Progress in Food Contaminant Analysis pp 368-416 | Cite as
Progress in developing European statutory methods of analysis
Summary
The procedures that are required for a laboratory to produce consistently reliable data are described; such procedures include the need to implement an appropriate programme of quality assurance measures, i.e. to demonstrate that it is in statistical control, to participate in proficiency testing schemes which provide an objective means of assessing and documenting the reliability of the data it is producing, and to use methods of analysis which are ‘fit for purpose’.
The requirements of official bodies which aid the production of reliable data in this area are described, as is the progress that has been made internationally in the preparation of protocols on internal quality control, proficiency testing and procedures for the collaborative testing of methods of analysis.
Methods of analysis which are being developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) for food additives and contaminants are outlined; such procedures are likely to be of future importance in view of their possible direct incorporation in, or their use to enforce, future EU legislation.
Keywords
Proficiency Testing Internal Quality Control Food Sector High Performance Liquid Chromatog Collaborative TrialPreview
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