marine biotoxins following EU guidelines. This is good for the network as trained staff can shared their experiences in future with other members in the region. This in addition to boosting national programmes that also target trade.

which 900 chemical compounds from different categories of regulated contaminants including: pesticide residues, mycotoxins, metals, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and perflourooctane sulphonates (PFOs), were screened in a number of commonly consumed local foods. These countries can henceforth share their experiences with others in the network and region in general.

food safety control systems face and the need to elevate standards to levels international requirements/expectations. During a recent writeshop (October 24-26) at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, a group of experts from recently discussed various indicators for food safety benefiting the biennial review including: (i) Food safety systems, (ii), Health aspects of food safety and (iii) Trade aspects of Food safety. Contributions from the network members were represented. A team of regional experts are necessary and members of the network will play a critical role. This contribution follows the African Food Safety Network Workshop organised in Pretoria, South Africa June 4-8 2018.

in helping institutions render quality laboratory service to clients (including accuracy and comparability of measurement results) and enhance to accreditation efforts. Participants will also get an opportunity to share experiences and benchmark each others areas of strength.

participants in a training for effective use of HPLC and related techniques the institute uses to test and monitor the hazards. The 5-day event attracted a number of local laboratory personnel who have now improved their capabilities. The 3 institutions (FAREI, UNISA and GFDA) will continue to collaborate in these and other areas on interest.

In the field of chemical measurements this is achieved through the provision of reference materials, reference measurements and proficiency testing schemes (PT). NMISA is an ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17034 accredited institution for calibrations and the production of reference materials respectively. NMISA currently coordinates several proficiency testing schemes according to ISO/IEC 17043[2], including the forensic blood alcohol PT scheme for the National Department of Health (NDoH) Forensic Pathology Laboratories[3]; the Pesticides in Fruit PT scheme for the National Department for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) designated pesticide residue testing laboratories for the export markets and air pollution monitoring PT schemes for the Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) under the National Department of Environmental Affairs.

Energy and resources are wasted when a dispute arises between laboratories. Although laboratories do participate in various international PT schemes, these differ in frequency, how the data is processed and the nature of the materials that are supplied. Through participation in the same proficiency testing scheme or analysis of the same reference material, greater harmony between laboratories can be achieved resulting in greater trust between the results produced between the various laboratories. Participation in this proposed NMISA proficiency testing scheme by the relevant analytical testing laboratories would therefore be beneficial to all stakeholders directly impacted by the sodium reduction regulation. Benefits of such a PT include that it allows for all local testing laboratories’ analytical testing capability to be evaluated relative to each other using locally produced foodstuffs reflecting food manufactured and consumed in South Africa and across the region. The PT scheme materials can then further be used for quality control purposes in the laboratory.

The National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA) is coordinating this PT scheme for the purpose of reducing the sodium measurement result discrepancies arising between regulatory and private testing laboratories. Laboratories directly involved in food labelling testing R146 and sodium reduction regulation R214, and amendment no. 1071, in addition to regulatory laboratories directly involved with testing food inspection samples are encouraged to participate, with the aim to harmonise and obtain better agreement between laboratory testing results for the sodium reduction regulation towards improved management of national health promotion strategies.

PT scheme participants identities remain fully confidential, known only to NMISA and the individual laboratories.

Laboratories that are encouraged to participate also include:

• ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratories wishing to benchmark sodium in food analysis
• NDoH Food Control testing laboratories and designated/outsourced laboratories
• Food manufacturers/ retailers’ in-house QC laboratories
• Academic institutions with extensive experience in nutritional content/ sodium analysis
• International expert laboratories/ National Metrology Institutes

If needed concerns/ questions around the PT can be raised and we will address them accordingly.

