Archives: Oferta

Containers inspections

J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. provides expertise and inspection services in cargo containers services in national and international transportation in Polish ports and across country.

 

Inspection services:

  • container technical inspection
  • container cleanliness inspection
  • loading and discharge of containers supervision
  • inspection of stowage and mounting of goods in containers
  • supervision of stowage and mounting of oversize cargo freight in containers and issuance of the certificate
  • photographic reporting
  • inspection reports in Polish and English languages
  • training and advisory

Verification of the product before placing it on the market

Placing a product on the market requires the entrepreneur to meet the requirements of laws and regulations, concomitant other Polish legal acts and Directives of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Their multiplicity, complexity and often imprecision cause that proper preparation of a product requires comprehensive knowledge in a given area and its constant updating.

Considering the above fact, J.S. Hamilton Poland allows its customers to take advantage of the service of verification of the product before it is introduced into the commercial market.

TEAM OF EXPERTS ASSESSES WHETHER THE PRODUCT HAS ALL THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, SPEAKING ABOUT ITS SAFETY, AND VERIFIES THE INFORMATION PLACED ON:

  • packaging,
  • label,
  • instructions for use/operation,
  • other documents accompanying the product.

More details in the information materials.

Environmental consulting and documentation

Documentation, permits and applications are as much fun for us as tests and research. If you need help with “papers”, do not be afraid to use our services. We provide a full range of consulting and documentation services for our clients. These are among others:

DOCUMENTATION AT THE INVESTMENT STAGE:

  • Project’s environmental impact report,
  • Project information card,
  • Post-implementation analysis,
  • Due diligence.

DOCUMENTATION FOR IPPC INSTALLATION:

  • Application for an integrated permit,
  • Initial report,
  • Analysis confirming that there is no need to prepare the Initial Report.

PROTECTION OF THE EARTH SURFACE:

  • Assessment of the quality of the earth’s surface,
  • Design of the remediation plan,
  • Initial report,
  • Assessment of the occurrence of a significant risk to human health or the environment.

WASTE MANAGEMENT:

  • Application for a permit to generate waste,
  • Application for a processing authorization,
  • Application for a permit to collect waste,
  • Waste classification,
  • Opinion on the possibility of using waste outside installations,
  • Notification of recognition of an object or substance as a by-product,
  • Documentation for the purpose of ending the waste status,
  • Opinion that there is no need to establish security for claims,
  • Waste dump monitoring report,
  • Opinion on the possibility of natural use of sewage sludge,
  • Basic characteristics of waste.

AIR PROTECTION:

  • Application for a permit to release gases and dust into the air,
  • Notification of an installation that does not require a permit,
  • Compensation proceedings.

WATER AND SEWAGE MANAGEMENT:

  • Water law surveys,
  • Risk analysis of groundwater intake.

SUPPORT FOR THE INDUSTRY:

  • Environmental outsourcing (fees, KOBIZE, waste, BDO),
  • Environmental audit,
  • Training.

Sludge, soil properties, agricultural land

Among others tests that we conduct at J.S. Hamilton, we carry out tests of municipal sewage sludge in accordance with the requirements of the ordinance of the Minister of Environment on municipal sewage sludge.  We examine and check agricultural soils.  We calculate sludge doses and make sure our customers are certain of the quality and timeliness of our services.

Contact us today if you want to learn more – or schedule tests for your facility or sludge system.

Paper and board packaging and materials

Paper and board materials and articles are manufactured from cellulose-based natural fibers both bleached and unbleached, from both primary and recycled sources. In addition, paper and board materials may contain man-made fibers (regenerated or synthetic cellulose), functional additives and other treatment agents, polymeric binders for organic and inorganic pigments and plastic films. Paper and board articles may contain, in addition, inks, varnishes, coatings, adhesives and plastic films used during the conversion process. Thus, paper and board materials involve wide range possible option, among others:

  • Untreated paper and board,
  • Coated papers:
    • coated with polymeric dispersions (without mineral fillers),
    • mineral coated including polymeric binders and waxes,
  • Tissue products, non-printed, printed and dyed, intended for wiping and absorption, like kitchen towels and napkins with only occasional and short time contact,
  • Multi-Material-Multi-Layer materials formed by extrusion or lamination of paper and board with other materials,
  • Paper and board for filtering and baking applications,
  • Papers siliconized or treated with wax,
  • Converted articles made of paper and board – i.e., printed, unprinted and glued bags or boxes.

