MPA crisis

In the summer of 2002 the Dutch pig feed sector suffered from a large scale contamination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). After a short while it became clear that the source of the contamination was glucose syrup, a major raw material for amongst others (parts of) pig feed.

Under supervision of the Dutch authorities a workplan was set up to determine the size and the consequences of the contamination. Immediately after this was known, employees now working for DUCARES have set up a robust, fast and reliable method for the identification and quantification of MPA in various matrices, ranging from glucose syrup, molasses, silage to kidney fat and other tissue. By working overtime and in shifts both the government as well as feed- and food companies could be supplied with accurate and legally sound research results in time in full.