S. Korean quarantine service ranks 5th in int'l food analysis review

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's state-run veterinary and quarantine
service ranked fifth in an international food analysis proficiency review, the
government said Sunday.
The ranking was awarded by Britain's Food and Environment Research Agency and
shows local organizations' proficiency in checking for harmful materials in food,
said the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Such expertise in food analysis can be used to create impartial, globally
recognized reference material and keep substandard food out of the country.
The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) under the farm
ministry took part in the International Food Analysis Proficiency Testing
Services (FAPAS) review, along with 46 similar organizations from all over the
world.
South Korea received high marks in tests that determine the type and quantity of
residual materials in the kidneys of specially prepared pigs. "Test results
clearly showed that the NVRQS is a standard-setter in this field," a ministry
official said.
FAPAS is recognized as the world's leading program to check for residuals in food
that can be harmful to consumers.
South Korea has been moving to upgrade its capabilities in this sector for the
past few years, winning international recognition for its Korea Laboratory
Accreditation Scheme in late 2005.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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