STATE GENERAL LABORATORY ANNUAL REPORT 2022 REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS STATE GENERAL LABORATORY ABRIDGED VERSION
Publisher Press and Information Office PIO 259/2023 – electronic publication ISSN 2547-8761 (online) Editing Maria Valanidou Press and Information Officer Σχεδιασμός: Stella Komninou Arakelian Digital Printing: Government Printing Office SGL CONTACT DETAILS Tel: (+357) 22809112, 22809115 (Central Building) (+357) 22809400 (Branch I) (+357) 22805000 (Branch II) Fax: (+357) 22316434 Email: info@sgl.moh.gov.cy Website: www.moh.gov.cy/sgl Text: State General Laboratory
Excellence. The foundation to a better quality of life. STATE GENERAL LABORATORY ANNUAL REPORT 2022 ABRIDGED VERSION
2 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY
Dear readers, through the annual report of the State General Laboratory (SGL) for 2022, I am pleased to present to you an assessment of its work, which the management team and its staff completed with a deep sense of responsibility. The stable and continuous effort to implement the national strategic objectives to protect public health, the environment, the safety of citizens and the consumer’s interests is demonstrated within the wide range of activities of the SGL during 2022. 2022 was a year with many challenges and obligations, where the SGL, amongst other, managed: y To respond effectively to official control requirements in the areas of food safety and quality, environmental protection (including drinking water) and consumer products, and to support the Police in the fight against crime, by conducting a significant number of laboratory tests. y To meet the requests of the competent authorities in different ministries, governmental departments and municipalities, dealing with emergencies, incidents and crises that fall under its competence. y To effectively utilise its financial resources and absorb national and European funds for applied research, for the benefit of its further development as an organisation. y To exploit all possible forms of cooperation at national, European and international level to effectively achieve its goals. The SGL, both as a Public Service Department and a well-recognised scientific research centre, through the continuous development of innovative and modern methodologies and approaches, within the framework of its strategic objectives and priorities, managed to further upgrade its services and, at the same time, to develop its scientific knowledge and improve its expertise in the areas of its competence. In the framework of the Public Administration Reform and the implementation of the new Public Financial Management System, the SGL continued with the development and implementation of its strategic planning, as well as with the parallel monitoring of the implementation of its activity-based budget. To this purpose, it has implemented appropriate performance indicators for the timely monitoring, implementation and final evaluation of its performance. In November 2022, a certificate of excellent performance was awarded to the SGL because the laboratory was among the top three laboratories with the lowest average z-score in the proficiency test: “Vegetable-based food for Al, As, Cd, Pb and nitrate”, organised by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Metals and Nitrogenous Compounds in Feed and Food (EURL-MN-in food). The most important activities that marked the work of the SGL in 2022, among others, were the following: 1. Continuation of its official control for the surveillance of the Cypriot market for the safety and quality of the food and other consumer products, for the protection of the environment, and contribution to the fight against crime. 2. Continuation of its active involvement in EU research projects (e.g. “Enhancing the existing isotopic databases of Cypriot local traditional food/drinks, by developing a blockchain platform, to ensure their identity-IsoDataBase”, “Human bio-monitoring”, INTRODUCTORY NOTE by the Director of the State General Laboratory
4 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY “HBMAEU-mom” aiming to prevent prenatal exposure to mercury, “Detection and identification of biological toxins”, “Carobs, the black gold of Cyprus - When science meet the industry”, “Life with Vultures - overall effort to rescue the Vulture (considered a “natural cleaner” of the countryside)”, “Development of an integrated framework for real- time detection, assessment and migration of biological, chemical and environmental contaminants throughout the food supply chain”, “European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals - PARC” etc.). 3. Active contribution to dietary risk assessment at national and European level by processing and evaluating the actual food consumption data of Cypriots using “ImproRisk”, its own upgraded deterministic model. 4. Expansion of the official control to include new parameters and/or new categories and products. 5. Further expansion of the scope of its accreditation as regards the new international standard EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 to new parameters, new product substrates and new analytical methods, some of which with flexible scope. 6. Contribution to the effective response on environmental crises (e.g. ground/water pollution) and other emergencies (e.g., crime, murders, drug cases), the antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics, the standardisation of traditional products of Cyprus. 7. Continuous contribution towards the classification of Cyprus’ bathing waters among the cleanest in the EU in recent years, as regards the microbiological purity. In 2022 Cyprus was first in the European rankings among 30 other countries. 8. Representation of Cyprus at European and international level, as the Cyprus Contact Point, on issues of food safety and quality, human bio-monitoring, environment and health. With the constant support of the Director General of the Ministry of Health and the Minister of Health, whom we thank in particular, as well as the support of other collaborating Public Services and partners, the SGL manages to carry out its work and achieve its goals. The hard work, dedication and responsibility of the staff of the SGL –to which I express my deep gratitude and appreciation– the commitment to SGL’s vision as well as the actions taken and the goals achieved in 2022, make it a year of success, with a positive impact on the society and the economy of the country. In conclusion, I hope this publication will be a valid source of information on SGL’s work for all competent authorities and stakeholders, and for all citizens in general, so as to maintain a relationship of mutual trust and good cooperation based on scientific integrity and transparency. Dr Rebecca Kokkinofta - Diogenous Director of SGL
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CONTENTS ABOUT THE SGL GENERAL SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES VISION AND MISSION ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE HUMAN RESOURCES RESEARCH Applied research European research programmes National research programmes DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND STRATEGY COOPERATION National cooperation European/International cooperation RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY OBJECTIVES FULFILLED IN 2022 ACHIEVEMENTS - AWARDS Achievements/Implementation of activities and programmes/Awards FUTURE GOALS MAIN AREAS OF ACTIVITY FOODSTUFFS • Quality/authenticity of foodstuffs • Safety of foodstuffs • Dietary risk assessment ENVIRONMENT • Water • Drinking water, bottled water (including natural mineral water) • Surface and ground water (dams, rivers, freshwater, underground water, boreholes, salt lakes) • Monitoring of Ezousa’s and Acrotiri’s underground water • Seawater/costal sea water • Swimming pool water • Effluents • Domestic effluents - treated water • Atmospheric air • Quality of outdoor air • Environment and health CONSUMER PRODUCTS • Pharmaceuticals • Cosmetics • Children’s toys • Other consumer products FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY • Forensic chemistry • Forensic toxicology on police and hospital samples 8 8 9 10 12 14 14 16 16 17 19 20 23 30 35 39 12
