Hwaseong Recognized as Top-tier Testing Organization for Two Consecutive Years in International Soil Heavy Metal Proficiency Assessment

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Lee Su-won] Hwaseong City participated in the International Soil Heavy Metal Proficiency Assessment by the U.S. Environmental Resource Associates (ERA) last month and received a 'satisfactory' rating for all 8 components, earning the recognition of 'Laboratory of Excellence' for two consecutive years, the city announced on the 18th.

The International Proficiency Assessment operated by ERA is an evaluation of agricultural and food chemical analysis capabilities that compares the proficiency levels of analytical organizations and analysts in the fields of residual pesticides, heavy metals, and food additives with institutions worldwide. Recognized internationally for its credibility, the assessment sees participation each year from government agencies (Korea's Food and Drug Administration, National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, National Agricultural Science and Technology Institute, etc.), research institutes, and private analytical organizations from countries around the world.

A total of 372 analytical organizations worldwide participated in this assessment, and the Hwaseong City Agricultural Technology Center (Director Shin Mi-young) received 'satisfactory' ratings for 8 soil heavy metal items: arsenic, chromium, lead, nickel, cadmium, copper, mercury, and zinc.

Among these, 2 items (arsenic and cadmium) received 'excellent' ratings with a Z-score of '0,' while the remaining 6 items achieved 'good' performance with absolute values under '2.' A Z-score value closer to 0 indicates superior analytical results, and receiving a 'satisfactory' rating for all items results in a 'Laboratory of Excellence' designation.

Shin Mi-young, director of the Hwaseong City Agricultural Technology Center, said, "The Hwaseong City Agricultural Technology Center has achieved excellent results in the International Soil Heavy Metal Proficiency Assessment for two consecutive years," adding, "The center will continue to strengthen its analytical capabilities to ensure reliability and work to supply safe agricultural products from Hwaseong."