Division 4.4.1 Confirmatory methodsF1

The analytical result must be reported as follows:

1. (a)

   Corrected for recovery, the level of recovery being indicated. The correction for recovery is not necessary in case the recovery rate is between 90-110 %.

2. (b)

   As x +/– U whereby x is the analytical result and U is the expanded measurement uncertainty, using a coverage factor of 2 which gives a level of confidence of approximately 95 %.

For food of animal origin, the taking into account of the measurement uncertainty can also be done by establishing the decision limit (CCα) in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC ^f1 (point 3.1.2.5 of Annex I — the case of substances with established permitted limit).

However if the result of the analysis is significantly (> 50 %) lower than the maximum level or much higher than the maximum level (i.e. more than 5 times the maximum level), and on the condition that the appropriate quality procedures are applied and the analysis serves only the purpose of checking compliance with legal provisions, the analytical result might be reported without correction for recovery and the reporting of the recovery rate and measurement uncertainty might be omitted in these cases.

The present interpretation rules of the analytical result in view of acceptance or rejection of the lot apply to the analytical result obtained on the sample for official control. In case of analysis for defence or referee purposes, the national rules apply.