Food packaging materials made from paper and board are not covered by harmonized European legislation today. Nevertheless, such food contact materials are also covered by the scope of Framework Regulation EC (No.) 1935/2004 and have to fulfil the requirements of Article 3. To prove the suitability of this kind of material with the requirements of the Framework Regulation, other requirements, guidelines and documents can be used as reference, such as:

  • Resolution CM/Res(2020)9 on the safety and quality of materials and articles for contact with food,
  • EDQM technical guide “Paper and board used in food contact materials and articles”, 1st Edition, 2021,
  • CEPI, ‘Food Contact Guidelines for the Compliance of Paper and Board Materials and Articles’, 2019 & February 2021 corrigendum,
  • Germany: BfR Recommendations for paper and board:

XXXVI. Paper and board for food contact

XXXVI/1. Cooking Papers, Hot Filter Papers and Filter Layers

XXXVI/2. Paper and Paperboard for Baking Purposes;

  • French legislation on FCM: DGCCRF, “Aptitude au contact alimentaire des matériaux organiques à base de fibres végétales destinés à entrer en contact avec des denrées alimentaires”;
  • Netherlands: Dutch legislation on FCM “Warenwetregeling verpakkingen en gebruiksar­tikelen”;
  • USA Food & Drug Administration CFR Title 21, Subpart B “Substances for Use Only as Components of Paper and Paperboard” – section 176.170 “Components of paper and paperboard in contact with aqueous and fatty foods” and section 176.180 “Components of paper and paperboard in contact with dry food”.

At J.S. Hamilton, we conduct the following tests for paper and board packaging and materials:

  • determination of the grammage, moisture content,
  • dry matter in the Water Extract,
  • heavy metals in accordance with Directive 94/62/EC,
  • metals in water extract,
  • formaldehyde, Pentachlorophenol (PCB), Glyoxal, Anthraquinone,
  • Primary Aromatic Amines,
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB),
  • Bisphenols A, B, F, S,
  • phthalates,
  • Aromatic Ketones,
  • PFAS (perfluoroalkylated substances),
  • epichlorohydrin hydrolysis products, chloropropanols: 1,3-DCP and 3-MCPD,
  • isothiazolinones (CIT, MIT, BIT),
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs),
  • Mineral Oils (MOSH and MOAH) content and specific migration,
  • Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) Screenings by methods: GC-MS/FID, LC-QToF-MS, Headsapace-GC/MS,
  • Transfer of Antimicrobial Constituents,
  • Determination of the Fastness of Whitened Paper and Board, EN 648,
  • colorfastness, EN 646,
  • sensory analysis in accordance with DIN 10955, EN 1230-1/-2,
  • specific migration of printing inks compounds,
  • Extraction Tests According to the FDA Regulations (Sec. 176.170);
  • testing under Toys Directive (EN 71 standards) and RoHS.

Contact us today to schedule any of these tests for your products – or to learn more about our offer for the manufacturers of paper and board packaging and contact materials.

Allergens

An allergen is an agent or substance that causes an allergic reaction. A food allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to consumed products or compounds added to food, causing symptoms ranging from skin irritation to gastrointestinal disorders and anaphylactic shock.

The presence of ingredients in food products that may cause allergic reactions in consumers must be declared on the packaging. Food producers are not only obliged to carefully control the quality of the entire production and distribution process, but they should also monitor potential risks.

It is estimated that food allergies affect over 2% of the adult population and around 4-8% of children. Consumption of allergenic food by an allergic person may cause a reaction of the skin, digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems – urticaria, angioedema (larynx, lips, tongue, face), atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma, rhinitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, hypotension and life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

To ensure the safety of foodstuffs, rapid, sensitive and reliable methods for the detection and quantification of food allergens in food are needed that can be routinely used by the manufacturing plant or food safety and quality control agencies.

J.S. Hamilton Poland carries out qualitative and quantitative allergen tests in a modern Molecular Biology Laboratory in Tychy, both in finished products and in swabs and washings using methods based on immunoenzymatic determination of proteins and detection of specific DNA using real-time PCR technique.

Additionally, determination of lactose allergen is performed by GC-FID gas chromatography technique, while sulphur dioxide is tested through distillation method in food products containing not less than 10 mg/kg of sulphites.

