German national proficiency testing for the detection of Trichinella in meat (2009)

Since 31.12.2009, according to regulation (EC) No. 2076/2005, official controls for Trichinella in meat (regulation (EC) No. 2075/2005) may only be implemented by accredited laboratories. These designated laboratories are obliged to participate regularly at proficiency tests. Therefore, the German National Reference Laboratory for Trichinellosis conducted an inter-laboratory proficiency test in 2009 with 87 participants from all 16 Federal States. A total of 6 coded samples were supplied to each laboratory. Two samples were negative and four samples contained 6, 10, 15 or 20 Trichinella larvae respectively. The results were analysed according to qualitative and quantitative criteria (z-score). 74 laboratories (85%) correctly identified all 6 samples as Trichinella-positive or -negative. Only 13 (15%) laboratories identified all positive samples correctly and within the assigned tolerance range. One or two samples of 40 participants (46%) were below the tolerance range, and 34 laboratories (39%) reported false negative results and/or more than 3 samples below the tolerance range. The results of the inter-laboratory comparison underline the need for continued regular Trichinella proficiency tests in order to improve the quality of the official meat inspection