The future direction for methods of analysis

There is current discussion on an international basis whereby the present procedure by which specific methods of analysis are incorporated into legislation are replaced by one in which method performance characteristics are specified. This is because by specifying a single method  

As a result the use of an alternative approach whereby a defined set of criteria to which methods should comply without specifically endorsing specific methods is being considered and slowly adopted in some sectors of food analysis. This approach will have a considerable impact on the food analytical laboratory. There are a number of issues that are of concern to the food analytical community of which analysts should be aware. These are outlined briefly below. 

There is concern in the food analytical community that although methods should ideally be validated by a collaborative trial, this is not always feasible for economic or practical reasons. As a result, IUPAC guidelines are being developed for single laboratory method validation to give information to analysts on the acceptable procedure in this area. These guidelines should be finalised by the end of 2001. 

It is possible to determine the recovery that is obtained during an analytical run. Internationally harmonised guidelines have been prepared which indicate how 

EUROPEAN UNION, Council Directive 89/397/EEC on the Official Control of Foodstuffs, O.J. L186 of 30.6.1989. 

It is possible to determine the recovery that is obtained during an analytical ran. Internationally harmonised guidelines have been prepared which indicate how recovery information should be handled. This is a contentious area amongst analytical chemists because some countries of the organisations require analytical methods to be corrected for recovery, whereas others do not. Food analysts should recognise that this issue has been addressed on an international basis. 

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