What is EURL POPs?

This proficiency test (PT) on the determination of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs, HBCDDs and PFASs in compound feed is organized by the EURL for halogenated POPs in Feed and Food to be performed between August and November 2023. The objective is to assess analytical performance of laboratories and inter-laboratory comparability of results from analyses of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs, HBCDDs and PFASs in one sample of compound feed. National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) for halogenated POPs in Feed and Food from EU member states are requested to participate as part of their work programme for 2023. NRLs are invited to encourage the participation of Official Laboratories (OFLs) from their member states as part of their duties following Article 101 of regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017. Furthermore, participation of OFLs will allow the extension of the data basis for calculation of assigned values and evaluation of results. Official laboratories and commercial laboratories performing the analysis of samples taken by feed business operators are invited to participate in this interlaboratory study.

This proficiency test (PT) on the determination of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs, HBCDDs and PFASs in fish meal was organized by European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Feed and Food to be performed between September and November 2022. The objective was to assess analytical performance of laboratories and interlaboratory comparability of results from analyses of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs, HBCDDs and PFASs in one sample of fish meal. These reports summarize the assigned values and participants' results, as well as the z-scores for PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs, HBCDDs and PFASs in one sample of fish meal.

This document summarizes background information and synthesises of supporting information on the prioritisation of specific PCN congeners in food. It is intended to support laboratories in method development and also to support future assessments with relevant as well as harmonised data. The guidance in this document is intended for laboratories involved in the official control of contaminants in food as part of the EURL’s official mandate and scope of work.