In 2022, a matrine contamination was detected in 1 batch of liquorice from EVD-Mafco Worldwide. The company received the notification through the RASFF alert 2021.6850 regarding the presence of matrine in powdered liquorice extract batch 9017.0. In response, EVD-Mafco initiated a research project aimed at identifying the contamination source and immediately enhanced its work practices, sampling methods and testing at its facility.
Mafco hired the independent consulting firm Ofade Consulting, which specializes in managing research and development projects in the European agri-food sector, to coordinate the comprehensive verification project for its processes. Ofade Consulting was assigned responsibility for the overall direction and coordination of the project, including managing the necessary resources to validate the processes and ensure the production of matrine-free liquorice. Ofade Consulting also decided key collaboration entities needed to complete the project, including academic research centres, certified laboratories, etc. This study was supported by the Instituto de la Grasa (Spanish National Research Council, CSIC), the University of Seville, and the certification company SGS, all of them selected, contacted and coordinated by Ofade Consulting, with Mafco remaining outside of any decisions regarding this project.
The industrial tests and corresponding sample collections were carried out in Uzbekistan, at one of Mafco’s supplier plants. The consultancy firm travelled to the plant together with the certification company SGS, which was responsible for sample collection and handling throughout the entire testing process. Ofade Consulting designed the steps to validate the process of producing matrine-free liquorice extract, establishing a methodology to ensure traceability of batches produced in Uzbekistan.
SGS supported the sampling process carried out at the Uzbekistan plants by performing sample audits. As a global leader in mechanical sampling system (MSS) inspection and audit, SGS ensures that sampling is accurate and representative. In addition, considering the importance of adhering to EFSA recommendations that endorse the QuPPe + LC-MS/MS method for analysis of matrine, SGS laboratory was chosen for the analysis of the samples collected throughout the process. SGS’s proven sensitivity, particularly in detecting trace amounts of matrine that other laboratories may miss. This decision ensures alignment with EU regulatory standards, guaranteeing the highest standard of accuracy and comparability with other European laboratories.
The internal process models in Mafco Worldwide LLC, described in their Manual for manufacturing matrine free licorice for the food industry, were performed according to the Good Laboratory Practice principles for pesticide application (ENV/MC/CHEM (98)17).
After analysing the results of the quantification of matrine samples taken throughout the licorice production it was possible to verify the effectiveness of the Mafco practices in relation to the matrine free production.
A scientific study has been published in the journal Food and Humanity, from Elsevier editorial, in 2026.
