Fapas, the proficiency testing arm of Fera – a company that provides diagnostics and analytical science services for the food and beverage industry – has introduced a new set of proficiency testing programs aimed at heavy metal contamination in mussels.
The new program, which the company announced in 16 Sept. release, is intended to provide further support for the seafood industry. The proficiency test will require independent assessments of a laboratories analysis of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury in mussels.
“The development of the proficiency test for Heavy Metals in Bivalve Molluscs demonstrates our commitment to supporting the seafood industry in ensuring that regulatory standards are consistently met and that contaminants are not present in the products being sold,” Mark Sykes, the scientific advisor of proficiency testing said. “Heavy metal pollution in our seas is still a major concern – as is its impact on the food chain. It is therefore vital that testing laboratories working in and with the seafood industry have the tools they need to ensure that customers have confidence in their testing abilities.”
Mussels, as a filter feeder, can be susceptible to heavy metal pollution if it is present in the area they are being either farmed or harvested wild. The tests for heavy metals, according to Fapas, were created to meet specific requirements of test labs and help laboratories gain ISO 17025 accreditation.
“We continue to pay attention to the valuable feedback provided by our customers and industry experts. Proficiency testing is a vital tool in ensuring the reliability and quality of analytical results, giving our customers the confidence to make important decisions, knowing the analytical data has been independently assessed,” Sarah Hasnip, the head of Fapas, said.
Fapas provides hundreds of different proficiency tests to labs around the world each year, providing test samples in the fields of food chemistry, food microbiology, genetically modified materials, and more.
Photo courtesy of Fapas
