Jeongeup-si Demonstrates Excellence in Residual Pesticide Analysis Capability Evaluation Report

Published 20 Dec.2023 11:37(KST)

Jeongeup Agricultural Technology Center in Jeollabuk-do announced on the 20th that it has been recognized for excellence in residual pesticide analysis capabilities for two consecutive years both domestically and internationally.

The city participated in the proficiency test for residual pesticide analysis conducted by the Rural Development Administration targeting agricultural product safety analysis laboratories and received excellent evaluations.

This test is a program promoted by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences under the Rural Development Administration to expand safety tasks and enhance the reliability of analysis results in agricultural product safety analysis laboratories within local rural development institutions.

Agricultural Products Safety Analysis Laboratory. [Photo by Jeongeup City]

The test involved 50 institutions nationwide. The city submitted analysis values of 10 pesticide components contained in cabbage samples and satisfied all with a Z-score (standard score) within ±2, proving excellence in analysis capability.

The Z-score is calculated based on the error range among participating laboratories; a score within ±2 is considered satisfactory, between ±2 and 3 is doubtful, and above ±3 is unsatisfactory. The closer the error range is to zero, the more accurate the analysis result is considered.

In particular, the herbicide component Metribuzin received a score of 0.0, indicating the highest level of analytical accuracy.

Additionally, the city participated in the ‘2023 International Proficiency Testing (FAPAS)’ in the food sector hosted by the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) under the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs in August and received excellent evaluations.

Kim Won-sim, Director of the Technology Extension Division, said, “We have achieved the great feat of having our residual pesticide analysis capabilities recognized both domestically and internationally. We will continue to participate in proficiency tests annually to enhance our expertise and technical skills and strive to ensure the safety of Jeongeup agricultural products.”