In the field of agrifood control, seafoods are recognized as one of the most critical matrices, particularly due to the potential presence of Veterinary Drug Residues and prohibited substances.
Compliance with the strict requirements defined by regulations such as EU Reg. 2021/808 is a mandatory obligation for all ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories involved in official controls. Participation in a Proficiency Test (PT) is not just a requirement; it is a strategic action to validate the robustness of analytical methods, especially for high-risk analytes included in Groups A and B (Annex 1, Delegated Reg. (EU) 2022/1644).
Comprehensive Coverage: The 2026 PT Program for the Seafood Sector
To support the mission of food safety, Test Veritas has developed a specialized panel of PTs for Fish Products for 2026, offering wide and specific coverage of high-risk substances. This program allows laboratories to demonstrate competence in difficult matrices (Fish and Shrimp) and key contaminants.
The Round of September 2026 includes:
PT for Chloramphenicol in shrimps (code SF6407)
Molecules under study: chloramphenicol
Indicative concentrations: < 2ppb
PT for Tetracyclines in fish (code SF6402)
Molecules under study: chlortetracycline – oxytetracycline – tetracycline – doxycycline –epichlortetracycline – sum: chlortetracycline+epichlortetracycline -epioxytetracycline –
sum: oxytetracycline+epioxytetracycline – epitetracycline – sum: tetracycline+epitetracycline
Indicative concentrations: < 300ppb
PT for NItrofuran Metabolites in shrimps (code SF6104)
Molecules under study: AHD – AMOZ – AOZ – DNSH – SEM
At least three molecules will be present. The presence of DNSH is guaranteed.
Indicative concentrations: < 3ppb
PT for Sulphonamides and Trimethoprim in fish (code SF6405)
Molecules under study: sulfamethazine (sulfadimidina)- sulfadimethoxine – sulfamerazine –
sulfamethoxypyridazine – sulfadiazine – sulfamonomethoxine – sulfathiazole – sulfaquinoxaline – sulfadoxine – sulfamethoxazole – sulfaguanidine, sulfamethizole – trimethoprim
Indicative concentrations: sulfamidici < 300ppb, Trimethoprim < 300ppb
PT Quinolones and Fluoroquinolones in fish (code SF6408)
Molecules under study: ciprofloxacin – danofloxacin – enrofloxacin – flumequine – marbofloxacin –
nalidixic acid – norfloxacin – oxolinic acid – sarafloxacin – difloxacin
Indicative concentrations: < 400ppb
PT for Illegal Dyes in fish (code SF6410)
Molecules under study: malachite green – leucomalachite green – malachite green + leucomalachite green – crystal violet – leucocrystal violet – crystal violet + leucocrystal violet –
brilliant green – total Illegal dyes
Indicative concentrations: < 8ppb
This variety is essential to effectively meet the challenges posed by National Control Plans.
Rotation Strategy: Don’t Miss Annual Opportunities
Our seafood offer is designed to be dynamic. The PT program follows an annual rotation: while some schemes are offered every year, others are included in cycles (every 2 or 3 years) to ensure a wide variety of matrices and analytes over the long term.
This approach ensures that laboratories face a constantly evolving range of analytical challenges. However, it also means that PTs not offered in 2026 might not be available again for several years.
IF YOU ARE STILL NOT CONVINCED…
- Separate evaluation data for screening and confirmatory methods, with the assigned value deriving only from quantitative confirmatory results. This feature of our PTs respects the requirement of UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010 to use fit-for-purpose methods of evaluation, makes the assigned value more reliable and the assessment more valid. Even if you are using a screening method, the PT simulates what you would do in the routine (comparing your results with confirmatory ones). The semi-quantitative (< or >) and qualitative screening results receive evaluations provided with dedicated criteria. The quantitative screening and confirmatory results are evaluated through z-score.
- More reliable assigned value due to more stability of Test Materials. SOme of the Test Materials are provided as lyophilized (to be tested after reconstitution). In this way, regardless of the provenience of the laboratory, every participant can be sure to receive the Test Material in the same conditions. Once reconstituted it is the same as in your routine!
- Sometimes the participation provides 2 different Test Materials, (they can be both contaminated or one of them could be blank). In the PT, as in the routine, the laboratory technicians do not know if they are testing a contaminated or a blank material. In this way, the laboratory could be assessed also for False Positive results or for method performances at different levels of concentrations.
- Possibility to submit 2 sets of results and evaluate them in the Final Report, thus, with one subscription, 2 laboratory technicians, or 2 different methodologies.
- Information about False Positives is provided in the Final Report.
If you want to see more details about these or other PTs, such as the schedule, prices… go to this page to download the entire programme.
Here you can find information on HOW TO ORDER.
For any further information, do not hesitate to contact us at info@testveritas.com.
Follow us on LinkedIn to get the last update! Stay tuned!
