Food additives are essential for ensuring the safety and preservation of the products we consume daily. However, their presence and concentration are subject to strict regulatory limits at the European level. For a testing laboratory accredited according to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, demonstrating accuracy and reliability in measuring these substances is more than just a requirement: it is a strategic necessity.
In particular, Sulphites, Nitrates, and Natamycin are widely used preservatives, each with its own complex regulatory framework.
| Analyte | Regulatory Relevance | EU Regulation |
| Sulphites (E220-228) | Common in products such as sausages, wine, and shrimp. Require careful labelling to protect allergic or sensitive consumers. | Regulation (EU) 1129/2011 |
| Nitrates (E251, E252) | Often used in leafy vegetables and meat products. They are at the heart of the debate due to their potential conversion into Nitrites and Nitrosamines. | Regulation (EU) 2023/2108 |
| Natamycin (E235) | A crucial antifungal agent for the surface preservation of cheeses like Grana Padano. | Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 |
An Opportunity Not to Be Missed: PTs for Additives in Complex Matrices of Routine Analysis
Test Veritas is pleased to announce that 3 PTs for Preservative Additives are scheduled for 2026! These specific PTs are not part of our standard annual offer, making this an exceptional occasion for laboratories needing to test their performance on complex food matrices that are subject to high regulatory scrutiny.
Participation in Progetto Trieste PTs ensures the verification of accurate and reliable analytical performance on real and specific matrices.
Technical Details

PT for SULPHITES in FRANKFURTERS
(code M6911) – ROUND of OCTOBER 2026
- Deadline for online orders: September 1st 2026
- Shipping date: October 19th 2026
- Deadline result submission: November 23rd 2026
- Matrix: Frankfurters, 35g x 1 sample.
- Molecules under study: Sulphites SO2
- Indicative concentrations: < 800ppm
- Price: The cost for participation is only 265,00€!
- With us, convenience doubles! For all PTs that are part of Progetto Trieste, it is possible to submit 2 sets of results: with a single registration, you can receive the evaluation of 2 laboratory technicians, or 2 different techniques, in the Final Report.

PT for NITRATES in SPINACH
(code VF6910) – ROUND of OCTOBER 2026
- Deadline for online orders: September 1st 2026
- Shipping date: October 19th 2026
- Deadline result submission: November 23rd 2026
- Matrix: Spinach, 70g x 1 sample.
- Molecules under study: nitrate as sodium nitrate – ionic form (NO3-)
- Indicative concentrations: <4000 ppm
- Price: The cost for participation is only 265,00€!
- With us, convenience doubles! For all PTs that are part of Progetto Trieste, it is possible to submit 2 sets of results: with a single registration, you can receive the evaluation of 2 laboratory technicians, or 2 different techniques, in the Final Report.

PT for NATAMYCIN in HARD CHEESE (NOT SLURRY)
(code CE6701NA) – ROUND of OCTOBER 2026
A DEDICATED NEWS POST WITH ALL DETAILS COMING SOON!!
Why participate in our PTs?
- ISO/IEC 17025 Conformity: All our PTs are operated in compliance with the ISO/IEC 17043 standard, ensuring maximum authority and international recognition for your quality verification.
- Challenge Matrices: We offer samples that faithfully replicate the daily challenges faced by the laboratory.
- Global Benchmark: Compare your performance with an international network of highly qualified laboratories.
Don’t wait: verify your competence on these critical parameters and strengthen the confidence in your results.
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