ARS | Publication request: History of reference materials for food and nutrition metrology: As represented in the series of BERM Symposia

Submitted to: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 28, 2009
Publication Date: January 10, 2010
Citation: Wolf, W.R. 2010. History of reference materials for food and nutrition metrology: As represented in the series of BERM Symposia. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 397(2):413-421.

Interpretive Summary: Establishment of a metrology-based measurement system requires the solid foundation of traceability of measurements to available, appropriate certified reference materials (CRM). In the early 1970s the first “biological” reference material (RM) of Bowens Kale, Orchard Leaves, and Bovine Liver SRMs)from the then National Bureau of Standards, USA were characterized solely for trace element content. Over the ensuing years, with the evolution and growth of international concepts of metrology based measurements, the area of food and nutrition measurements has seen a steady evolution of available RMs, and a much wider availability of analytes and food/nutrition-related matrix CRMs. From the perspective of being involved in this measurement area over these 30 plus years, it is useful to briefly look at the history of this growth of reference material activities in the area of food and nutrition measurements. This history is documented in the series of International Symposia on Biological and Environmental Reference Materials, which was initiated in 1983 with a specific focus on food-related RMs. This review article will be of interest to laboratories involved in food and nutrition measurements.

Technical Abstract: Establishment of a metrology-based measurement system requires the solid foundation of traceability of measurements to available, appropriate certified reference materials (CRM). In the early 1970s the first “biological” Reference Material (RM) of Bowens Kale, Orchard Leaves, and Bovine Liver from the then National Bureau of Standards, USA were characterized solely for trace element content. Over the ensuing years, with the evolution and growth of international concepts of metrology based measurements, the area of food and nutrition measurements has seen a steady evolution of available RMs, and a much wider availability of analytes and food/nutrition related matrix CRMs. From the perspective of being involved in this measurement area over these 30 plus years, it is useful to briefly look at the history of this growth of reference material activities in the area of food and nutrition measurements. This history is documented in the series of International Symposia on Biological and Environmental Reference Materials, which was initiated in 1983 with a specific focus on food related RMs.