In 2025, QS once again conducted its annual laboratory performance assessment for salmonella monitoring (pigs). A total of 26 laboratories from seven countries—Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, and Ireland—took part. Among them were 22 QS recognized laboratories and four third-party laboratories that voluntarily participated in the test. Of the participating laboratories, 22 successfully passed the test. Four laboratories had too many quantification errors and were therefore unable to successfully complete the test. Three of these laboratories have recognition in QS salmonella monitoring for pigs. There is a need for improvement here.
For the test, the laboratories each received ten lyophilized meat juice and serum samples with different levels of salmonella antibodies, which had to be examined within 14 days. The aim of the annual review is to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the analyses, which form an important basis for salmonella monitoring in pig production. Participation in the laboratory performance assessment is mandatory for QS recognized laboratories and contributes significantly to ensuring laboratory quality and the reliability of the monitoring system.
