National Reference Laboratory annual report published
Monday 13 July 2009
The first annual report of the UK National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for contaminants in food and animal feed has been published. The NRL, which is appointed by the Food Standards Agency, helps to set European Union standards for routine procedures and reliable testing methods in food and feed.
The first annual report summarising the activities undertaken by the Food and Environmental Research Agency (Fera) in their capacity as the UK NRL has been published and can be viewed at the link below. The report covers the first year of a four year appointment, which runs from 2008–2012.
About the NRL
In April 2008, the Agency appointed the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) as the UK NRL for contaminants in food. Further details on the appointment can be found via the link below. CSL was selected as the NRL for the following chemicals that can be found in food:
- mycotoxins
- heavy metals
- dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- materials and articles in contact with food
In March 2009, following a separate tender exercise, CSL was also appointed as the NRL for dioxins and PCBs in animal feed.
In April 2009, CSL was merged with other organisations to form Fera.
Role of the NRL
Services provided by the NRL include:
- a channel for communication between the FSA and other relevant laboratories
- advice and representation within the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL)-NRL network on contaminants within the UK/EU
- production of standard operating procedures, codes of practice and guidance documents (as agreed with the Agency)
- compliance assessment via audit ring trials (as agreed with the Agency)
- co-ordination within the UK of CRL initiatives
Related links
(pdf 298KB)
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