Paju-si, Agricultural Product Safety Analysis Lab Proficiency Evaluation 'Satisfaction for 3 Consecutive Years'

The Agricultural Product Safety Analysis Laboratory at the Paju-si Agricultural Technology Center in Gyeonggi Province has been recognized for its excellence in pesticide residue analysis by receiving the highest grade of "Satisfactory" for three consecutive years in the "2024 Second Half Pesticide Residue Analysis Proficiency Test" organized by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences under the Rural Development Administration.

2024 Second Half Agricultural Product Safety Analysis Laboratory Residual Pesticide Analysis Proficiency Test. Provided by Paju City

The evaluation method involves analyzing the provided samples and submitting the results, after which the standard scores (Z-Scores) of participating institutions are calculated. The evaluation criteria classify scores as follows: "Satisfactory" if within ±2.0, "Questionable" if between ±2.0 and ±3.0, and "Unsatisfactory" if exceeding ±3.0. Scores closer to 0.0 indicate superior analysis results.

The Paju-si Agricultural Product Safety Analysis Laboratory received a "Satisfactory" rating with all 11 submitted pesticide components having Z-Scores within ±0.5. Notably, Methoxychlor (insecticide) and Oxadiazon (herbicide) were rated within ±0.1, demonstrating the highest level of analytical capability among 51 safety analysis laboratories nationwide that participated in the proficiency test.

Since its establishment in March 2022, the Paju-si Agricultural Product Safety Analysis Laboratory has been analyzing pesticide residues in agricultural products. In particular, it provides free analysis of 463 types of pesticide residues in agricultural products produced within Paju for local food supply, eco-friendly and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, and other purposes. Based on the results, it carefully manages harvest and shipment timing to prevent the occurrence of non-compliant agricultural products.

A Paju-si official stated, "Following the 'Satisfactory' grade received in the international proficiency test (FAPAS) last April, receiving the same grade in the domestic evaluation further proves the analytical capabilities of the Paju Safety Analysis Laboratory both domestically and internationally," adding, "We will do our best to further improve the quality of Paju agricultural products through accurate and rapid analysis."