Improved Methods of Analysis Research Programme (E01)

The aim of this research programme is to ensure that Agency funded research, and bodies enforcing UK law (e.g. Public Analysts), have appropriate and validated methods of analysis available. More specifically, the programme seeks to develop new methods and improve the performance of existing methods to enable their successful validation for possible introduction into EU legislation and UK law.

To maintain the quality and safety of the UK's food supply, food legislation contains standards and specifications detailing compositional requirements as well as maximum levels of additives, residues and contaminants in food. An essential element in determining whether there is compliance with legislation is the need for laboratories to have available to them appropriate and validated methods of analysis. It is important to ensure such methods of analysis are used correctly and, if necessary, be defensible in the courts.

The objectives for the research in this programme are as follows:

• Develop new methods and improve the performance of existing methods to enable their successful validation such that they may be considered for introduction into EU legislation.
• Develop and validate methods enabling the Agency, Public Analysts and industry to ensure that food products are correctly described and labelled so that consumers are accurately informed and protected.
• Provide proficiency test materials whereby the analytical performance of laboratories, and the methodology that they use, may be assessed.
• Develop statistical procedures such that the uncertainty and robustness of data resulting from chemical analyses and microbiological examinations can be expressed effectively.
• Develop quality assurance procedures to ensure that data resulting from Agency funded research and surveys are of the best quality possible.

Outputs from this programme help the Food Standards Agency ensure that its policies and advice are based on the best possible science and ensure that bodes undertaking enforcement activities within the UK have the necessary validated methodology.

To ensure the quality and safety of the UK food supply, food legislation contains standards and specifications detailing compositional requirements, as well as maximum levels of residues and other contaminants in foodstuffs. An essential component of any law enforcement process is the availability of reliable means to determine whether or not the law has been observed. One essential element in determining whether there is compliance is the need for laboratories to have available appropriate methods of analysis.

Legislation on specific regulations and directives is being developed at the EU level. In addition, as a result of the adoption of the Additional Measures Food Control Directive (93/99/EEC), there is now a requirement that the methods of analysis used in all food control work must be fully validated. This is to comply with the provisions of the EU Methods of Analysis and Sampling Directive (85/591/EEC) which requires the establishment of all analytical characteristics, including those on precision, for methods of analysis used in the food sector. With the advent of the EU's Internal Market the need for laboratories carrying out analytical determinations to demonstrate that they are doing so competently has become paramount. It is essential that all analysts are in the position of having complete confidence not only in their own (national) laboratories but also those of the other Member States to facilitate 'mutual recognition' aspects. In particular, there is a need for validated methods and standard protocols for the calculation and reporting of the measurement uncertainty of any data reported. It is also necessary to develop methods of analysis in areas where suitable methods do not currently exist, or are scientifically unsatisfactory, and to encourage laboratories to assess their analytical performance through the preparation of test materials which may be used in proficiency testing exercises.

The Agency has direct responsibility for input of data and advice into EU Technical Working Groups that are responsible for the progression of EU methods of analysis. The Agency has an unbiased, impartial relationship with enforcement, industrial and private laboratories who are potential participants in inter-laboratory trials. The Agency is therefore best placed to target the development of analytical methods in areas of need, and to validate such methods as appropriate, so that the UK enforcement agencies (and Central and Local Government and industry) have available to them reliable means of enforcing food law (and checking compliance with food law).

Sound scientific evidence is the foundation on which the Food Standards Agency bases its policies and advice. The Agency requires appropriate and validated chemical and microbiological methods of analysis to achieve the 2001 – 2006 Strategic Plan. Work funded through this research programme is linked to a number of Agency targets and strategic goals, particularly:

• FSA Key Priority: To improve the enforcement of food law;
• SDA Aim 1: Measurably improve public confidence in national food safety arrangements;
• FSA Strategic Plan 2001/06: Our role as a Government Department; and,
• FSA undertaking to base its decisions on the best available scientific advice.

Name: Dr Roger Wood
Tel: 016 0325 5298
Email: roger.wood@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk