CERTIFICATION REPORT The certification of the mass fraction of arsenobetaine in water: ERM®-AC626

This report describes the production of ERM-AC626, an aqueous solution material certified for the mass fraction of arsenobetaine (AB). The material was produced following ISO Guide 34:2009. The starting material was 10 g of solid AB monohydrate. The purity of AB was assessed through measurements carried out by laboratories of demonstrated competence and within the scope of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2005. An aqueous solution was prepared and ampouled into 2 mL amber glass ampoules under argon atmosphere. Between unit-homogeneity was quantified and stability during dispatch and storage were assessed in accordance with ISO Guide 35:2006. Due to the inherent homogeneity of water solutions, determination of minimum sample intake (within-unit homogeneity) was not required. The sample intake used in the homogeneity study was adopted as the recommended minimum sample intake. The minimum sample intake is 50 µg. The certified value was obtained from the gravimetric preparation of the solution, taking into account the purity of the starting material. The certified value was confirmed by independent analyses carried out by laboratories of demonstrated competence and adhering to ISO/IEC 17025. Uncertainties of the certified values were calculated in compliance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) and include uncertainties related to possible inhomogeneity and instability and to characterisation. The material is intended to be used as a calibrant and quality control sample. The CRM is available in amber glass ampoules containing 1 mL of AB aqueous solution closed under argon atmosphere. The minimum amount of sample to be used is 50 µg. The CRM was accepted as European Reference Material (ERM®) after peer evaluation by the partners of the European Reference Materials consortium.JRC.F.6-Reference Material

EURL-FA Control Proficiency Test Report: Determination of the mass fraction of the total cobalt in compound feed for rabbits

The European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additive Control (EURL-FA Control) organised a proficiency test (EURL-FAC 2017-2) for the determination of the mass fraction of total cobalt in compound feed, to support the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 131/2014 concerning the authorisation of various cobalt(II) compounds as feed additives. This proficiency test was open to National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) and official feed control laboratories (OCLs). The material used as test item was a commercially available compound feed for rabbits (containing the coated granulated cobalt (II) carbonate, 3b304 ) which, after appropriate processing, was bottled, labelled and dispatched to participants on June 21, 2017. The homogeneity and stability of the test item were evaluated and the assigned values were derived from the results reported by the selected expert laboratories. Twenty one NRLs and two OCLs from 21 countries - representing EU Member States and Norway - registered to the exercise and reported results at the end of August 2017. Laboratory results were rated using z' and zeta scores in accordance with ISO 13528:2015. A relative standard deviation for proficiency assessment (σpt) of 16 % of the assigned value was set according to the modified Horwitz equation. Twenty (out of 23) laboratories reported satisfactory results (according to the z' score). This confirms the ability of most NRLs in monitoring maximum levels set by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 131/2014 in this type of animal feed. The majority (74 %) of the participating laboratories provided realistic estimates of their measurement uncertainties.JRC.F.5-Food and Feed Complianc

EURL-FA Control: Proficiency Test Report

The European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additive Control (EURL-FA Control) organised a proficiency test (PT) for the determination of the mass fraction of total selenium in compound feed, to support the Commission Directive 86/403/EEC concerning additives in feeding stuffs. This proficiency test was open to National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) and official feed control laboratories (OCLs). The material used as test item was a commercially available compound feed for rabbits (containing, among others, selenium as sodium selenite) which, after appropriate processing, was bottled, labelled and dispatched to participants on May 22, 2018. The homogeneity and stability of the test item were evaluated and the assigned values were derived from the results reported by the selected expert laboratories. Twenty one NRLs and four OCLs from 20 countries - representing several EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland - registered to the exercise and reported results at the end of June 2018. Laboratory results were rated using z' and ζ (zeta) performance scores in accordance with ISO 13528:2015. The relative standard deviation for proficiency assessment (σpt) of 15 % of the assigned value was derived from the reproducibility standard deviation reported in the CEN standard EN 16159:2012. Twenty three (out of 25) laboratories reported satisfactory results (according to the z' score). This confirms the ability of most NRLs in monitoring maximum levels set by the Commission Directive 86/403/EEC concerning additives in feeding stuffs.JRC.F.5-Food and Feed Complianc