Proficiency Testing Scheme for Toxic Elements in Milkfish (Chanos chanos) in the Philippines: Ensuring Food Safety and Quality Control |
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| Alleni Junsay, Clarissa Manguin, Ian Deniell Magsino, Janesky Esplana, Gian Ernest Dizon, Aaron Dacuya |
- Abstract:
- Milkfish (Chanos chanos) is a staple
aquaculture product in the Philippines, making food
safety and quality assurance essential for consumer
protection. This study presents an accuracy-based
proficiency testing (PT) scheme to assess the capability
of Philippine chemical testing laboratories to quantify
toxic elements in milkfish. Philippine Reference
Material (PRM) 2002 – As, Cd, Hg & Pb in Milkfish
was prepared and distributed to participating
laboratories for independent analysis. Results were
evaluated using z’-scores and other statistical
performance metrics.
A total of 26 local testing laboratories participated in
the PT scheme, with 23 submitting results. Among
them, 42 % of the 12 participants for total As, 62 % of
the 21 participants for Cd, 64 % of the 14 participants
for total Hg, and 82 % of the 22 participants for Pb
achieved an "acceptable" z’-score performance. These
findings highlight areas for improvement in laboratory
proficiency, underscoring the importance of
continuous development and active participation in
accuracy-based proficiency testing (PT) schemes to
enhance the reliability and accuracy of toxic element
analysis in Philippine laboratories. - Download:
- IMEKO-TC8-11-24-2025-004.pdf
- DOI:
- 10.21014/tc24-2025.004
- Event details
- IMEKO TC:
- TC24
- Event name:
- IMEKO TC8, TC11 and TC24 Conference
- Title:
Joint conference of the TCs ‘Traceability in Metrology’ (IMEKO TC8), ‘Measurement in Testing, Inspection and Certification’ (IMEKO TC11), and ‘Chemical Measurements’ (IMEKO TC24).
- Place:
- Torino, ITALY
- Time:
- 14 September 2025 - 17 September 2025