Allergens tested at J.S. Hamilton Poland 

  • lactose,
  • shellfish,
  • eggs,
  • fish,
  • mollusca,
  • nuts,
  • soy,
  • celery,
  • mustard,
  • sesame,
  • sulfur dioxide,
  • lupin,
  • milk,
  • gluten.

Food additives

Food additives are used to enhance flavour, increase shelf life, facilitate manufacturing processes and improve the external appearance of food products. There are currently nearly 400 substances on the list of permitted additives.

The main EU legislation laying down rules on food additives is Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives, as amended. According to the definition given in that Regulation, “food additive” means any substance not normally consumed as a food in itself and not normally used as a characteristic ingredient of food, whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition of which to food for a technological purpose in the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packaging, transport or storage of such food results, or may be reasonably expected to result, in it or its by-products becoming directly or indirectly a component of such foods.

Our laboratory at J.S. Hamilton Poland most commonly labels the following food additives:

  • Preservatives: benzoic acid and its salts, sorbic acid and its salts, sulfur dioxide and sulfites, nitrites and nitrates,
  • Antioxidants: ascorbic acid and its salts, butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), butylhydroxytoluene (BHT),
  • Taste enhancers: glutamic acid and its salts,
  • Colourants: Sudan I, II, III and IV,
  • Water binding agents: phosphorus added as P2O5 (in meat and fish preparations),
  • Sweeteners: acesulfame K, saccharin, aspartame.

Sweeteners are one of the most recently accredited analyses at J.S. Hamilton Poland. High performance liquid chromatography with spectrophotometric detection (HPLC-UV/Vis, HPLC-DAD) is used for final determinations.

If you want to learn more about additives and food testing, contact our team to schedule a meeting – or simply book tests with our laboratory today.

Certification for the energy industry

J.S. Hamilton Poland S.A. Certification Body, based in Siemianowice Śląskie, with competences confirmed by the Polish Centre for Accreditation with Certificate AC149 for the needs of the power industry, carries out voluntary certification in the field of switchgear and controlgear.

A team of experienced specialists assesses products in the following areas, among others:

  • low-, medium- and high-voltage switchgear,
  • circuit breakers
  • disconnectors and earthing switches
  • disconnectors,
  • fuses,
  • contactors
  • starters,
  • transformers
  • chokes,
  • transformer stations.

Certification processes are conducted:

– within the scope of held accreditation according to PN-EN group standards: 60947, 61439, 61558, 62271,

– outside the scope of accreditation for compliance with standards and technical specifications as well as with the provisions of Polish and international law.

The testing laboratory with competences confirmed by the Polish Centre for Accreditation with Certificate AC1552 for the needs of the electrical and power industry carries out tests in the following scope:

  • measurements of voltages and currents, direct and alternating,
  • frequency, capacitance and inductance measurements
  • resistance measurements and diode tests
  • leakage resistance to earth, resistance of “man/shoe/floor” system, resistance between points,
  • electrification, electrical insulation strength
  • insulation resistance of cable lines, transformers, motors and other electrical equipment, also equipment used in telecommunications,
  • insulation clearances
  • capacity of cells and batteries, short circuit proofing of cells and batteries,
  • protection against residual voltage
  • continuity of protective circuitry and resistance of protective and equalising circuits,
  • surface resistance RS, cross resistance RV, resistance between RP points of non-metallic materials,
  • thermal – heating, temperature rise, maximum temperatures using contact and non-contact methods (thermal imaging), including heating tests on transformer substations,
  • intrinsically safe systems,
  • environmental tests – Trials: Cold, Dry Hot, Moist Hot Solid, Temperature Variation, Moist Hot Cyclic (12 h + 12 h cycle), Compound Temperature/Humidity Cyclic Test, Moist Hot Solid, Accelerated Test designed mainly for components, resistance to sudden temperature change and thermal shock,
  • flammability testing including, but not limited to, oxygen index, flammability of electrical and
  • fibre optics, flammability of plastics using a test flame, toxicity, flammability of electrical appliance casings,
  • degree of protection provided by enclosures (IP code),
  • degree of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment against external mechanical impact (IK Code),
  • salt chamber ageing tests,
  • sinusoidal vibration,
  • electromagnetic compatibility (EMC),

RoHS testing with regard to Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances such as: lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium (VI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), di 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), phthalalandibutyl phthalate (DBP), phthalalandiisobutyl phthalate (9DIBP)

Ageing, climatic and durability tests

Aging, climatic and durability tests

In the field of ageing, climate testing, we have a wide range of technical capabilities:

  • tests in a salt chamber, in neutral, acidic and alkaline brine,
  • tests in the Xenon chamber (xenon lamps) and UV chamber,
  • tests in climatic chambers, laboratory dryers, in thermal shock chambers (change of temperature up to 10s),
  • ageing tests in Mattson’s solution.

