Certified reference materials

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) develops matrix certified reference materials for quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), contaminants, food authenticity, mycotoxins and proximates. The materials match real food samples as closely as possible.

Certificates specify traceability and uncertainty of the certified values and clearly distinguish between non-certified and certified values that can be used for calibration, performance checks and trueness control. Each CRM is accompanies by a detailed certification report describing: material processing, homogeneity, stability and characterisation studies, value assignment. Examples of recently released materials include: ERM-BB125, fipronil in egg powder EURM-020, identity of Atlantic halibut ERM-BC403, pesticides in cucumber ERM-BD001, somatic cell count in milk powder All CRMs are produced according to the JRC’s ISO 17034 accredited quality system for CRM production.