laboratory offering analyzes either on swabs (shoes) or feces. For the sampling method you can see this video and for the sampling frequency this table. More details and instructions are given in the self-checks application manual. To send us a sample you must COMPLETELY complete the appropriate sampling form depending on the type of farm (breeding, broiler or egg production). Completing the sampling forms allows the data to be correctly sent to the database of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food so that the analyzes you will carry out are recognized as self-testing.

Primary production milk

We operate as a milk quality control laboratory, approved by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. We offer a full range of physical, chemical and microbiological tests for the control of safety and hygiene criteria, the control of adulteration as well as parameters of technological interest in both raw and heat-treated milk and milk-based products. Depending on your needs, you can configure your own analysis plan or choose one of the "analysis packages" that we have prepared and offer you at competitive prices.

1. ANALYSIS OF MILK (DERIVATIVES)

The package includes the simultaneous examination of at least 30 samples in terms of parameters: sheep and cow's milk.

a) sheep's milk (cheese factories) Fat Protein Solid fat-free residue Precipitated water (check by cryoscope) Determination of precipitated cow's (or goat's milk preferred)

b) Cow's milk (for milk factories) Fat Protein Fat-free solid residue Aspirated water (via cryoscope) Antibiotic detection Total Mesophilic Flora Somatic cells

2. Analyzes of feta cheeses

The package includes the simultaneous examination of 6 cheese samples in terms of parameters

Fat
Humidity
Detection of cow's milk adulteration
coliform bacteria
Staphylococcus pectase (+)
Yeasts and fungi

Pharmaceuticals

Our address is:

A. Tsakalides E.E.
Tsamadou 12
185 31 Piraeus

T. +30 210 41 75 865
F. +30 210 41 72 895

The opening hours are:

from Monday to Friday and
from 08:00 am until 04:00 pm

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