In the European Union, the use of nitrofurans and their metabolites is prohibited in food of animal origin. Therefore, the European Commission established Reference Point of Action (RPA) values in food, which were amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/411 of 23 February 2023 (see table below):

It is no longer enough to detect the “big four” (AMOZ, AOZ, AHD, SEM); laboratories must now include DNSH (nifurpirinol metabolite) with high precision.

Why focus on DNSH?

DNSH, along with the other nitrofuran metabolites, has been included among the parameters with a Reference Point for Action (RPA) set at 0.5 μg/kg. Its detection is complex and requires robust analytical methods. Ignoring this parameter means exposing the laboratory to non-compliance during audits or, even worse, failing to detect real contamination in products intended for the consumer.

The Test Veritas Guarantee for 2026

Unlike programs that include metabolites in a random or casual way, Test Veritas has decided to offer superior technical certainty. To allow laboratories to carry out a more in-depth check on their analytical performance, Test Veritas has improved and expanded its PT offer for nitrofuran metabolites, starting as early as 2024:

–More molecules under study: For all PTs for metabolites of nitrofurans, DNSH was added to the list of molecules. Thus, all molecules regulated by the European Commission Regulation are on the list of molecules under study.

– Guaranteed presence of ALL molecules under study: For one of the PTs scheduled for 2026 regarding nitrofuran metabolites, ALL ANALYTES UNDER STUDY (AMOZ, AOZ, AHD, SEM, and DNSH) WILL BE PRESENT. This offer specifically refers to the PT for nitrofuran metabolites in swine muscle (M6103).

– Guaranteed presence of DNSH: This offer refers to the PT for the detection of nitrofuran metabolites in shrimp (SF6104).

– Interesting matrices: For 2026, Test Veritas is offering PTs for the detection of nitrofuran metabolites in two different matrices:

• Swine muscle (M6103): Test Veritas has been offering this PT every year since 2019, with the first edition launched in 2016. Meat matrices remain a primary focus for official controls at the European level, and every year this PT sees the participation of numerous laboratories from all over the world.
• Shrimp (SF6104): Over the last year, there have been several RASFF notifications for the presence of AOZ in frozen shrimp and crustaceans from India. Therefore, it was decided to offer this PT again specifically to meet market demands.

OUR PROPOSALS FOR 2026

• LAST-MINUTE OPPORTUNITY: We would like to inform you that PT M6103 is currently in the START-UP PHASE. Despite the official closing of registrations, we have opened an extraordinary window to allow a limited number of last-minute participants to join. Don’t miss this opportunity!!
• Shipping date: March 16th 2026
• Quantity provided: 20g x 1 Test Material (for confirmatory methods) or 10g x 1 Test Material (for screening methods)

• Deadline for online orders: August 1st 2026
• Shipping date: September 14th 2026
• Quantity provided: 20g x 1 Test Material (for confirmatory methods) or 10g x 1 Test Material (for screening methods)

Beyond PTs: Characterized Blank Control Materials

To support laboratories that face difficulties in sourcing blank matrices, Test Veritas makes material M260blank/CM available for purchase. This material comes from a dedicated bulk (different from the PT Test Materials) and is characterized as blank for sulfonamides and nitrofuran metabolites.

Our technical advice: Although we offer these materials as support, Test Veritas suggests using the same blank samples employed in your routine analysis during PTs. In fact, we believe that the choice of blank material is an integral part of the analytical method and should be evaluated for an authentic verification of the laboratory’s performance.

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OUR STRENGTHS FOR THESE PTS

• Separate evaluation of results for screening and confirmation methods, with the assigned value derived only from the quantitative confirmation results. This feature of our PTs fulfils the requirement of UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010 to use evaluation methods that are fit for purpose, thus making the assigned value more reliable and the evaluation more valid.
• Even if you are evaluating a screening method, PT simulates what you would do in your routine (comparing your results with confirmatory results). Semi-quantitative (< or >) and qualitative results from screening methods are evaluated with dedicated criteria. Quantitative screening and confirmation results are evaluated with z-scores.
• Even more reliable assigned value thanks to the high stability of our Test Materials, which are supplied as lyophilized (to be analysed after reconstitution) so that their stability is guaranteed even during long transports. In this way, every participant, regardless of their country of origin, can be sure to receive the sample in exactly the same condition as the other participants. After reconstitution, the material is as in your routine!
• Possibility to submit 2 results: with one purchased participation you will receive in the Final Report the evaluation for 2 laboratory technicians or 2 analytical techniques.

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