DOST-FNRI Food Reference Materials
DOST-FNRI Food RMs are produced based on the demand of the local testing laboratories and are being used in method validation and assessment, instrument performance check, or as a quality control material that provides information for the acceptance of analytical results obtained from chemical analyses.
Executive Summary
The high cost of certified reference materials (CRMs) is one of the limitations why local testing laboratories failed to use the material in their routine analysis. In such case, a secondary reference material, which is also recognized by ISO/IEC 17025:2005, could be used as the most suitable quality control test material available. DOST-FNRI through its Proficiency Testing Laboratory (PTL) has been providing secondary RMs with assigned values obtained from interlaboratory comparison. Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project obtained two (2) RMs produced based on international standards and served as preparation towards the DOST-FNRI’s accreditation to ISO 17034:2016 as reference material producer.
The Problem
Aside from high cost of CRMs or similar RMs available from foreign RM producers, difficulty in purchasing, transacting and importing the food RMs are being faced by local testing laboratories. Additionally, the matrix RMs available from Western and European countries, where most of the RMs are being sold, are different from those matrices being analyzed in the country. With the demand for internationally accepted, quality assured data, the demand for use of credible and readily available RMs increased.
The Solution
FNRI-PTL has produced two (2) new reference materials from the Project: processed meat and lyophilized fish muscle. The assigned value and uncertainty of the RM were established through consensus value from interlaboratory testing of local participant laboratories and the RMs produced were properly stored for continuous conduct of stability testing. The FNRI-PTL facilities have been upgraded to accommodate newly acquired equipment in support of its capability enhancement to cater the needs to produce new matrices and in preparation for its accreditation to ISO 17034:2016.
Competitive Advantage
Why choose DOST-FNRI Reference Materials
- Produced and characterized based on international standards
- Reliable
- Readily available
- Low-cost compared to foreign RMs
Target market
The major project beneficiaries are the following:
1. The DOST RSTLs and RDIs;
2. The small and medium scale food industries;
3. The local and regional food testing laboratories that are users of RMs;
4. The local accreditation body (PAB, DTI) which gives 3rd party ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation
5. The commercial testing laboratories providing the analytical services;
6. The local recognition bodies which give 2nd party accreditation namely: Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health (FDA, DOH)
Contact Person
Leah C. Dajay
DOST-FNRI
Tel No: 837-2071 loc 2300
Mobile: 0942-521-5975
Email: fnri.ptl@gmail.com