The Institute

Institut Kirchhoff Berlin GmbH is divided into test laboratory, inspection centre, and central services sections, with the test laboratory and inspection centre largely working as a single unit. Central services houses the quality and personnel management departments and administration offices. These services oversee Institute matters as a whole.

Prof. Dr Wolf-Rüdiger Stenzel and Dr Lutz Alder act as scientific advisors to the Institute. As members of the scientific advisory board they support the entire team by working hand in hand with management to find solutions to current problems.

We have been part of Mérieux NutriSciences since 2019. Together, we have committed to a common code of conduct.

Accreditations

The Institute’s test laboratory and inspection centre are accredited by the German Accreditation Agency (DAkkS) according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 (Reg.Nb.: D-PL-17609-01-00) and DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 (Reg.Nb.: D-IS-17609-01-00).

Accreditations and authorisations

IHK Accreditation: Publicly appointed and sworn experts for chemical, chemical/physical, sensory, microbiological testing and assessment of foodstuffs, cosmetics and utensils
Activities involving pathogens: Authorisation pursuant to Section 44 of the Protection against Infection Act to carry out tests with pathogens capable of reproduction and also to cultivate pathogens.
Testing of samples left behind by governmental bodies: Cross-check experts to examine samples left by governmental bodies in accordance with Section 43 of the LFGB (Code on Use of Food, Commodities and Animal Feed) for all federal states.
Assessors on behalf of the DAkkS: Technical expert for food chemistry and food microbiology for the German Accreditation Agency (DAkkS)
Drinking water testing: Authorised pursuant to Section 15(4) of the TrinkwV (Drinking Water Ordinance) 2001
Working with biological agents in risk groups 2 and 3**: Authorised pursuant to Section 16 of the Biological Agents Ordinance
Sensory experience: DLG sensory experts for meat products, confectionary, milk and sour milk products, cheese and cream cheese, pastries

Certifications and laboratory accreditations

QS certification: Since 2006 QS-certified laboratory for residue monitoring of fruit, vegetables, potatoes
BNN (German Federal Association of Natural Food and Natural Products) accreditation: Since 2016, we have also been accredited by the German Federal Agency for Natural Food and Natural Products BNN
VLOG accreditation: Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik e.V. [Association for Food without Genetic Engineering]

Test laboratory

The test laboratory consists of six departments and the Research and Development division. The laboratory tests incoming samples according to client requirements, and evaluates the test results with regard to analytical plausibility. Any legal assessment of the findings is carried out by the inspection centre. The Research and Development division handles current analytical problems and creates new analysis procedures.

Accreditation of the test laboratory according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, held since 1993, ensures that the very highest safety and quality standards are maintained. The German Accreditation Agency (DAkkS) certifies the test laboratory at Institut Kirchhoff Berlin GmbH to perform tests in the areas listed in the accreditation certificate.

Inspection centre

The inspection centre comprises four client or subject-specific areas. Other areas include sensory experience. The inspection centre is responsible for client support, sample management, and on-site inspections. It also performs an assessment of test findings according to client requirements and based on the legal framework or other criteria.

Since 2012 the accreditation awarded to the inspection centre according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17020:2012 has ensured that the very highest safety and quality standards are met. The German Accreditation Agency (DAkkS) certifies the inspection centre at Institut Kirchhoff Berlin GmbH to perform type A inspections in the areas listed in the accreditation certificate.

Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Lutz Alder — With his knowledge, Dr. Alder offers a professional background, especially in the field of pesticides.

Prof. Dr. Wolf-Rüdiger Stenzel — Prof. Dr. Stenzel contributes his diverse analytical and hygienic experience in the areas of "plant and animal foods" as well as their sensory assessment.

History

[Translate to Englisch:] Dr. Wilhelm Lohmann

The history of food chemistry in Berlin Friedenau dates back to 1902, when food chemist Wilhelm Lohmann founded a Chemical Laboratory and Hygiene Institute...