GeMMA
Proficiency
Testing
Programme
2015-16
Contents
Who We Are
3
GeMMA Proficiency Tests
4
Mixed Event – Unprocessed Matrix (MU)
5
Mixed Event – Processed Matrix (MP)
6
Single Event – Tobacco Matrix (ST)
7
Ordering Information
8
Technical Information
9
Protocols
9
Other technical documents
9
ISO Accreditation
9
Agent Information
2
10
GeMMA
Who We Are
FAPAS provides laboratories worldwide with proficiency testing schemes, with a wide
range of tests available throughout the year.
Proficiency testing in an independent check of your laboratory procedures providing you
with a completely confidential assessment of your capability. Not only does participation
in the relevant testing schemes allow you to demonstrate your systems and the technical
ability of your staff, it will also help you gain and maintain ISO/17025 accreditation.
Established in 1990 as part of the government agency Fera (formerly known as CSL), we are an
experienced, accredited provider of proficiency tests for the food and water, environmental chemistry
and microbiology sectors. Taking part in our proficiency tests provides you with the confidence in your
laboratory equipment, methods and staff, and assurance that you are delivering the quality results
required by your customers.
We provide our participants with a confidential service that allows you to participate at a level that suits
you; there is no minimum number of proficiency tests that you must take part in each year. Our system
provides an easy reporting facility via our website and our comprehensive reports, which receive
rigorous statistical analysis, contain method comparisons.
We also offer quality control materials from selected food chemistry proficiency tests which can be
purchased easily through our website throughout the year.
Our four main proficiency testing schemes; FAPAS®, FEPAS®, GeMMA, and LEAP® cover a broad
spectrum of requirements for laboratories.
3
GeMMA
GeMMA Proficiency Tests
Proficiency Testing in Genetically Modified Food Analysis
Proficiency testing is an essential part of laboratory quality procedures. Taking part
gives you confidence in your laboratory equipment, methods and staff, and assurance
that you are delivering the quality results demanded by your customers.
In order to protect the quality of food intended for human consumption and animal feed,
in 2003 the EU introduced legislation controlling the use of Genetically Modified
Organisms (GMOs) in food and feed. In light of this there is increasing pressure on
laboratories to ensure that reliable and accurate analysis is carried out and ensure
compliance with legislative controls. The genetically modified materials analysis
(GeMMA) proficiency testing scheme gives you essential performance data over time,
building into a valuable quality control asset.
GeMMA covers the detection and/or enumeration of genetically modified material in food samples,
including soya and maize.
Participation can be at a level that suits your business – from taking part in one of our scheduled tests,
through to company-specific closed tests.
Results from each proficiency test receive rigorous statistical analysis, ensuring you have clear feedback
on your performance. Comprehensive reports provide information on analytical methods used by other
participants. We can provide problem-solving consultancy on your laboratory procedures if required.
Participation in GeMMA is easy. Arrangements can be made through our network of agents, or via our
website, www.fapas.com. GeMMA follows international guidelines for proficiency testing and is
accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17043.
4
GeMMA
Mixed Event – Unprocessed Matrix (MU)
The proficiency tests in this category are unprocessed matrices; this means that the whole grains have
simply been milled into fine flour. Each test material will contain a number of GM maize and/or soya
events dependent on the test. The potential GM events present in each test material can be seen listed
in the tables below.
All Mixed Event Unprocessed tests include the option of reporting p35S and tNOS and could contain any
number of the GM events/materials given in the relevant list below.
dispatch
date
test details
dd/mm/yyyy
code
matrix
GM events
quantity
15/04/2015
GeMMU40
100% maize flour
Maize
2x5g
21/05/2015
GeMMU41
100% soya flour
Soya
2x5g
09/07/2015
GeMMU42
mixed flours
Maize & Soya
1x5g
20/08/2015
GeMMU43
100% maize flour
Maize
2x5g
08/10/2015
GeMMU44
mixed flours
Soya
2x5g
05/11/2015
GeMMU45*
wheat flour
Maize & Soya
3x5g
10/12/2015
GeMMU46
100% maize flour
Maize
2x5g
21/01/2016
GeMMU47
100% soya flour
Soya
2x5g
18/02/2016
GeMMU48
mixed flours
Maize & Soya
1x5g
*Contamination test - Determination of GM presence/absence in each test material is required before identification.
