Effect of the Distribution of Analyte Concentration in Lot, Sample Size, and Number of Analytical Runs on Food-Testing Results

Abstract

In testing, it is necessary to obtain the correct measured values that reflect analyte concentrations in the lot. Control of the analytical performance and appropriate sampling are essential to obtain the correct values. In the present study, we estimated the distribution of the analyte concentrations in specific food product lots and examined the influence of the sample size and the number of analytical runs on the variability of the testing results. The combinations of analyte and food studied were pesticide residues in fresh vegetables, nitrate in fresh vegetables, and food additives in processed meat products. The results of our study suggested the following: an increase in the sample size beyond a certain number does not efficiently reduce the variability of the test results; the specific sample size required to maintain the variability of the testing results at an appropriate level depends on the breadth of distribution of concentrations in the lot and the precision of the analysis; and increasing the number of analytical runs was more efficient in reducing the variability of the testing results than increasing the sample size, when the breadth of distribution of concentrations in the lot was narrow enough to be comparable with the analytical precision.