Development of reference material in a fish matrix for physicochemical proficiency testing

Abstract

For the fishery chain’s growth and development to occur sustainably, it is necessary to develop solid scientific and technological bases that help guarantee the quality of this raw material. Analytical results provide one of the main ways to prove the quality of these products. In this context, developing reference materials for proficiency testing in fish matrix contributes to this raw material’s scientific, technological, and quality advancement. This study describes the production steps of a reference material destined for proficiency assays in a fish matrix. The study covers material selection, preparation, and development of homogeneity and short-term stability studies simulating transport conditions. The results were evaluated using Horwitz standard deviation and standard deviation by experience from previous rounds of proficiency testing programs, and comparisons were made between the two. It was found that the batch of material produced was homogeneous and stable during the stability study, enabling its use in proficiency tests.