Potential GM events – Maize List
Bt11 maize
MON810 maize
TC1507 maize
MON88017 maize
Bt176 maize
GA21 maize
MON863 maize
other GM event
NK603 maize
MIR604 maize
MON89034 maize
Potential GM events – Soya List
®
Roundup Ready
(40-3-2) soya
5
MON89788 soya
other GM event
GeMMA
Mixed Event – Processed Matrix (MP)
The proficiency tests in this category are processed matrices; this means that the raw ingredients have
undergone a processing step such as cooking or fortification. Each test material will contain a number of
GM maize and/or soya events dependent on the test. The potential GM events present in each test
material can be seen listed in the tables below.
All Mixed Event Processed tests include the option of reporting p35S and tNOS and could contain any
number of the GM events given in the relevant list below.
dispatch
date
test details
dd/mm/yyyy
code
matrix
GM events
quantity
17/06/2015
GeMMP21
baked product
e.g. biscuit
Maize & Soya
1x5g
03/09/2015
GeMMP22
animal feed
Maize & Soya
1x5g
19/11/2015
GeMMP23
processed matrix e.g.
TVP
Soya
1x5g
17/03/2016
GeMMP24
animal feed
Maize & Soya
1x5g
Potential GM events – Maize List
Bt11 maize
MON810 maize
TC1507 maize
MON88017 maize
Bt176 maize
GA21 maize
MON863 maize
other GM event
NK603 maize
MIR604 maize
MON89034 maize
Potential GM events – Soya List
®
Roundup Ready
(40-3-2) soya
6
MON89788 soya
other GM event
GeMMA
Single Event – Tobacco Matrix (ST)
This test offers participants a more complex matrix and the ability to simply report results for reporting
p35S and tNOS (qualitatively and/or quantitatively). Calibration standard materials (100% positive and
negative) will also be provided to each participant for quantitative analysis.
dispatch
date
7
test details
dd/mm/yyyy
code
matrix
GM event
quantity
22/07/2015
GeMST02
tobacco
p35S & tNOS
5x5g
GeMMA
Ordering Information
Notes:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
The dispatch date shown is our planned dispatch date. You will be notified by email if any of the tests
you order are delayed or cancelled for any reason. The majority of test close dates are 6-8 weeks after
dispatch.
Registrations for proficiency tests in the GeMMA Programme will close 14 days before the start date of
the test.
Indicate a contact name and email address against each test you order.
The approximate quantity of test material we will supply is given for each test. If your method needs more
material please indicate the number of extra test materials you require. There is a charge for additional
test materials.
The purchase of extra test materials does not entitle you to receive an extra performance assessment.
You must place multiple orders for the test if you require this service.
Test materials are dispatched by normal post unless courier service is requested. Please contact
GeMMA Scheme for prices of sending test materials by courier.
Additional notes:
i. Dispatch
a)
b)
c)
d)
Please contact us if your postal or economy courier dispatch has not arrived within 10 working days, or
your courier dispatch has not arrived within 4 working days.
The tracking number of your courier consignment will be sent to the email address given for the sample
contact and the delivery contact for that test. The message will indicate how to track the consignment.
Airway Bill Numbers are also available from the participant’s secure pages on the FAPAS website.
It is the responsibility of a participant to monitor the progress of their courier dispatch.
ii. Import / Customs
a)
b)
c)
We are not responsible for damage or loss of test materials due to problems in customs or for import
fees.
If you require special import permits for importing certain types of test material into your country please
inform us at least 3 weeks prior to dispatch date. There is a charge for this service.
Phytosanitary certificates can be provided for plant based products where appropriate. There is a charge
for this service.
iii. Results
a)
b)
Participants generally have 6-8 weeks to return results after a test material is dispatched.
