***This proficiency test is not accredited***

If you participate in this PT you can include with a 15% DISCOUNT the participation in TQ21B. Separated applications are required.

Food additives are defined as any substance not normally consumed as a food in itself and not normally used as a characteristic ingredient of food, whether or not it has nutritive value" (1). Additives are widely used nowadays as they are added to obtain a certain technological functions or modification in the foodstuff (2), there are different kind of food additives: Colouring, preservation, antioxidant, sweeteners, Emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, gelling agents and others (acidity regulators, emulsifying salts, modified starches and more) (3)

Food preservatives are useful, however food additives must be authorized before they can be used in foods (6) and for that reason they are subjected to specific studies and only after the set maximum limits is considered safe the technical scientific committee from the EU grants a numerical code along with the letter E, that can be used to classify the additive:

• E1XXs are generally colours.
• E2XX are mainly preservatives and acids.
• E3XX are mainly antioxidants and acid regulators.
• E4XXs include emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, anti-caking agents, release agents and bulking agents.

The Maximum Limit can be checked for all additives and food groups on the EU database of additives (5)

After these studies has been carried out and the maximum limit is set, it becomes important for all interested parties to ensure the safety of all consumers and thus the control and analysis of food additives becomes highly important.

Laboratories must stablish a quality control plan in which proficiency testing can provide an external, independent evaluation of the performance of the equipment and personnel and help improve or identify undetected bias or deviation.

TestQual's proficiency testing schemes are an useful tool that testing laboratories can use to demonstrate the competence and quality assurance of their analysis. Proficiency tests also help to control and detect errors in the results of methods of analysis.

If you want to participate in our proficiency tests, first you need to register in our website. Then, once your account has been activated you can log in to your account and send your application, the website will requested you to filling your quantification limits so we can ensure the PT will be of use for your laboratory.

For this proficiency tests the possible additives in the sample will be:

If you have any question regarding the application or the operation of TestQual proficiency tests, you can check the instructions for participation in the protocol.

If needed and justified, more amount of sample can be requested to the coordinator of the PT. Additional charges might apply. Blank items are available too.

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