The program is open for applications from all labs that have participated in the AOCS-GOED Nutraceutical Oil Laboratory Proficiency Program (LPP).
The 'Special Achievement' designation will be given to qualifying laboratories for a one-year term, valid from July 1 to June 30. During this period, GOED will actively promote these laboratories to its members and the public. Additionally, GOED will prioritize referring these laboratories to companies seeking testing facilities for the quantification of EPA and DHA.
LPP results must be resubmitted each year to continue to be awarded this title in subsequent years.
EPA and DHA in an oil matrix are among the most challenging substances to quantify reliably, Gerard Bannenberg, PhD, GOED's director of technical compliance and outreach explained: "Yet by choosing the right method, executing it correctly, building experience and participating in the AOCS GOED Nutraceutical Oils Laboratory Proficiency Program, a laboratory can achieve high proficiency."
The criteria used to qualify laboratories will be quantification of EPA and DHA (as mg/g in free fatty acid equivalents) within 2% of the mean consensus value (± 4 mg/g will be accepted for results below 200 mg/g).
The results should be obtained with one of the methods recommended by GOED: GOED Fatty Acid Method, Ph.Eur. 2.4.29, USP 401 or AOCS Ce1i-07.
Bannenberg added the program is part of GOED's ongoing commitment to quality and enhancing consumer confidence in omega-3 products.
“The Special Achievement Program is one aspect of GOED's activities to improve the ability and ambition of laboratories to become more proficient in testing EPA/DHA omega-3 ingredient oils and finished products [...]," he said.
"GOED believes there is room for further improvement, since significant variability in the ability of laboratories to reliably quantify EPA and DHA in omega-3 oils is noted in the Laboratory Proficiency Program."