Reference laboratory for food-borne viruses

Profile

The National Reference Laboratory for Food-Borne Viruses can detect the following pathogenic viruses at METAS: hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses, norovirus (genogroups I and II), enterovirus and rotavirus. It investigates viruses that occur primarily on plant-based foods (fruit, berries, vegetables and lettuce), and on animal-based foods (sausage products, meat products, mussels), as well as in drinking water. Swipe samples are also examined for viral contamination.

For viruses that are transmissible via food, detection methods are used which are published by the European Reference Laboratory.

Our reference laboratories use procedures published by professionally recognised institutions such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

The competent European reference laboratories

• European Union Reference Laboratory for Foodborne Viruses (Livsmedelsverket; Uppsala, Schweden)

Laboratory procedures

• Detection methods published by the European Reference Laboratory

Suitability tests

Validation of methods and suitability tests

In order to continue to offer our analytics at the highest level, we are taking part in the suitability tests organised by the EU reference laboratory. If required, we will organise and mediate suitability tests for the cantonal laboratories.

Quality assurance

The National Reference Laboratories are accredited according to the European standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” (accreditation number: STS 0554 and STS 0119).

Last modification 28.03.2023