New mass spectrometer in the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)-National Food Institute will support research in relation to the EU Commission's standards for arsenic and nanomaterials in food. The mass spectrometer is sponsored by the company Thermo Fisher Scientific and is an example of how collaboration between researchers and industry to provide research-based solutions that can enhance food security.
A new ICP-MS mass spectrometer will enable and intensify the National Food Institute's research in food safety. ICP-MS stands for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and is an instrument that will be used for the detection of elements, for example in foods.
The mass spectrometer will provide additional focus on research in inorganic arsenic and nanoparticles. Arsenic and its compounds can be toxic to humans, while the possible risk of nanoparticle to human health is not yet known.
Win-win for research and industry
The new ICP-MS is sponsored for one year by the company Thermo Fisher Scientific, which for many years has had a cooperative relationship with the research community in the National Food Institute.
The new mass spectrometer was inaugurated on 28 November 2012 at a reception where Thermo Fisher Scientific's sales manager for Scandinavia, Jan Petersen stressed the win-win situation of the cooperation.
During the coming 12 months period, The National Food Institute prepares two real-life cases relating to the determination of inorganic arsenic as well as the number and size distribution of nanoparticles in food. These two issues are highly topical in the current debate on food safety.
Cooperation is essential
As a research institution The National Food Institute is committed to providing research and research-based consultancy to authorities, which helps to provide consumers with healthy and safe food.
Cooperation with industry to develop research in food safety helps to ensure the scientific basis for the Institute's research and advisory role to national and international authorities, organizations and companies.