EURL-HM-24

Determination of the mass fractions of total As, Cd, Pb and Hg in a herbal supplement

The EURL-HM-24 proficiency test (PT) focuses on the determination of the mass fractions of total arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in a herbal supplement. This PT is organised in support to Regulation 629/2008 amending Regulation 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.

The main objective of this exercise is to assess the analytical capabilities of nominated National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) in the determination of specific trace elements in a herbal supplement.

Participation in EURL-HM-24 is open to NRLs and obligatory for those having mandate for this type of analysis.

Participation is free of charge.

Test materials and analytes

The test material to be analysed is a herbal supplement. Each participant will receive one test item. The measurands are the mass fractions of total As, Cd, Pb and Hg in a herbal supplement.

General outline of the exercise

Participants are requested to perform one to three independent analyses using the method of their choice, and to report the mean of their measurement results, the associated expanded measurement uncertainty and coverage factor k.

Detailed instructions will be sent together with the test item.

Reporting of results:	Deadline 30/05/2017
Reporting to participants:	November 2017
Sample dispatch:	Second half of April 2017
Year:	2017-01-01 00:00:00
Contact:	JRC-EURL-HEAVY-METALSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (JRC-EURL-HEAVY-METALS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)