IMEP-108

Analysis of total Cd, Pb and As and extractable Cd and Pb in feed of plant origin

Proficiency test on heavy metals in feed of plant origin

The Community Reference Laboratory for Heavy Metals in Feed and Food in the frame of Directive 2002/32/EC, and contributing to the implementation of high quality and uniform analytical results, has organised a proficiency test on the determination of total As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sn and extractable Cd and Pb in feed of plant origin.

The main objective of this exercise was to evaluate the capabilities of nominated national reference laboratories in the determination of heavy metals according to Directive 2002/32/EC.

Only appointed national reference laboratories could participate in this exercise.

Test materials and analytes

The test material to be analysed was feed of plant origin. One bottle/participant was sent to the participants in October 2009. The measurands were total As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sn extractable Cd and Pb according to Directive 2002/32/EC.

General outline of the exercise

Participants were requested to perform two or three independent analyses using the method of their choice for the determination of total As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sn and using a method agreed upon at the 2nd Workshop organised by the CRL for the determination of extractable Cd and Pb.