NMKL Annual Report 2023
The NMKL Annual Report for Year 2023 is available here:
The previous reports can be found in the archive:
NordVal 020 for RAPID’E.coli 2 extended to environmental samples and animal feed
NordVal 020 RAPID’E.coli 2 by Bio-Rad Laboratories is a method based on simultaneous detection of two enzyme activities, β-D-Glucoronidase (GLUC) and β-D-Galactosidase (GAL), to determine E.coli and total coliforms in a broad range of foods.
The field of application has been extended to include environmental samples and animal feed.
The certificate is valid for two years until 7 Feb 2026:
NMKL News No. 107
Click on the link above to access the NMKL Newsletter issued December 2023 in Microsoft Sway.
Read about our newly published chemistry method and microbiology procedure. Find out about our events and see the newly issued NordVal certificates.
New procedure (No. 33) on quality assurance of PCR in food and feed microbiology
NMKL published 20 Dec 2023 a new procedure on quality assurance of PCR in food and feed microbiology.
NMKL Procedure No. 33 describes the general requirements for microbiology laboratories using PCR techniques, including requirements for workflow, personnel, and equipment. Furthermore, the necessary quality control procedures for the technique are presented and advice is given on how the user can influence the performance of PCR-based methods. The general terms and definitions of PCR are not explained, and some basic knowledge of PCR and molecular biology is expected to be able to follow this procedure.
The objective of this Procedure is to provide aid for the microbiological testing laboratories, already applying quality control systems, for upgrading their capabilities into the application of molecular based techniques beside or instead of the conventional (culture-based) techniques. An additional objective is to outline the process and the required conditions for establishing and operating molecular laboratories, and general instructions are given for ensuring good practice and controlled environments for executing PCR procedures.
Renewed NordVal 055 foodproof® Salmonella Genus plus Enteritidis and Typhimurium Detection LyoKit
The NordVal Certificate 055 issued to Hygiena Diagnostics GmbH for the method ‘foodproof® Salmonella Genus plus Enteritidis and Typhimurium Detection LyoKit’ was renewed and validity extended to 31 Dec 2025. The kit is applicable for the detection of Salmonella spp., Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in raw and ready to cook meat and poultry products and environmental samples.
NordVal 055 foodproof® Salmonella Genus plus Enteritidis and Typhimurium Detection LyoKit
Renewed NordVal 033 for CompactDry TC method for aerobic microorganisms
CompactDry TC, produced by Shimadzu Diagnostics Corporation, is a ready-to-use dry chromogenic plate for enumeration of total count, for aerobic microorganisms.
The certificate was renewed for 2 additional years until 1 Dec 2025.
New method: NMKL 205. TRACE ELEMENTS SPECIES – Tributyltin (TBT). Determination in seafood by isotope dilution GC-ICP-MS after acid extraction and derivatization.
NMKL 205. TRACE ELEMENTS SPECIES – Tributyltin (TBT). Determination in seafood by isotope dilution GC-ICP-MS after acid extraction and derivatization.
Organotin compounds are man-made chemicals used as, e.g., antifungal agents in textiles and paper, wood pulp and paper mill systems, breweries, and industrial catalysts. Tributyltin (TBT) has been used as a marine antifouling agent and is the main organotin compound found in marine biota and foodstuffs. TBT is highly toxic to marine life and humans are exposed to TBT by the ingestion of e.g., contaminated seafood, water, and beverages. TBT has been banned as a marine antifouling agent and environmental quality standards have been set. In 2004, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) set a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.25 μg/kg b.w. for the organotin group consisting of TBT, dibutyltin, triphenyltin and di-n-octyltin.
This method describes the determination of the main butyltin specie TBT at low levels in seafood using gas chromatography inductively coupled plasma isotope dilution mass spectrometry (GC-ICP-IDMS).
New edition: NMKL Procedure 29. Guidelines for sensory analysis of meat and meat products.
This guide is intended for objective sensory analysis of meat and meat products and focuses on the matters to which especial attention must be paid in sensory analysis of meat and meat products (poultry is not included). NMKL procedure No. 29 Ed. 2 was published 10th of November 2023 on the new NMKL template and includes updated references. This second edition replaces the previous English and Finnish versions.
Renewed NordVal certificate 048 for LactoSens methods
The NordVal International certificate 048 for ‘LactoSens®R and LactoSens®R for NOLA™ Fit’ issued to DirectSens GmbH was renewed and is valid until 01 Nov 2025. The method describes the use of a biosensor for determination of residual lactose in lactose-free milk/milk products.
NordVal 048 LactoSens®R and LactoSens®R for NOLA™ Fit – NMKL
Renewed NordVal certificates 025 and 054 for foodproof Listeria methods
The NordVal International certificates 025 and 054 for foodproof Listeria methods were renewed and are valid until 02 Nov 2025. The methods are produced by Hygiena Diagnostics GmbH (Rebranding, previously Biotecon Diagnostics GmbH).
NordVal 025 foodproof® Listeria monocytogenes Detection LyoKit – 5’Nuclease
NordVal 054 foodproof® Listeria plus L. monocytogenes Detection LyoKit – 5’Nuclease