The results of the annual laboratory performance assessment in the context of feed monitoring are available. This year's focus was on the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Overall, the results showed that the vast majority of laboratories performed excellently: 88% of the participants successfully passed the 2024 performance assessment.
Test design
42 laboratories from eight European countries (Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, France, Slovakia and Spain) took part in this year's assessment. The laboratories were not informed of the parameters to be examined, the sample matrices or the exact date of dispatch. The task was to examine two different samples for PAHs. The laboratories received samples of the matrices soybean oil (high fat) and apple pomace (vegetable).
Results
Of the 42 participating laboratories, 31 completed the test without errors, which corresponds to almost three quarters of the participants. Eleven laboratories each made one quantification error, which was tolerated within the scope of the test requirements.
Five laboratories, however, did not pass this year's test: one laboratory reported all the values to be submitted incorrectly, three laboratories had too many errors in the apple pomace matrix and one laboratory recorded three errors in the soybean oil matrix. These laboratories were asked to provide a statement explaining possible causes and measures for improvement. In addition, these laboratories are required to participate in an additional interlaboratory comparison to verify their competence in the relevant parameter.
