Food laboratory accreditation: guidelines for global recognition

摘要

International trading partners are recognizing that accredited food testing laboratories are the preferred provider of test data. Accreditation to ISO Guide 25 is recognized internationally as proof of the competence of a testing laboratory. The essence of accreditation is to ensure the validity of test data. The goal of international accrediting bodies is "one test done locally, with results accepted globally". This has large implication for international trade especially where perishable food products are being tested. Accreditation to ISO Guide 25 provides independent third party assessment of technical competence of a laboratory and staff. This standard also provides assurance in cases of disputes, the data from A2LA accredited laboratories will stand up to legal and regulatory scrutiny. Guide 25 accreditations are internationally recognized, when you submit work to an accredited laboratory, you are assured the laboratory is adhering to an internationally recognized set of standards. Consistently accurate data are important to the national and international commerce of food. ISO Guide 25 is an important benchmark for food testing laboratories.