In terms of the predicted durability of corrosion protection coatings, we are able to determine their predicted durability, whether for surface, underground or

in water. We carry out tests in terms of test standards in brine, condensation, melting in water, and alternating cycles.

Durability testing according to the EN ISO 12944 standard series.

Following the durability test, we carry out control tests on the durability of coatings in accordance with

according to standard ISO 4628

 

The most commonly performed research methods:

EN 60068 series of standards

  • Environmental tests – Part 2-1: Tests – Test A: Cold,
  • Environmental tests – Part 2-2: Tests – Test B: Dry heat,
  • Environmental tests – Part 2-78: Tests – Test Cab: Moist solid heat,
  • Environmental testing – Part 2-14: Tests – N-test: Temperature changes
  • Environmental tests – Part 2-30: Tests – Test Db: Moist heat cycling
  • (12 h + 12 h cycle),
  • Environmental tests – Part 2-38: Tests – Test Z/AD: Combined temperature/humidity cyclic test,
  • Environmental tests – Part 2-67: Tests – Cy test: Moisture solid heat, accelerated test intended primarily for components.

EN ISO 9227 Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres – Salt spray tests

EN ISO 6270-1 Paints and varnishes — Determination of resistance to moisture — Part 1: Condensation

We perform tests on the durability of plastics using the “Langley” exposure parameter

EN ISO 4892-2 Plastics — Exposure methods for laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon arc lamps — Amendment 1: Classification of daylight filters

PN-EN ISO 4892-3 Plastics — Exposure methods for laboratory light sources — Part 3: UV fluorescent lamps

The laboratory is accredited by the Polish Centre for Accreditation in the field of geometric measurements.

The full scope of our accreditation is AB 1552.

IECEx tests

The IECExTL laboratory at the IECExCB Certification Body J.S. Hamilton has testing capabilities in the field of explosion-proof construction equipment, competence, appropriate equipment, our own flameproof enclosure testing chamber and flexibility are our advantages.

We perform tests in the field of:

  • measurement of geometrical quantities,
  • resistance of the casing to pressure, static and dynamic pressure loading
  • and dynamic pressure,
  • protection against the transmission of explosions,
  • measurement and determination of reference pressure,
  • electrical strength of insulation,
  • insulation clearances,
  • cell and battery capacities,
  • short-circuit resistance of cells and batteries,
  • testing of transformers,
  • hot thermal resistance
  • cold thermal resistance,
  • free fall strength,
  • thermal tests, temperature rise,
  • IP degree of protection,
  • explosive gas concentration measurements
  • measurements of explosive gas and air flows,
  • non-standard engineering tests.

We carry out tests on electrical equipment operating in potentially explosive atmospheres:

  • flame-retardant shielding “d”,
  • gas shields with positive pressure “p”,
  • equipment with equipment protection level (EPL) Ga,
  • dust-protected equipment enclosure “t”
  • reinforced construction “e”
  • intrinsically safe execution “i”,
  • non-sparking execution type “n”
  • hermetic protection “m”,
  • sand shielding “q”,
  • optical power testing “op is”
  • oil shielding “o”.

Our range of activities: https://www.iecex.com/information/excbs/httpwww-iecex-comdirectorybodiesbodies1-aspid5/

Efficacy tests

Efficacy tests make it possible to objectively assess the effect of a cosmetic on the skin. They rely on the measurement of the most important skin parameters and are a method of assessing the actual effect of a cosmetic product on the skin.

Examples of tests that we can offer are:

  • measurement of skin moisturization,
  • measurement of pH of the skin,
  • measurement of smoothing of skin surface,
  • measurement of biomechanical parameters (firmness and elasticity),
  • measurement of TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss),
  • measurement of the level of erythema/redness of the skin (hemoglobin content)
  • measurement of wrinkles / analysis of wrinkles,
  • measurement of the skin roughness,
  • measurement of facial sebum secretion,
  • measurement of hair density,
  • study of antiperspirants effectiveness,
  • study of deodorants effectiveness
  • eyelash length and volume measurement,
  • photographic documentation of the tests results.

