ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Consultancy for Olive Oil Analysis Laboratories

International Accreditation with IOC Proficiency Tests

Our Service Scope

• Validation and Uncertainty Studies for Chemical Analysis (Acidity, peroxide number, K232 – K270, fatty acid composition, sterols, wax, DAG, PPP)
• Sensory Analysis (Panel Testing) Integration (Panel leader qualification, panelist training, repeatability & reproducibility analysis)
• Integration of IOC Proficiency Test Results into the Accreditation File
• Application of Risk-Based Approach (Device malfunctions, panel changes, reagent quality, sample homogeneity)
• Internal Verification and Quality Control Systems Establishment

Added Value We Offer

• Your laboratory should not only be accredited but also internationally accepted
• Trusted laboratory status for EU and worldwide exporters
• Preparation of measurement uncertainty tables and decision rules to guarantee success in accreditation audits
• Full compliance to ensure the laboratory is included in the IOC lists

The Role of ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation and IOC Proficiency Tests in Olive Oil Analysis Laboratories

Olive oil analysis laboratories must participate in both IOC proficiency tests and have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for quality assurance and international trade. The integration of these two elements is the most important criterion that determines the international validity of laboratories.

The Importance of IOC Qualification Tests

• The IOC organizes proficiency tests for chemical and sensory analysis every year.
• Being successful in these tests is an indicator of reliability for both the accreditation body and the exporting countries.
• Z-score analysis, robust mean methods and performance statistics should be integrated into the accreditation file.

Points to be harmonized with ISO/IEC 17025:2017

1. Measurement Uncertainty
   • Uncertainty calculations for chemical parameters (e.g. peroxide number titration repeats).
   • Incorporating analysis of variance and z-score contributions into the uncertainty budget in panel tests.
2. Method Validation and Verification
   • Validation of IOC reference methods under laboratory conditions.
   • Statistical proof of linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, LOD/LOQ values.
3. Decision Rules
   • “Guard banding” approach in chemical analysis.
   • Uncertainty-based statistical decision rules for compliance reporting in panel tests.
4. Risk Based Approach
   • Delay of device calibrations → urgent verification plan
   • Panel leader change → training replacement panel leader
   • Sample homogeneity issues → Compliance with IOC protocols

Areas Questioned in Accreditation Audits

• Accuracy of IOC proficiency test reports and integration with ISO 17025 files
• Compliance of panel tests with the principles of independence and impartiality
• Use of internal quality control charts (Shewhart, CUSUM, EWMA)
• Proving measurement uncertainty tables with experimental data

Example Uncertainty Table

Sample IOC Proficiency Test – Z-score Analysis