European Reference Laboratory for Residues, in Berlin, chooses equipment for residue detection in primary animal products
The European Reference Laboratory for Residues, based in Berlin, is using two API 3000 and one API 4000 LC/MS/MS systems from Applied Biosystems to test for contaminants in primary animal products such as meat, raw milk, honey and eggs.
Petra Gowik, acting head of the Berlin laboratory, explained the organisation behind residue testing in the EU: "Every member state has to conform to the European residue control system coordinated and financed by the Commission.
"Each of four community reference laboratories (CRLs) - one in Fougeres, one in Bilthoven, one in Rome and this one in Berlin - is responsible for the coordination and standardisation of different groups of substances as laid down in Council Directive 23/69/EC. "Berlin is responsible for beta-agonists, anthelmintics, anticoccidials including nitroimidazoles, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
"Some of the substances we test for are totally banned and others are authorised compounds which have a maximum residue limit (MRL) laid down by a body of the European Commission according to toxicology data and acceptable daily intake levels based on a 'normal' diet.
"The CRLs' role is to support the national reference laboratories set up by each member state.
"This includes scientific and technical support if needed, running workshops and setting proficiency tests.
"There are often subtle differences in proficiency between the laboratories but this is normal in this area of work because methods have not been standardised to allow for more flexibility.
"That said, it is very rare that false results occur because laboratories have to fulfil high-level legal requirements and are mostly well established with very experienced staff.
"If it does happen, it is important that we find out where things are going wrong."
