Why settle for a spiked sample when you can test your laboratory’s performance on real matrices?
In the field of process contaminant analysis, precision is not just about numbers, but about matrix loyalty. Acrylamide, classified as a “probable human carcinogen” (Group 2A) by IARC, represents a constant challenge for the food industry, especially for products rich in starch (potatoes, bread, biscuits…).
According to international monitoring and EFSA data, potato chips remain among the most critical matrices: during high-temperature frying, the Maillard reaction triggers the formation of acrylamide, with levels easily exceeding 1000-1500 µg/kg (ppb). In this scenario, compliance with the reference levels established by Regulation (EU) 2017/2158 is essential to ensure consumer safety.
The Test Veritas Competitive Advantage: The “Incurred” Approach
Unlike many providers that offer spiked samples (artificially added in the laboratory), Test Veritas Proficiency Tests (PTs) for acrylamide stand out for a crucial technical element:
- Incurred Analyte: The acrylamide in our samples is not added externally; it is naturally generated during the cooking process.
- Why is it important? An incurred sample exactly simulates what your laboratory analyzes every day in routine work. This allows you to evaluate not only the instrument’s reading capacity but the entire effectiveness of the extraction method on a matrix where the contaminant is chemically bound to the food structure.
A Complete Panel for Your Accreditation
Although potato chips are the main matrix for 2026, the Test Veritas Progetto Trieste program offers a constant rotation of matrices (coffee, biscuits, baby food) to cover all regulatory and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation needs.
Acrylamide in potato chips (code CH6604)
Round of June 2026
- Deadline for online orders: May 1st 2026
- Shipping date: June 15th 2026
- Test Material: potato chips (ready to use), 1 sample x 40g (confirmatory) or 1 sample x 20g (screening)
- Molecules under study: acrylamide
- Indicative concentrations: 0,05 < x < 2ppm
- Price: 282,00€ per metodi di conferma o 235,00€ per metodi di screening
- 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.
- 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.
Don’t stop at spiked. Ensure high-level interlaboratory comparison with real samples!
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!
