The purpose of the reference material is the quality control of measurement methods for trace element mass fractions in meat.
The target parameters for certification were the mass fractions of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se and Zn. The desired mass fractions were those at natural levels that are similar to BCR-186 and below regulatory limits for food contaminants (EC466/2001 (Cd < 0.05 ìg/g, Pb < 0.1 ìg/g "wet weight") with target uncertainties of 5 -10 % and values traceable to the SI, expressed as dry mass fraction.
The source material for ERM BB186 was 90 kg of fresh pig kidneys from Belgium. The material was supplied in two batches of about 45 kg that were freeze-dried on two occasions. All raw material was certified as "Fit for human consumption". It consisted of fresh kidneys that were halved with major blood vessels removed, and were sealed in plastic bags of about 10 kg for transport to IRMM. The raw material was stored at 4 °C until processing, which took place less than 24 h after arrival at IRMM on both occasions. On arrival at IRMM, the material was weighed and subsamples were taken and frozen at -20 ºC for later contamination checks on processing. keywords : Biological material, Animal tissue, Trace elements, Heavy metals, Foodstuff ,
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