SGS’s Hamburg Lab introduces GLP five-batch analysis to support the biopesticide industry

SGS has expanded its biopesticide testing portfolio by completing a GLP five-batch analysis study on a microbial plant protection product.

In a move long awaited by the biocontrol industry, the EU has made several key amendments to regulations surrounding plant protection products. The amendments, passed in November 2022, clarify the distinction between chemical and microbial products, simplifying the commercialization of many biocontrol products.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1438 (amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009) specifies the relevant information required to characterize a microbial pesticide, while Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1439 (amending Regulation (EU) No 283/2013) mandates that at least five representative batches from recent and current production of the microorganism must be analyzed.

To meet the new demands, SGS has established a GLP five-batch analysis process. The analysis is available in SGS's dedicated microbial pesticide and microbial biostimulant lab located in Hamburg, Germany.

SGS has validated or verified all analysis methods for the active ingredient, potential microbial contaminants, metabolites of concern and potential toxic impurities. The potential contaminants were selected according to SANCO/12116/2012 and include Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus and multiple fungal contaminants.

In addition, SGS has adapted and established methods for further microbial contaminants, including aerobic and anaerobic mesophilic microorganisms, Shigella spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes.

For microbial characterization, the lab offers identification using biochemical, Maldi-TOF or molecular methods down to strain level. Microbial metabolites of concern or toxic impurities are analyzed using chromatographic systems by the on-site GLP residue team.

The Hamburg site has a wide range of expertise in microbial analysis, as it routinely performs food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and water analysis.

Now, with the inclusion of five-batch analysis, the SGS Hamburg laboratory provides turnkey services for the microbial pesticide and biostimulant industry including:

• Identity and content of active ingredient

• Identity and content of microbial contaminants

• Method development/validation

• Identity and content of relevant metabolites (e.g. toxins)

• Storage stability/shelf life

• Susceptibility testing against antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents

• Microbial compatibility testing with chemicals

The new SGS service further expands the capabilities of SGS’s crop science division, including testing in field trials across Europe or under protected conditions in growth chambers and R&D greenhouses, and seed treatment/germination studies.

The 4th Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Novel Fertilizers International Summit (BioEx 2023) will take place on 9th & 10th March in Hangzhou, China. We are pleased to invite speakers from the commercial, research, extension, government, regulatory and farming sectors to submit your proposals and abstracts for oral presentations.