Intertek, a provider of safety services, has expanded its operations in Eastern Europe with the acquisition of a food testing laboratory in Poland.

Intertek, a provider of safety services, has expanded its operations in Eastern Europe with the acquisition of a food testing laboratory in Poland.

Warsaw-based EKO-LAB was sold by its management shareholders Bruno and Wanda Ewers in a deal that could be worth as much as £3.3 million in cash, depending on the financial performance of the company.

Demand for food testing in Eastern Europe is increasing due to the growth in food processing and manufacturing in Poland, Ukraine and Russia. In addition, EU food quality and safety regulations are increasing in response to health crises and consumer concerns.

EKO-LAB has 40 employees serving food retailers as well as meat and confectionery companies. It will now trade as part of Intertek’s consumer goods division.

Intertek chief executive Wolfhart Hauser said Eastern Europe is a growing market for food production and trade, triggering demand for testing services. “EKO-LAB is another valuable acquisition for Intertek in-line with our strategy of adding to our current range of food services, increasing our support to existing and new customers and extending our geographic footprint.”

EKO-LAB enables food producers and retailers to assess the levels of pathogens, bacteria and other micro-organisms in their products. It also measures hygiene levels in production lines, and calculates the protein, fat and carbohydrate components of food.