We use the following equipment for instrumental research:

  • VISIA Skin Analysis,
  • Primos 3D Lite,
  • Miravex Antera,
  • Corneometer CM 825,
  • Corneofix F20,
  • Sebufix F16,
  • Visioscan VC 98,
  • Cutometer MPA 580,
  • Mexameter MX 18,
  • Sebumeter SM 815,
  • SkinGlossMeter SGM 1065,
  • Aramo SG ASG 200F,
  • Tewameter TM 300,
  • VisioFace RD.

LPG and natural gas testing

J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. provides a full range of independent inspection and accredited testing of LPG and other gas products. Our offer is addressed to oil companies, importers, terminal operators, LPG bottling plant operators, wholesale distributors, gas stations owners and government agencies interested in independent information on the LPG quality in accredited laboratory.

Samples are collected by authorized inspectors who are available round the clock seven days a week. J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. is the only company in Poland who have a network of own LPG testing laboratories in Gdynia, Tychy and Małaszewicze. Therefore, we are able to present the results of analyzes of LPG within 12 hours from sampling anywhere in Poland.

 

J.S. Hamilton Poland Sp.z o.o. offer LPG control includes:

  • sampling cisterns, tank wagons and tanker trucks and ship tanks in compliance with PN-EN ISO 4257:2004
  • sample collection from gas station distributors in compliance with ZN/MG/CN-18:2007
  • routine and ultimate LPG and natural gas testing conducted in-house labs Gdynia, Tychy and Małaszewicze
  • regular training and consulting in motorgas composition
  • comprehensive quality monitoring FQMS – Fuel Quality Monitoring System
  • laboratory outsourcing services
  • quantitative settlement

 

LPG testing in compliance with PN-EN 589 and propane butane mix testing in compliance with PN-96008:1998

  • hydrocabons C1 – C8 (including propane and butane)
  • total diene content (including 1.3 butadiene)
  • vapor pressure min 150 kPa at a temperature
  • vapor pressure at 40°C
  • motor octane number
  • density at 15°C
  • copper strip corrosion test
  • total sulfur content
  • water content
  • evaporation residue
  • mineral oil content
  • odor
  • hydrogen sulfide
  • ammonia
  • vapor pressure at -15°C, 40°C, 70°C
  • calorific value

 

Propylene testing is run to ASTM D-5273:2002 industry standards:

  • total chlorine content
  • total sulfur content
  • hydrocarbon composition
  • benzene content
  • CO, CO2 content
  • H2S, NH3 content
  • methanol content
  • acetylene-type hydrocarbons

 

LPG and other liquefied light hydrocarbons quality and quantity testing:

  • N2, O2, CO2 content
  • hydrocabons C1 – C8
  • THT content
  • gross and net calorific value
  • density
  • Wobbe index

 

Additional LPG testing services, propane, butane:

  • methanol, acetonitrile, acetone, propane-1-ol, propane-2-ol
  • mercury
  • trace amounts of water – Karl Fischer method
  • corrosion inhibitor
  • ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride
  • H2S, COS, CS2, mercaptans, sulfide gas chromatography analysis for sulfide
  • R-number
  • O-number
  • evaporation test
  • doctor test
  • contamination analysis of utility and technological installations

Waste and landfill monitoring

The laboratories of J.S. Hamilton provide the possibility of accredited collection and testing of waste samples in order to allow waste to be stored in landfills of a given type and for further use.

The service also includes the preparation of the necessary documentation, such as:

  • waste safety data sheet,
  • opinion on the natural use of sewage sludge,
  • reclassification of waste.

We offer comprehensive services in the field of waste landfill monitoring, including:

  • groundwater research,
  • leachate water tests,
  • landfill gas emission and composition measurements,
  • geodetic measurements of settlement and slope stability,
  • examination of the structure and mass of stored waste,
  • precipitation measurements,
  • preparation of an annual report and periodic reports.

Contact us today to learn more – or to schedule waste and landfill monitoring at your facility.

