With the new Regulation (EU) 2020/685, perchlorate is now included in the Contaminants Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006. Perchlorate is considered a contaminant that can enter the product e.g. via groundwater, irrigation water, certain fertilizers, or the water used in production. Perchlorate can negatively affect human health by inhibiting iodine intake. Maximum levels have been set for the following product groups: fruit and vegetables, tea, herbal and fruit infusions, and certain baby foods. For fruit and vegetables, the maximum levels apply to the edible part.

Drinking water hygiene in buildings and the legal requirements of the German Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV) can be a challenge for operators or administrators of a drinking water installation, especially in the case of conspicuous findings. In order to keep abreast of the constantly changing legal requirements, GBA Group offers training in the drinking water ordinance and drinking water hygiene in the housing industry.

ABF Pharmaceutical Services GmbH (part of GBA Group Pharma) is a Viennese company founded in 2004, specializing in all aspects of international clinical trials, including project management, manufacturing, logistics and EU approval of investigational medicinal products, as well as import, storage and logistics for approved pharmaceuticals. ABF has a total area of 2,750 square metres (production and warehouse 1,580 m2 and office 1,170m2). State-of-theart processing facilities offer 1,089 pallet spaces (948 spaces at room temperature/ 141 for cold storage), 5 packaging rooms (primary packaging/ secondary packaging/ cold chain) and a GMP warehouse for investigational medicinal products and commercial goods. In 2016, ABF became a member of GBA Group Pharma, one of Europe's largest and most experienced service groups in the pharmaceutical and biotech sector. With its preclinical services, analytical test laboratories and international central laboratory, the company generates annual sales of around 50 million euros.

Protection against food counterfeiting is a challenge in the current situation.

Due to deviations in the routine of global supply chains and official monitoring, there is an increased risk of food fraud.

How can you ensure protection against fraud, safety and integrity of your food?

In a podcast from Fruchthandel magazine, our Head of Sales at GBA Group, Dr. Markus Zell, provides insights into the current situation of laboratories in the corona crisis.