The EuroFIR Food Platform: Further integration, refinement and exploitation for its long-term self-sustainability-Report on the guidelines for assessment of methods for analysis

Castanheira, Isabel; Roe, Mark; Ollilainen, Velimatti; Witthoft, Cornelia; Westenbrink, Susanne

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/1704

Use this identifier to reference this record.

Name:	Description:	Size:	Format:
D1.4-final.pdf		1.12 MB	Adobe PDF	Download

Send Feedback

Authors

Castanheira, Isabel

Roe, Mark

Ollilainen, Velimatti

Witthoft, Cornelia

Westenbrink, Susanne

Abstract(s)

Background and objectives Previous investigations have identified that analytical methodology is a key factor in data quality and specific criteria at the component level are needed for comparison of analytical data from different sources, especially by food composition data compilers that are often not experienced analysts. The aim of this work is to describe how the EuroFIR guidelines for assessment of methods of analysis are created and made available to users to support the EuroFIR data quality evaluation system. Method Analytical methods used for production of food composition data include methods for analysis of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Comprehensive information addressing all aspects of analytical procedures was obtained from international standards, quality control procedures and scientific literature. Information on analytical methods was compiled in a confluence WIKI format. Results Information provided for each micronutrient included: background information on the component, description of reference methods of analysis and critical steps, available reference materials, proficiency testing schemes, description of other analytical methods available and relevant references. The information for each nutrient was collated, edited and presented with hypertext links to additional pages where more detailed information can be accessed using full text searches. The effectiveness of the analytical method information for selected micronutrients was tested by EuroFIR compilers as part of an exercise to test and improve the EuroFIR system to assess quality of data from scientific publications. Conclusions EuroFIR GAMA is a valuable tool for compilers and users to access information on analytical methodology in relation to quality of analytical data. The ‘WIKI’ format is a useful tool for preparing information and disseminating the information to users.