Development of analytical methods

At the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, analytical methods are developed and validated to ensure comparability between laboratories and analytical methods. These analytical methods are ultimately standardised (e.g. at DIN, CEN). These adequately validated analytical methods are essential for monitoring maximum levels.

Reasons for developing a method may be the determination of lower maximum levels of undesirable substances, but also the occurrence of previously unconsidered substances in food and feed, as well as in consumer products, which are toxicologically active. Important for the development of a method is the testing for sufficient selectivity, necessary sensitivity and robustness.

Several national reference laboratories (NRL) as well as other specialised laboratories and laboratories with a reference function are conducting research on analytical methods at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. This makes the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment part of an EU-wide network for improving food monitoring.

• NRL for the monitoring of marine biotoxins
• NRL for mycotoxins and plant toxins in food and feed
• NRL for halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in food and feed
• NRL for substances intended to come into contact with food
• NRL for animal proteins in feed
• NRL for additives for use in animal nutrition
• NRL for food additives and flavourings
• Reference laboratory in the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) network
• Central expert body for the import control of wine according to the wine monitoring regulation

Reasons for developing a method may include the setting of lower maximum levels for undesirable substances, but also the appearance of previously unconsidered substances in food and feed, as well as in consumer goods, which are toxicologically effective. It is important for a method development to test for sufficient selectivity, necessary sensitivity and robustness.

So-called interlaboratory comparisons are carried out to verify the suitability of a developed method. In this process, various laboratories receive the same samples containing the substance to be examined. These samples must be examined using the specified method.

The results from the participating laboratories show whether the method delivers comparable values and the statistical deviations that have to be expected.