Determination of halophenols

Halophenols are a family of organohalogen compounds produced by the transformation of chlorinated or brominated phenols or anisoles. Some, such as 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) , 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA) or 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole (TeCA) , are known for their impact on food quality and the environment. They can be generated during disinfection treatments, by microbial degradation of biocides, or migrate from materials and packaging. Their laboratory measurement is essential to detect any contamination and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Analytical methods for the determination of halophenols

The determination of halophenols is based on sensitive and selective chromatographic methods:

• GC-ECD (Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection) : Particularly suitable for volatile and semi-volatile halogenated compounds.
• GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) : allows halophenols to be precisely identified and quantified even at very low concentrations, thanks to the specificity of mass spectrometry.
• LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) : Used in certain cases for complex matrices or when the target compounds have low volatility.

These techniques are in line with the methods used for other regulated organic contaminants, such as bisphenols or adjuvants .

Industrial applications and security issues

The dosage of halophenols is particularly important in:

• The food industry : prevention of contamination responsible for organoleptic alterations, such as the smell of “moldy cork” linked to TBA or TeCA in packaged drinks and foods.
• The materials and packaging sector : quality control to prevent the migration of halophenols into food.
• The environment : monitoring of halophenol residues in water, soil and effluents in order to prevent pollution risks.
• Plant production and derivatives : analysis of extracts, powders and residues that may contain traces of contaminants from preservation processes.

This type of control complements other regulatory services related to materials and packaging, such as the determination of QM/QMS criteria .

Matrices analyzed for halophenols

YesWeLab's partner laboratories perform halophenol analysis on various matrices: process or waste water, plant extracts, processed food products, packaging materials, and residues from industrial processes. Each matrix requires specific preparation (extraction, purification, derivatization) to ensure reliable detection of the targeted halophenols.

Regulatory and traceability issues

Halophenols are subject to strict monitoring due to their toxic properties and their impact on product quality. Their dosage makes it possible to: verify compliance with current regulations, identify potential sources of contamination, secure the production and distribution chain, prevent economic losses linked to sensory alterations (particularly in wine, beer or packaged drinks). This control approach is part of a traceability logic, similar to that implemented for regulated compounds such as BADGE or BFDGE .

YesWeLab's expertise in halophenol dosage

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of more than 200 partner laboratories in France and Europe, rigorously selected for their expertise in physicochemical analyses and their accreditations (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Our experts assist manufacturers in choosing the most appropriate method based on the matrix and expected concentrations. Thanks to our digital platform, managing your analyses is simplified: online quotes, real-time sample tracking, and rapid receipt of results. Since 2020, many players in the agri-food, materials, and environmental sectors have trusted us to secure their production.

Take action

Do you want to check the presence of TCP, TBA, or TeCA in your food products, packaging, or environmental matrices? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for reliable and compliant halophenol determination. Request a quote online now for your analyses.