Quality assurance is essential to ensure that laboratories are performing testing to a good standard. Laboratories undertaking official testing of shellfish for classification purposes or end-product testing in the UK must take part in an appropriate External Quality Assurance (EQA) Scheme.

A specialised EQA scheme is available for laboratories that examine raw bivalve molluscs and other shellfish for classification of shellfish harvesting areas and for end product testing. The scheme has been developed by the Health Protection Agency (formerly PHLS) in conjunction with recognised experts in the field from CEFAS and the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen. The scheme covers the microbiological requirements laid down by the EU Food Hygiene Regulations which relate to enumeration of Escherichia coli and detection of Salmonella. Laboratories that examine raw shellfish will benefit from participation and the scheme is of paramount importance for laboratories seeking accreditation. All laboratories testing raw shellfish for classification in the UK are required to participate in the scheme and samples are also sent to a number of laboratories in the rest of Europe and beyond.

The NRL has collaborated with the HPA on the development of the shellfish scheme and recognises it as an appropriate EQA scheme for laboratories undertaking shellfish testing.

For further information
Contact the Scheme Co-ordinator:
Julie Russell
The Health Protection Agency (formerly PHLS) Food EQA Schemes
Microbiological Food Safety Laboratory
61 Colindale Avenue
London NW9 5HT UK
Telephone: 020 8200 4400 ext 4119 Fax: 020 8200 8264
mailto:foodeqa@hpa.org.uk
Website: www.hpa.org.uk