Thank you and with our best regards

Dr. Maria Fernandes-Whaley

Application of radio-receptor assay tool and kits to monitor food contaminants including selected veterinary drug and pesticide residues in targeted animal products, fruits and vegetables; Complimentary chromatographic analytical method development, optimization and validation; Comparative advantages of radio-receptor assay tools in residue monitoring; Cost effective sample preparation; Inter-laboratory knowledge-exchange among counterparts, on method development/validation and national monitoring programmes for residues in foods. About 30 participants from several African countries including the host and sister institutions benefited. Networking was also strengthened.

matters including mycotoxins, food microbiology, food quality and veterinary drug as well as pesticide residues in foods and related matrices. AFoSaN members presented findings on the above through oral and poster presentations as well as active discussions in session.

The need for increased Government support to provide more support for institutions involved in safeguarding consumers on the continent besides trade, increased collaboration to share knowledge, experiences and resources etc were addressed. Interactions with metrology institute on (among others) reference and proficiency testing materials was also discussed. The private sector was well represented and public-private partnerships enhanced. The number of AFoSaN members working closely increased. The participants agreed to hold this workshop on a biennial basis.

Zambia, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda participated in this training hosted by Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in coordination with The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Uganda. The purpose of the training was to enhance participant’s capabilities in hands-on testing of agro-chemical contaminants (veterinary drugs and related pesticide residues) in foods of animal origin. Work included screening and confirmatory techniques, guidance on instrument calibration, basic maintenance and troubleshooting. Local participants included representatives from Kyambogo University, Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), National Drug Authority (NDA), Dairy Development Authority (DDA), Kampala Butchers Association and MAAIF. The workshop was facilitated by UNBS staff and LC-MS/MS-application specialists from Educational Scientific & Technical Company (ESTEC), Kenya. Knowledge was gained or enhanced and networking built/strengthened. A number of trainees also shared their experience with instrument maintenance and troubleshooting and use of radio-receptor assays for residues in food.

January 1998 on protection against the dangers of ionizing radiation and the management of radioactive waste in Madagascar; Decree nº 93/243 issued on 29 April 1993 on the protection against ionizing radiation, appointing INSTN-Madagascar as the technical organ of the competent authority for the control and surveillance in terms of radiation protection. The Ministerial Order nº 3961/93 issued on 6 August 1993 regulating the radioactivity monitoring of imported foodstuffs. At present, the Nuclear Analytical Technique Department is mandated by the Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs to do the control. Specific counterpart institution related activities: Perform research and provide services in analytical techniques; Conduct foodstuff radioactive contamination monitoring by using gamma spectrometry. 

For further investigation, alpha spectrometry is used; Per regulation, the tests mainly concern concentration determination of the following man made radionuclides : Cs-134, Cs-137, Sr-89, Sr-90, I-131, Zn-95, Nb-95, Ce-141, Ce-144, Pu-238,  Pu-239/240, Am-241, Cm-242. The specific expertise of the counterpart institution regarding analysis of radioactive/chemical and natural hazards in foods and where applicable in environmental samples. On the request of its customers, the institute provides services such as: Foodstuff quality control; Support to the food processing sectors in implementing foodstuff quality control schemes; Foodstuff of concern: fisheries, drinking water, staple foods, imported and exported items;  Measurands : heavy metals and undesirable elements, physicochemical parameters, major, minor and trace elements. More than 7000 food samples are tested yearly.In conclusion: The activities of the counterpart institution help the country to boost competitiveness on the local and international markets and to increase productivity and ensure a sustained delivery of goods and services. 

institutions such as bu not limited to ONARDEL who are also keen on establishing a systematic national programme or residue and contaminant monitoring in food and feed.

technical sound by the European Commission and this opens a door for the country’s tasty honey. Relevant documents were submitted and to maintain this good status, annual reports are required. The country will continue to share its capabilities and experiences in the network so they also take similar advantage.

national food safety control programmes as well as training others in the country and beyond. The recently hosted and trained a scientist from Sierra Leone. With the established capabilities, more of such support will henceforth be extended to sister countries in need.

food safety laboratory and get acquainted with available state-of-the-art analytical instrumentations such as the Sciex QTRAP 5500. The Scientist also shared his experience with the country’s residue testing and monitoring programmes that effectively supports agricultural product exports such as beef.