Laboratories testing food quality and safety are encouraged to routinely perform proficiency tests. Proficiency testing is an external check of quality. It provides an independent and unbiased assessment of the performance of all aspects of the laboratory, both human and hardware. Each participating laboratory is encouraged to use its normal analytical method, thereby simulating the testing of a routine laboratory sample as closely as possible. While the outcome of the analysis may depend on the choice of method, it also could be affected by the performance of the laboratory equipment or the competence of the analyst. Using proficiency testing, those laboratories performing well can ensure high standards are maintained and those performing unsatisfactorily can implement corrective action rapidly. In an environment in which analytical laboratories compete intensively for work, proficiency testing provides the means by which external customers can compare competence in carrying out specific tests. Together with laboratory accreditation and the use of validated methods, proficiency tests are an important requirement of the EU Additional Measures Directive 93/99/EEC applying to laboratories entrusted with the official control of food.
Aldrin (309-00-2), 10 µg/mL
α-BHC (319-84-6), 10 µg/mL
β-BHC (319-85-7), 10 µg/mL
γ-BHC (Lindane) (58-89-9), 10 µg/mL
cis-Chlordane (5103-71-9), 10 µg/mL
trans-Chlordane (5103-74-2), 10 µg/mL
4,4-DDD (72-54-8), 20 µg/mL
4,4-DDE (72-55-9), 20 µg/mL
2,4-DDT (789-02-6), 20 µg/mL
4,4-DDT (50-29-3), 20 µg/mL
Dieldrin (60-57-1), 20 µg/mL
Endosulfan I (959-98-8), 10 µg/mL
Endosulfan II (33213-65-9), 20 µg/mL
Endosulfan sulfate (1031-07-8), 20 µg/mL
Endrin (72-20-8), 20 µg/mL
Heptachlor (76-44-8), 10 µg/mL
Heptachlor epoxide (isomer B) (1024-57-3), 10 µg/mL
Hexachlorobenzene (118-74-1), 10 µg/mL
Oxychlordane (27304-13-8), 10 µg/mL
*Use of Restek calibration mixtures by laboratories participating in the FAPAS program is voluntary; no endorsement of any Restek product has been made by the Central Science Laboratory. To obtain further information regarding the FAPAS program, or to participate, contact Central Science Laboratory.
FAPAS-registered trademark of Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York, Y041, UK.
