State General Laboratory Annual Report 2018

22 State General laboratory Annual Report 2018 OBJECTIVES FULFILLED IN 2018  Expansion of the control, monitoring and surveillance plans: Full implementation of the monitoring/surveillance/control programmes (in all 61) covering a total of 25,639 analysed samples with 523,446 parameters in 2018 (compared to 2017 where 26,479 samples were analysed with 493,906 parameters tested). The fact that the number of samples is slightly lower and the number of parameters is higher than in 2017 is due to: a) the application of multi-residual methods where fewer samples with more parameters are analysed, b) the change of sampling methods in some categories, c) the implementation of stricter legislation, and d) the more targeted controls by the SGL in cooperation with the competent Authorities. The SGL continues to use multi-residual methods that analyse more parameters with fewer samples while giving a more representative picture of the sample’s situation and more effective control at a reduced cost, and to cover new parameters on a prioritisation basis.  Human Resource development through trainings (Cyprus Academy of Public Administration, BTSF, EU-FORA etc.) and educational programmes (19).  Infrastructure development and advancement of laboratory equipment (a total of €915,000 was spent in purchasing state-of- the-art equipment or renewal of old equipment).  Enhancement of dietary risk assessment capacity with the use of its own deterministic model, "ImproRisk", to assess the risk from several substances (such as Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Nitrates, Acrylamide and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and in 2018, Aflatoxin B1 on food - the results were satisfactory and in line with EFSA’s respective risk assessments for Cyprus), and through the completion of EFSA’s project "EU Menu" at national level.  Further development of the Information Technology (IT) Unit’s capacity and ability to technically respond to: a) EFSA programmes (technical support for two EFSA programmes), b) EFSA requirements (data transmissions), c) enhancement of the LIMS system to improve the quality of the data, as well as preparation for the supply of new version of LIMS system and d) contribution to the Cyprus "OPEN DATA" platform.  Effective contribution and support for the national policy / strategy in areas of its competence, among others, through its participation in relevant national Councils (10) - including "Food Safety Council", national Committees (10) and Technical Committees & Working Groups (6).