Networks of laboratories
Analysing botanicals for beneficial or harmful compounds, contaminants, markers (identity or other) or determine if products have been irradiated is often challenging. A network of laboratories s is available to perform quality-controlled testing of most botanicals used in the EU.
Preparations for ring-tests are ongoing.
Laboratories interested in joining the network, participating in future ring-tests or updates on activities should contact EuroFIR AISBL Secretariat ([email protected]).
Case study
Problem: Company A claimed a botanical contained a compound that had thus far been considered synthetic. Most experts disagreed with the claim, but there was no conclusive evidence.
PlantLIBRA laboratory network: Set up a large sampling effort, with plants of verified origin and standardised extraction, to prove the substance was not present naturally in the plant.
Brunella Carratù (Istituto Superiore di Sanità – ISS, IT) organised the network during the course of the PlantLIBRA.