Sample Preparation

As food legislation calls for methods of control, reliable analytical methods have to be available to make the enforcement of regulations possible. The reliability of analysis data can be improved through the use of methods that fulfil certain performance criteria (demonstrated in interlaboratory studies) and the application of analytical quality assurance (AQA) procedures is recommended, including the use of (certified) reference materials, especially when high degree of comparison and accuracy are required. Good analytical methodology and AQA are prerequisites for adequate food law enforcement (FAO, 2004). For more information on validation refer to the additional supporting documentation in this Section on ‘Overview of Official Methods for Analysis of Ochratoxin A [.pdf]’.