French laboratory proficiency testing program for food microbiology.
The proficiency testing program in food microbiology (Réseau d'Analyses et d'Echanges en Microbiologie des Aliments; RAEMA), created in 1988, currently includes 440 participating laboratories. The program establishes proficiency in detection of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as quantitation of aerobic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, and Listeria monocytogenes. Twice a year, 5 test samples are sent to participants to assess their precision and trueness for enumeration and detection of microorganisms. Results show an increasing involvement of food microbiology laboratories in quality assurance programs and use of standard and validated analytical methods. However, the percentage of laboratories obtaining questionable and unsatisfactory microbiological results remains relatively constant.
Animal Société Aliment, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France. augustin@vet-alfort.fr
Jean-Christophe
JC
Augustin
Vincent
V
Carlier
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003470:Culture Media; D005516:Food Microbiology / Q000592:standards*; D005602:France; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards*; D011786:Quality Control; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003470:Culture Media