Under Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 EU Member States are required to designate National Reference Laboratories (NRL) for each Community Reference Laboratory referred to in Article 32 of the Regulation, as amended.
In 2006 this laboratory was appointed EU National Reference Laboratory for mycotoxins, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Food Contact Materials in foodstuffs. This is an important achievement for the laboratory and it is a recognition of our proven competence and expertise, which is due entirely to the high standard of work and dedication of our staff.
The Cork Public Analyst Laboratory was appointed NRL for heavy metals.
The responsibilities of a NRL include:
In accordance with Article 33(2) of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 each National Reference Laboratory, shall:
1. Collaborate with the Community reference laboratory in their area of competence;
2. Co-ordinate, for their area of competence, the activities of official laboratories responsible for the analysis of samples in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004.
3. Where appropriate, organise comparative tests between the official national laboratories and ensure an appropriate follow-up of such comparative testing;
4. Ensure the dissemination to the Authority and official national laboratories of information that the Community reference laboratory supplies;
5. Provide scientific and technical assistance to the Authority for the implementation of coordinated control plans adopted in accordance with Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004.
6. Be responsible for carrying out other specific duties introduced by the European Commission via the committee procedure referred to in Article 62(3) of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004, without prejudice to existing additional national duties. |