Result submission will only be allowed via the FAPAS website.
iv. Reports
a)
b)
c)
8
The cost of the test includes access to an electronic copy of the report for the person placing the order
and designated sample contact.
Reports are normally available on our website within 25 days of the closing date of the test.
The reports are in PDF format and are secured by a digital signature. Adobe Reader version 7 or greater
is required to open these files.
GeMMA
Technical Information
Protocols
•
Protocol part 1: Generic
[English] [Espanol]
•
Protocol part 4: GeMMA
[English] [Espanol]
Other technical documents
•
Example Report
•
On line results submission instructions [English] [Espanol]
•
Terms & Conditions
ISO Accreditation
The proficiency testing schemes FAPAS®, FEPAS®, GeMMA and LEAP® are accredited by
UKAS, Proficiency Testing Provider No. 0009.
0009
•
UKAS Accreditation Certificate
This accreditation confirms that we comply with the requirements of International Standard
ISO/IEC 17043:2010.
In addition, Fera is accredited by other external bodies to other internationally recognised
standards including ISO 9001:2008.
•
Fera's Quality Documentation
FAPAS (and other proficiency testing schemes) does not award accreditation. That is the
responsibility of national accreditation bodies. A list of national and international accreditation
bodies can be found at www.fasor.com/iso25. Results of proficiency testing are used by
laboratory accreditation bodies as part of the process to assess the ability of laboratories to
perform analytical tests for which accreditation is required.
9
GeMMA
Agent Information
®
FAPAS has a network of Agents to help you locally. Please contact your nearest office:
Argentina
Phone: 5411-4701-6262
E-mail: [email protected]
Austria
Phone: +49 40 49294 2930
E-mail: [email protected]
Australia
Phone: +61 (0)3 9416 0093
E-mail: [email protected]
Korea:
Phone: +81 2529 2282
E-mail: [email protected]
Malaysia
Phone: 603-5122 5108
E-mail: [email protected]
Belgium
Phone: +32 2 736 62 18
E-mail: [email protected]
Philippines
Phone: +6324410430
E-mail: [email protected]
Belarus
Phone: +7 495 707 28 68
E-mail: [email protected]
Poland
Phone: +48 61 868 6272
Email: [email protected]
China (Shanghai):
Phone: +86 13311603693
E-mail: [email protected]
Portugal
Phone: +351 22 996 20 69
E-mail: [email protected]
China (Beijing)
Phone: +86-10-88026887
E-mail: [email protected]
Russia
Phone: +7 495 707 28 68
E-mail: [email protected]
Egypt
Phone: +202 0114 15 215 26
E-mail: [email protected]
South Africa
Phone: +27114444330
E-mail: [email protected]
France
Phone: +33 478643200
E-mail: [email protected]
Spain
Phone:+34 91.504.66.02
E-mail: [email protected]
Germany
Phone: +49 40 49294 2930
E-mail: [email protected]
Switzerland
Phone: +49 40 49294 2930
E-mail: [email protected]
Greece
Phone: +30-210-2934745
E-mail: [email protected]
Taiwan
Phone: +886228484509
E-mail: [email protected]
India
Phone: +91 40 27266066
E-mail: [email protected]
Thailand
Phone: +6628817404
E-mail:
[email protected]
Indonesia
Phone: [email protected]
E-mail: +62 811824811
Israel
Phone: +972572400503
E-mail: [email protected]
Italy
Phone: + 39 02 89540225
E-mail: [email protected]
Japan
Phone: +81 35211 1807
E-mail: [email protected]
10
Kazakhstan
Phone: +7 495 707 28 68
E-mail: [email protected]
United Kingdom
FAPAS
The Food and Environment
Research Agency
Sand Hutton
York
YO41 1LZ
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1904 462100
Fax: +44 (0)1904 500440
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.fapas.com
Turkey
Phone: + 90 232 464 8006
E-mail: [email protected]
United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971-4-2852211
E-mail: [email protected]
Ukraine
Phone: +7 495 707 28 68
E-mail: [email protected]
Vietnam
Phone: +84 8 3726 0440
E-mail: [email protected]
© Crown Copyright 2014.