The certification of different mass fractions of AV43-6-G7 in potato tuber powder : certified reference materials ERM-BF431a, ERM-BF431b, ERM-BF431c, ERM-BF431d and ERM-BF431e

This report describes the production of a set of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) ERM-BF431a, b, c, d and e, matrix materials certified for their AV43-6-G7 mass fractions. The material has been produced following ISO Guide 34:2009 [1]. Genetically modified (GM) tubers of the potato event AV43-6-G7 and of a non-GM potato variety were dried and ground to obtain GM and non-GM potato powders. Beside these two pure materials gravimetric mixtures of non-GM and GM potato powder were prepared by dry-mixing. Between unit-heterogeneity has been quantified and stability during dispatch and storage have been assessed in accordance with ISO Guide 35:2006 [2]. The certified value was obtained from the gravimetric preparations, taking into account the purity of the base materials and their water mass fraction. The certified values were confirmed by event-specific real-time PCR as independent confirmation method (measurements within the scope of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 [3]). Uncertainties of the certified values were calculated in compliance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) [4] and include uncertainties related to possible heterogeneity, instability, and characterisation. The materials are intended for the calibration or quality control of AV43-6-G7 potato identification and quantification methods. As any reference material, they can also be used for control charts or validation studies. The CRMs are available in glass vials containing at least 1 g of dried potato tuber powder and closed under argon atmosphere. The minimum amount of sample to be used is 200 mg. The CRM has been accepted as European Reference Material (ERM®) after peer evaluation by the partners of the European Reference Materials consortium.