Certified matrix reference material for mycotoxin analysis

IRMM has released for distribution a certified matrix reference material for mycotoxin analysis: aflatoxins in peanut meal (BCR-263R).

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring contaminants in food and feed of plant origin, produced by various fungal species. They are potent liver carcinogens and are therefore classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The maximum allowed level of several mycotoxins is regulated by European legislation. For instance Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 defines maximum levels for aflatoxins in food whereas Directive (EC) No 32/2002 applies for aflatoxins in animal feed.

BCR-263R is intended for method validation purposes and for performance control. The material was produced with naturally incurred raw material, i.e. the production process neither comprised a spiking nor a removal step, to resemble a real sample as closely as possible. The certified values are based on an interlaboratory characterisation study. The uncertainties of the certified values include contributions from the characterisation study and from homogeneity and stability assessments. The material has been processed and certified according to the ISO Guides 34 and 35. Preparation and certification of BCR-263R are described in detail in the certification report.

Source: Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM)