Pyeongtaek Agricultural Technology Center Earns International Recognition for Heavy Metal Analysis Capability

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The Pyeongtaek Agricultural Technology Center announced on the 19th that it has been recognized as an excellent analysis institution in the agricultural product heavy metal field by the UK Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA).

The Pyeongtaek Agricultural Technology Center's recognition from an overseas organization is the second following its certification as an excellent analyzer in the soil and hazardous waste field by the American Society of Environmental Resources in March.

FAPAS (Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme), an international proficiency comparison assessment program overseen by the UK Food and Environment Research Agency, is a proficiency evaluation program that assesses analytical capabilities in the fields of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and food additives.

Government agencies, universities, and private analysis institutions from various countries participate in the assessment. FAPAS' evaluation criteria are expressed as 'z-score' based on the margin of error in analysis results. Results with a 'z-score' value within the ±2.0 range are judged as reliable, and analytical capability is recognized.

The Center participated in an agricultural product heavy metal (lead and cadmium) analysis evaluation from March 24 to May 15 and received very reliable excellent results with 'z-score (standard score) 0.1 and -0.3, respectively.

Director Lee Young-wook stated, "Consumer concerns regarding agricultural product safety are expanding to include pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microorganisms. The Center will strengthen its analytical capabilities in response to these concerns."