Printed packaging and FCMs

Food packaging is very important for food producers. The visual aspect of packaging is a very powerful tool, so that consumers consider a brand name as an established value. In the process, the chosen varieties of ink play a crucial role. The choice may not only be based on marketing strategy. Still, the potential health risks that might result from the migration issues of the ink components have to be taken into account. Printing inks used in food packaging materials contain substances that might migrate, such as raw materials, photoinitiators and acrylates, by-products of hardeners, solvents or products of degradation and reaction between inks compounds under storage and application conditions. If you are a food manufacturer or packaging manufacturer, you need to comply with rules we describe below.

More than five thousand different chemicals can used in the production of printing inks. Some substances are evaluated by EFSA, Swiss Ordinance, German Printing Inks Ordinance or EuPIA, and restricted by a Specific Migration Level (SML). In addition, most of the printing ink chemicals on the industry inventory lists are not fully risk assessed and toxicological data may be unavailable. However, producers are obliged to demonstrate safety in use, and the public food inspection has to control it.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

The ink itself does not need to be tested as such, since its composition may change during the printing process. In addition, the substrate influences the migration properties of the components of the ink. Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 requires that the finished article for food contact materials must be tested and / or evaluated under real conditions of use. In addition, the in-house control based on declarations of compliance and supporting documentation are important prerequisites for the limitation of this contamination and to ensure compliance with the EU legislation. This is a general point of quality assurance, even though the European legislation does not specifically regulate printing inks.

THE GENERAL AND BASIC REQUIREMENTS GIVEN BY THE ANNEX OF REGULATION EU 2023.20076 (GMP) ARE:

  • Printing inks applied to the non-food-contact side of materials and articles shall be formulated and/or applied in such a manner that substances from the printed surface are not transferred to the food-contact side.
  • Printed materials and articles shall be handled and stored in their finished and semi-finished states in such a manner that substances from the printed surface are not transferred to the food-contact side:
    • through the substrate or
    • by set-off in the stack or the reel, in concentrations that lead to levels of the substance in the food are not in line with the requirements of Art. 3 of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004.

Transfer of printing ink components from a printed packaging material or article into food or food simulant may occur either directly as migration through the substrate, via contact to the reverse side in a reel or stack (known as “set-off migration”) or by gas phase transfer.

Migration of printing ink components depends on:

  • ink and varnish formulation,
  • substrate, shape and design of the packaging,
  • printing process conditions (drying, speed, efficiency of lamps, etc.),
  • real / intended usage (type of food, sterilization, pasteurization),
  • storage conditions (temperature, time, pressure).

Invisible SET-OFF migration

Although it is not visible to the human eye, ink set-off can occur on the reverse side of printed articles, foils, containers, cups, and other packaging storage and transported in stacks or reels after printing. This creates a danger, that substances could be transferred to the unprinted inner side of the packaging that contact with the packed food. However, migration testing and/or Worst-Case Calculations can measure and quantify this phenomenon and verify safety of finished packaging.

EUROPEAN LEGISLATION:

  • Framework legislation: Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and repealing Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC,
  • Regulation on Good Manufacturing Practices: Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006of 22 December 2006 on good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food,
  • Plastic materials: Regulation (EU) No 10/2011of 14 January 2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food,
  • Swiss Ordinance (SR 817.023.21) of the FDHA on materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs,
  • 21st Amendment to the German Consumer Goods Ordinance (Printing Inks Ordinance), entered into force on December 8, 2021,
  • EuPIA guidelines on printing inks for Food Contact Materials.

TESTING OFFER:

  • Overall and Specific Migration into all food simulants
  • Specific migration of:
    • Primary Aromatic Amines (PAAs) and Annex II Metals
    • Photoinitiators (UV initiators) and acrylates
    • Plasticizers, antioxidants, monomers and other additives acc. EU 10/2011 Annex I and Swiss Ordinance
    • Specific migration of Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS):
  • GC-MS/FID Screening
  • LC-QToF-MS Screening
    • Mineral oils (MOSH/POSH & MOAH)
  • Hedsapace-GC/MS Screening (VOCs, solvents residual)
  • Sensory analysis acc. DIN 10955, EN 1230-1/-2
  • Simulation of SET-OFF storage effect in reels or stacks
  • Worst-case calculations

GMO

Genetically modified food is food produced from and/or containing ingredients produced from GMOs. GMO food may only be authorised for sale if it has been confirmed that:

  • does not pose a danger to health;
  • does not mislead consumers;
  • has no less nutritional value than its non-GM counterpart.

