AgroPages-SGS expands GLP residue and biopesticide testing capabilities in Germany-Agricultural news

SGS has successfully completed the expansion of agricultural testing and analysis capabilities at its site in Hamburg-Bergedorf, in Germany.

Alongside the creation of a new GLP microbiology laboratory for biopesticide studies, SGS has also almost doubled the capabilities of its GLP residue laboratory.

For more than 30 years, GLP residue analysis has consistently been one of SGS Institut Fresenius' most requested agricultural services. To service demand, in 2014, SGS opened a second GLP residue laboratory in Hamburg-Bergedorf. Demand has, however, continued to grow as the biopesticide market expands and there is stricter enforcement of regulatory requirements.

The expansion of its GLP residue laboratory in Hamburg-Bergedorf is part of SGS's larger forward-thinking investment in agricultural testing services at the facility. The new larger laboratory will house state-of-the-art equipment and an enlarged team. The restructuring has also allowed the introduction of new optimized workflows; almost doubling capacity and allowing greater efficiencies and improved turnaround times.

SGS has also opened a new microbiology laboratory at Hamburg-Bergedorf. This facility is equipped with the latest technology including a laminar flow hood, precision microscopes, incubators, autoclaves, etc. It will provide GLP testing capabilities for the large variety of commercially relevant bacteria and fungi that are commonly used in biopesticides.

Biopesticides are plant protection products which contain biological control agents – for example, microbials, pheromones and plant extracts. Typically, they have unique modes of action and are considered lower risk pesticides. They are commercially used as agricultural and horticultural pesticides. To successfully bring a biopesticide to market it must undergo efficacy and crop safety studies. These are conducted to prove a consistent level of control, with monitoring for any side effects. All regulatory data must be generated through a GLP-certified testing facility.

SGS provides the agricultural sector with turnkey solutions for biologicals. From screening to safety-testing, SGS has the capabilities in place to offer accurate and efficient testing and analysis, including:

-Product chemistry and product characterization

-5-batch analysis

-Storage stability

-Composition analysis

-Impurity identification

-Aquatic and terrestric ecotoxicology

-Non-target organism testing

-Environmental and efficacy testing

SGS also provides analytical support in method development, method validation, and independent laboratory validation.

ABOUT SGS

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 94,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.