The Analytical Quality Assurance of Food Composition Data—Experience of Cyprus, a Small Country

One of the fundamental targets of the State General Laboratory (SGL) in Cyprus, is the production of reliable laboratory data and the Quality Assurance (QA) of its analytical results. It is also one of the basic requirements of the European Standard EN 45001 and the International Standard ISO Guide 25, for mutual recognition of the laboratory results, by the European or International Community. In order to conform to the above requirements, the SGL implements a QA programme which provides on a continuous basis, sufficient evidence for the credibility of the analyses and laboratory results by means of systematic and documented actions and standard operating procedures. The QA program includes Intralaboratory and Interlaboratory Quality Control. The Intralaboratory Quality Control includes the use of certified reference materials, control samples and spiked samples, which are essential for the calibration of instruments and the validation of methods. The Interlaboratory Quality Control includes regular and successful participation in collaborative trials and proficiency testings, which prove the technical competence of the SGL, in multidisciplinary sectors and specifically in the food sector: FAPAS, GEMS/Food-EURO, WHO/IARC, AOCS Smalley Check and other. Now the SGL is in preparation for accrediation according to EN 45001.