Our laboratory at J.S. Hamilton Poland performs analyses of food and feed for the detection of genetic modifications in accordance with European law. Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed, as amended, requires the labelling of all food and feed products containing, consisting of or produced from GMOs. The threshold for GMO content mandating labelling is set at 0.9%. GMO content below this threshold is considered adventitious or technically unavoidable and does not have to be indicated on the label.

In the case of products containing or consisting of GMOs, this information must be indicated on the labels in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003. It is also possible, after complying with the requirements established in the Act of 13 June 2019 on the labelling of products produced without the use of genetically modified organisms as free from such organisms, to label food or feed as GMO-free. Graphic signs, which can be used in the labelling of GMO-free food and feed, are regulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of 4 November 2019 on graphic signs, which are used for the purpose of labelling food and feed as free from genetically modified organisms.

Our laboratory at J.S. Hamilton Poland performs tests for the detection and quantification of GMOs in three steps, using the real-time PCR technique:

  • stage I – screening – this stage of testing for the presence of GMOs consists in detection of elements of genetic constructs most commonly used in the creation of GMO plants. At this stage the presence of the 35S promoter, NOS terminator and FMV promoter as well as pat, bar and EPSPS elements is detected,
  • stage II – qualitative testing for modification of soybean/hemp/corn – depending on the composition of the sample. In the J.S. Hamilton Poland laboratory we can perform the following qualitative GMO tests:
    • GMO soybean (RR, RR2, A2704-12, A5547-127),
    • GMO corn (BT11, BT176, T25, GA21, TC1507, MON810, MON88017),
    • Corn NK603 quality,
    • Corn MON89034 quality,
    • RT-73 rapeseed quality,
  • stage III – quantitative study including determination of GMO crops (RR soybean, RR2 soybean, RT-73 rapeseed, MON810 maize, NK603 corn).

 

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of organisms. The level of their content is therefore one of the most important indicators of the quality of food products and appropriate technological treatments.

Vitamins can be of natural origin or obtained synthetically and their analytics is extremely complex due to the variety of structures and properties.

Minerals are chemical elements, exogenous compounds, i.e. compounds which are not synthesised by our organism and must be supplied externally in appropriate doses and proportions. Not only macronutrients (i.e. minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, phosphorus, sodium and chlorine), which are in high demand, but also micronutrients (e.g. iodine, chromium, iron, copper, selenium, zinc and fluorine), which are in slightly lower demand, are important for our body.

Tests to confirm vitamin and mineral content shall be carried out mainly on food supplements and also on foods commonly consumed, where their presence and level provides evidence of a particular nutritional value of the products.

The amounts of vitamins and minerals listed in the table in Annex XIII to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, may be declared on the packaging of foods when they are present in significant amounts. This significant amount shall be calculated using appropriate relationships:

  • 15 % of the reference intakes contained in 100 g or 100 ml in the case of products other than beverages,
  • 7,5 % of the reference intake values contained in 100 ml in the case of beverages, or
  • 15 % of the reference intake values per portion if the package contains only a single portion.

J.S. Hamilton Poland performs analyses in its central laboratory in Gdynia, sometimes also in cooperation with the best European laboratories recognised in this field. Determination of vitamins and minerals requires the use of many specialised testing techniques.

In case of vitamins, the choice of testing technique is mainly related to the classification and structure of the vitamin under study. Most often, chromatographic techniques (liquid chromatography technique with fluorescence detection HPLC-FLD or spectrophotometric detection HPLC-UV/VIS, HPLC-DAD) or microbiological techniques are used. Less commonly used techniques are enzymatic or titration methods.

For the determination of mineral content, J.S. Hamilton Poland laboratory uses inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma ionisation mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques.

Tests for vitamins and minerals are performed by accredited methods. It is also worth adding that in the case of many agri-foodstuffs, animal nutrition products and premixes, the laboratory is accredited in the flexible range, which means that it can modify the test method, change the measurement range of the method and add a new attribute to be tested (vitamin or mineral) within the facility and method. The current “List of tests conducted within the flexible scope” is available on the website.

Are you looking for a partner to help you take care of your food products? Contact us today to learn more about our offer – or to schedule tests right away.

ATEXQ quality system

As Notified Body NB 2057, we carry out conformity assessment modules for management systems within the scope of Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX):

Module D: conformity to type based on quality assurance of the production process – Annex IV

Module E: conformity to type based on product quality assurance – Annex VII

In the field of explosion-proof construction equipment, we confirm the quality assurance module by compliance with the requirements of PN- EN ISO/IEC 80079-34 “Explosive atmospheres Part 34: Application of quality management systems in equipment manufacture”.

