Identification of the Geographic Origin of Parmigiano Reggiano (P.D.O.) Cheeses Deploying Non-Targeted Mass Spectrometry and Chemometrics

Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian product with a protected designation of origin (P.D.O.). It is an aged hard cheese made from raw milk. P.D.O. products are protected by European regulations. Approximately 3 million wheels are produced each year, and the product attracts a relevant premium price due to its quality and all around the world well known typicity. Due to the high demand that exceeds the production, several fraudulent products can be found on the market. The rate of fraud is estimated between 20% and 40%, the latter predominantly in the grated form. We have developed a non-target method based on Liquid Chomatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) that allows the discrimination of Parmigiano Reggiano from non-authentic products with milk from different geographical origins or products, where other aspects of the production process do not comply with the rules laid down in the production specifications for Parmeggiano Reggiano. Based on a database created with authentic samples provided by the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, a reliable classification model was built. The overall classification capabilities of this non-targeted method was verified on 32 grated cheese samples. The classification was 87.5% accurate

What is the Best Way to Ensure that Valid Analytical Methods Are Used for Food Control?

Monitoring and Quality Assurance in the Food Supply Chain is a Network of Excellence funded by the European Union. This Network of Excellence aims to make food safer by harmonizing the quality of methods used for food control. Part of this process involves the development and validation of new methods, including rapid methods and emerging technologies; the production of practical harmonized guidance on method validation and criteria for analytical methods; and the production of reference and testing materials to be used for food control. New technologies and analytical research enable us to measure new and emerging food contaminants and other chemicals that may be a threat to the health of the consumer. Once risk assessment confirms the threat, legislation may be enacted to limit the amount of these chemicals present in food that is sold. In order to enforce this legislation it is necessary to be able to detect the presence of chemical and measure its concentration in food. Hence, the consumer protection provided by enforcement depends on how well the measurement method performs. We need to be confident that measurement methods are performing sufficiently well to protect the consumer, without leading to the rejection of large quantities of food that comply with legislation. A number of approaches that can be used to provide confidence include: the use of standard methods, the use of analytical criteria that describe the performance of a method, and consideration of fitness for purpose based on measurement uncertainty. This paper examines the utility and ease of application of the different approaches. In addition a simple method for assessing fitness for purpose, the uncertainty profile, is discussed.JRC.D.6-Food Safety and Qualit

Validation Studies and Proficiency Testing.

Abstract not availableJRC.I-Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (Ispra

Development of milk and egg incurred reference materials

Abstract Background Effective allergenic risk assessment and management are important to limit the use of precautionary statements such as 'may contain' and to be able to protect allergic consumers. However, such approaches require reliable analytical tools for the detection of allergens in food. Very few validation data are available for the comparison of results obtained with different allergen detection methods. This is certainly due to the lack of harmonized validation protocols and of recognized reference materials. Aims The Monitoring and Quality Assurance Working Group on Food Allergens will provide incurred reference materials with egg and milk proteins at various concentrations. Materials and Methods The development of an incurred reference material for the analysis of milk and egg allergens in a baked cookie food matrix is described. Results and Discussion We present the results of the development of the incurred reference material and a prering trial with two incurred reference materials for milk detection methods: cookies and soy-based infant formula. Conclusions The material produced seems to be suitable as reference material as well as for testing the performance of test kits. The forthcoming validation study according to the harmonized validation protocol will significantly and positively impact on future validation procedures

MoniQA (Moni toring and Q uality A ssurance): an EU-funded Network of Excellence working towards the harmonization of worldwide food quality and safety monitoring and control strategies--status report 2008

MoniQA (Monitoring and Quality Assurance in the total food supply chain) is an EU-funded Network of Excellence that involves experts from around the globe collaborating to harmonize worldwide food quality and safety monitoring and control strategies. The initial network of over 155 scientists from 20 countries has grown to over 400 experts from over 35 countries from five continents in the first 18 months. MoniQA focuses on validation of and performance criteria/requirements for methods used to analyse foods and food products for safety and quality, with the main focus being on rapid methods and their applicability and reliability in routine testing. The work involves validation guidelines, validation studies, design and development of reference materials/testing materials and validation guidelines. MoniQA will play an important role in integrating European and worldwide food quality and safety research by creating a virtual laboratory for joint research, training, dissemination and mobility programmes. It will allow and actively promote sharing of data and knowledge, as well as of equipment, materials and personnel through creation of a global platform for food Q&S researchers. MoniQA will enable shared access to the world's best research facilities, technological platforms, databases, analytical tools and knowledge. MoniQA's harmonized food quality and safety control strategies will add value in the food chain and will improve consumer confidence worldwide. MoniQA's socio-economic impact assessment will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of new food quality and safety regulations within the EU and worldwide