In 2014, SGS established new field stations at Neuruppin, Germany and Grasten, Denmark, capable of performing GLP residue trials and GEP efficacy studies. Along with the development in field, SGS extended its analytical capacities in laboratories at Taunusstein and Bergedorf, investing in new LC-MS/MS systems as well as recruiting new personnel.
Over recent years SGS’s field station network in Germany has grown continuously. The addition of a field station at Neuruppin, close to Berlin, is a further step towards completing German network. In response to client requests and to expand PAN-EU network into the Northern Zone, SGS has also established a new field station in Denmark.
To help deal with growing demand for analytical support, SGS has invested in two new API-5500 LC-MS/MS systems. This state-of-the art equipment enables us to further offer competitive and reliable timelines to the clients.
GEP & GLP Accreditation
The new field station in Denmark was successfully GEP and GLP accredited this year by the Danish authorities. To support this development SGS has hired an experienced and well connected agronomical expert in Denmark.
In 2014, the company performed 11 GLP trials and started several GEP trials in this area. With the Danish field station situated close to the German border, it also allows us to perform GEP and GLP trials in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein.
Neuruppin was also GLP and GEP certified this year.
In Germany, SGS offers GEP studies with most major and minor crops. The GEP-portfolio includes the following categories:
• Arable cropping
• Vegetable cropping
• Fruit growing
• Horticulture
• Viticulture
• Hop growing (soil application)
• Forestry
• Protection of stored products
• Non-arable land
• Railway applications
In addition to GLP-residue field trials, SGS offers GLP soil dissipation, fumigation, runoff and dust drift studies.
Since 2013, the company has extended its GLP laboratory capacities some 50%, by establishing a new GLP laboratory in Bergedorf. SGS is now equipped with six API 5500. This is the basis for reduced sample preparation and handling, improved detection limits, faster analytical runtimes, minimisation of errors or contamination, and finally, reduction of analysis costs.
In addition to residue analysis of all relevant matrices, plant material, soil, water, animal tissues, body fluids, honey, nectar, pollen, bees and earthworms, the company also offers the development of analytical methods, method validations and Independent Laboratory Validations (ILV). Furthermore, SGS performs E-Fate studies, content determination (e.g. fake material), 5-batch analysis and Operator Exposure studies.