European Union Reference Laboratories

In the context of the EU strategy aimed at improving animal health and establishing the single market for live animals and animal products, a network of European Union and National reference laboratories dealing with major animal diseases has been gradually set up.

The Council and the Commission have designated European Union reference laboratories (EURLs) with scientific and technical expertise within the areas of animal health, public health and zootechnics in a number of legal acts. These legal acts contain provisions that specify the functions and duties of each designated EURL. The designation of EURL should contribute to a high quality and uniformity of analytical results.

Source: Europa, Food Safety web site

The European Commission Joint Research Center currently hosts seven EURLs  in support of EU Member States' National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) in the respective fields; three of these EURLs (in yellow below) are managed by the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP):

• EURL GMFF (European Union Reference Laboratory for GMOs in Food and Feed)
• EURL for feed additives
• EURL ECVAM (European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing)
• EURL FCM (European Union Reference Laboratory for Food Contact Materials)
• EURL for heavy metals in feed and food
• EURL for mycotoxins in food and feed
• EURL for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons