EURL POPs

The European Union Reference Laboratory for Halogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants in Feed and Food (EURL POPs) supports the reliable monitoring of persistent organic pollutants and related contaminants across the European Union. Appointed by the European Commission, it is one of 25 reference laboratories serving the field of feed and food control. Its remit covers substances including dioxins, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, PFAS, chlorinated paraffins and polychlorinated naphthalenes in both food and animal feed.

EURL POPs provides proficiency tests and interlaboratory studies that help laboratories assess analytical performance and compare results. These activities cover a range of analytes and sample types, including olive oil, hay, fish and infant formula. The laboratory also coordinates working groups and develops guidance on analytical methods, measurement criteria, extraction procedures, confirmation of results and emerging contaminants. Its resources are intended for National Reference Laboratories and other official-control and commercial laboratories. Through its network of national reference laboratories, EURL POPs promotes consistent, dependable analysis and contributes technical expertise to contaminant control across EU member states.