In 2024, 16,241 samples were received and tested for 1,275,162 analytes, a 7% increase in the number of samples received for analysis and a 10% increase in the number of analytes tested compared to 2023. Analytical chemistry is a continually evolving science and staff of the Laboratory keep abreast of technological changes and take advantage of the opportunities offered by new technology to improve the quality and efficiency of the service provided to our clients. EU and Irish legislation are regularly updated to reflect technological developments and the Laboratory must continually update and improve its methods of analysis. These technological developments are the reason for the large increase in analytes tested. In 2024, new methods of analysis were developed and existing methods were extended so that 39 new tests were introduced, using a variety of analytical techniques.

Page19 Hemp cultivation in Ireland is strictly regulated and may only proceed under HPRA licence. To enforce legal THC limits (not exceeding 0.3%), at least 30% of licensed crop areas must be inspected. The State Laboratory supports DAFM by analysing THC content in hemp samples and by testing CBD products intercepted by Revenue Customs Officers. In line with EU legislation, the Department of Health has designated the State Laboratory as the national reference laboratory for tobacco product testing. The Laboratory measures tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide levels in cigarettes and ensures e-liquids and related devices comply with the Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU). This work directly supports the HSE Tobacco Control Network Support Unit and reinforces Ireland’s public health policy.

Page 19 Tobacco & E - liquids

There was a 75% increase in the number of eliquid samples submitted for analysis for the HSE Tobacco Control Network Support Unit, compared to the figures for 2023. Nicotine concentrations are often greater than the limit specified in the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). In at least 4 cases, European Safety RAPEX alerts (Rapid Alert System in EU for Dangerous Non-Food Products) were raised by the HSE based on analytical results.

 Page 20 Cannabinoids & THC

There was an 85% increase in the number of cannabinoid samples submitted by Revenue. Sample preparation is a protracted process due to the small size of the samples, particularly for new matrices, such as cannabis beer. Many, but not all, of these samples were found to contain delta-9 THC. New matrices were validated and accredited under flexible scope for the cannabinoid LC-MS/MS method, e.g. herbal/plant-based matrices.