Certification for the lighting industry

J.S. Hamilton Poland Certification Unit, based in Siemianowice Śląskie, with competences confirmed by the Polish Centre for Accreditation with Certificate AC149 for the needs of the lighting industry, carries out voluntary certification in the field of lighting and luminaires.

We carry out certification processes based on the PN-EN 60598 standard series and the 2014/30/EU (EMC) Directive as a notified body (NB 2057).

The standard in question covers, among others, the following luminaire types:

  • fixed and portable of general purpose,
  • built-in,
  • road and street,
  • garden,
  • handheld,
  • photographic and film
  • stage lighting
  • illumination projectors,
  • light garlands,

and others

In a Testing Laboratory with competences confirmed by the Polish Centre for Accreditation with certificate AC1552, we perform both accredited and non-accredited tests related to certification processes and independent tests dictated by the needs of our clients.

 

For luminaire manufacturers, we offer the following test ranges:

 

Full range of tests according to PN-EN 60598-1 and PN-EN 60598-2;

  • Basic testing:

testing of the structure including mechanical strength test, test of the suspension device , test of resistance to corrosion, test of resistance to UV radiation,

test for continuity of earthing,

protection against electric shock,

test for resistance to dust, solid objects and water ingress,

testing of resistance and electrical strength of insulation,

measurement of insulation clearances

durability test and thermal test

 

Insulating parts, insulating sheaths and terminals are also tested for flammability and heat resistance.

  • Durability and heat resistance tests:
  • durability and heat resistance testing of luminaires.

Chemical tests:

Determination of mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium (VI) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) according to the requirements of Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS)

  • – EMC tests

UV tests

The manufacturer, when introducing a cosmetic with UV filters to the market, is obligated to carry out tests confirming the protection of the preparation against UVB and UVA radiation.

The determination of the amount of the UVB sun protection factor (SPF) consists in measuring and comparing the value of the minimum erythema dose for the skin protected with the cosmetic with the value of the minimum erythema dose for unprotected skin. The test for determination of the degree of UVA protection (UVA-PF) is performed using the in vitro method with a specialized device and PMMA plates.

After exposure to UV radiation, the phototoxicity and photoallergy assessment is performed in order to exclude the occurrence of allergic or toxic changes.

The scope of UV tests in our laboratory includes:

  • determination of the sun protection factor SPF using the in vivo method,
  • determination of the sun protection factor SPF using the in vitro method,
  • determination of the level of UVA protection factor using the in vitro method,
  • determination of the level of UVA protection factor using the in vivo method,
  • water resistance test (WR),
  • very water resistance test (VWR),
  • sweat resistance test (SR),
  • very sweat resistance test (VSR),
  • photoallergy,
  • phototoxicity,
  • Blue Light Protection in vitro,
  • Visible Light Protection in vitro,
  • IR Light Protection in vitro,
  • photostability assessment in vitro.

Depending on the type of test, we perform UV tests in accordance with:

  • ISO 24444: 2019 + AMD 2022,
  • ISO 24443: 2021,
  • ISO 24442:2022,
  • ISO 16217:2020 + ISO 18861:2020,
  • Cosmetic Europe Guidelines For Evaluating Sun Product Water Resistance (December, 2005),
  • FDA Guidance for Industry – Labeling and Effectiveness Testing: Sunscreen Drug Products for OTC Human Use (2012).

Testing of dietary supplements stability

The specificity of dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products, the need to ensure product safety and commercial quality throughout the declared shelf life require special laboratory supervision. Storage testing is one way to check those properties.

We offer several storage chambers, cabinets, but also refrigerators and freezers that can simulate the conditions of 5 climate zones!

Temperature and humidity ranges of our chambers:

  • TEMP: from 20°C to 55°C
  • HUMIDITY: from 60% to 75%
  • Temperature range of our refrigerators and freezers:
  • TEMP: 4-6°C; 6-8°C; 0-5°C; 4-6°C; 2-8°C; ≤-18°C

Storing the product, we can test its microbiological quality and physicochemical and organoleptic properties.

Testing provides information about the product’s condition in certain circumstances – whether it maintains its high quality throughout the declared shelf life.