Proficiency Testing Scheme for Toxic Elements in Milkfish (Chanos chanos) in the Philippines: Ensuring Food Safety and Quality Control

Alleni Junsay, Clarissa Manguin, Ian Deniell Magsino, Janesky Esplana, Gian Ernest Dizon, Aaron Dacuya

Abstract

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) is a staple<BR />aquaculture product in the Philippines, making food<BR />safety and quality assurance essential for consumer<BR />protection. This study presents an accuracy-based<BR />proficiency testing (PT) scheme to assess the capability<BR />of Philippine chemical testing laboratories to quantify<BR />toxic elements in milkfish. Philippine Reference<BR />Material (PRM) 2002 – As, Cd, Hg & Pb in Milkfish<BR />was prepared and distributed to participating<BR />laboratories for independent analysis. Results were<BR />evaluated using z’-scores and other statistical<BR />performance metrics.<BR />A total of 26 local testing laboratories participated in<BR />the PT scheme, with 23 submitting results. Among<BR />them, 42 % of the 12 participants for total As, 62 % of<BR />the 21 participants for Cd, 64 % of the 14 participants<BR />for total Hg, and 82 % of the 22 participants for Pb<BR />achieved an "acceptable" z’-score performance. These<BR />findings highlight areas for improvement in laboratory<BR />proficiency, underscoring the importance of<BR />continuous development and active participation in<BR />accuracy-based proficiency testing (PT) schemes to<BR />enhance the reliability and accuracy of toxic element<BR />analysis in Philippine laboratories.

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IMEKO-TC8-11-24-2025-004.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc24-2025.004

IMEKO TC

TC24 - Chemical Measurements

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