8 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY ABOUT THE SGL GENERAL SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The State General Laboratory of Cyprus (SGL) is one of the five independent Departments of the Ministry of Health. It is the main official laboratory for the chemical, biological, microbiological, toxicological and radiological control and the official National Control Centre for foodstuffs, water, environment, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, various consumer goods, controlled drugs and other police exhibits. This wide scope of responsibilities is covered under 19 specialised laboratories. All laboratories under the SGL are accredited according to the European Standard EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 in the areas of its competence. It is also the National Reference Laboratory for several food safety sectors. The activities of the SGL, as a non-conflict of interest organisation, governed by the principles of scientific excellence, independence, integrity, accountability and transparency, ensure compliance with the Public Service Law, as well as the fulfillment of citizens’ expectations. Within the framework of supporting and forming national policy, relative to its responsibilities, the SGL staff serves on many National Council Boards (food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plant protection products and biocides, veterinary medicines, chemicals, tenders of the Ministry of Health, chemists registration) as well as the Cyprus National Addictions Authority, the Food Safety Council, and also in National Committees (e.g. research and innovation coordinators, environment and children’s health, school canteens, natural mineral water, environmental impact, veterinary drugs register, reduction of drugs supply & drugs legislation, National Centre for Information on Narcotics, ECOLABEL, UN-Children Rights on Health). Also, at European and international level, the SGL constitutes, among others, the National Representative in the Advisory Forum of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the National Focal Point of EFSA and the National Representative (for Health sector) on “Environment and Health Task Force” of the World Health Organization (WHO)-Europe. Through this active involvement, the SGL contributes to the revision, modernisation and harmonisation of legislation and the formulation of policies / strategies related to its competences, not only at national level, but also at European level. Its constant contribution to the revision of the legislation on food, water and consumer’s products, as well as the legislation on Drugs and Psychotropic Substances for the integration of new synthetic drugs, has been significant.
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 9 VISION AND MISSION The vision of the SGL is to substantially contribute to the improvement of quality of life by providing reliable and high- quality services through the organisation’s continuous development and excellence. Based on this vision, the SGL has been continuously widening its mission to include the provision of high-quality services and independent opinions to the Authorities and the citizens, through innovative administration procedures and technology. The SGL’s motto, “Excellence – The foundation to a better quality of life”, has been guiding the organisation, based on its vision and mission, towards the following strategic objectives: 1. To safeguard public health and the environment, citizen’s safety and consumers’ rights, mainly through prevention. 2. To facilitate fair trade and enhance competitiveness. 3. To respond promptly and reliably to new obligations, emerging problems and crisis incidents. 4. To promote applied research to prevent or solve emerging / existing problems. 5. To contribute to the legislative process and policy making. 6. To strengthen networking and enhance expertise. 7. To scientifically support the judicial and police authorities. To fulfill its mission, the SGL operates at many levels: y It ensures quality, reliability and accountability through its accreditation by EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and by embedding the value of quality at all levels of the organisation, while implementing the model of the Common Assessment Framework Programme (CAF) with benchmarking towards excellence. y It promotes new approaches at managerial and technical level, and at the elaboration of its services, while keeping abreast of European and international developments and requirements. y It collaborates with all public sectors and respective EU Organisations and Committees. y It continuously develops and implements: – new preventive and targeted national control programmes, – a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, which reflects upon the design of monitoring, surveillance, control and research programmes with added value and synergistic efficacy, and – risk assessment for food/ water and environmental safety (chemical, microbiological, biological). y It enhances productivity by implementing modern technologies and multi-residual analytical methods by fully utilising the human resources, equipment and available financial resources. y It attracts young scientists with high academic qualifications through the implementation of applied research projects while utilising local and EU funds to solve existing problems and prevent emerging risks. y It strengthens international networking and collaboration with universities, European research centres and relevant bodies to promote the exchange of scientists, joint research projects, technology transfer and other common actions towards development. y It contributes to academic activities by investing in capacity building of post-graduate students who undertake research projects at the SGL in collaboration with European and Cyprus universities. y It invests on staff training and expertise. y It disseminates information and knowledge through educational programmes to the relevant stakeholders and to the public at large. y It provides expertise and advice and it works as a technical consultant/ advisor for public authorities or as a third member. y It facilitates the execution of a wide range of laboratory tests as well as the solution to complex scientific and technical issues, through its modern laboratory equipment and its well-trained staff.
10 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The SGL’s wide range of analytical work is covered by 19 laboratories, which are being supported by the following five Units as shown in the 2022 Organisational Chart below: 1. Cooperation with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Risk Assessment Unit 2. Quality Assurance Unit 3. Research and Funded Projects Unit 4. European/International Issues, International Cooperation & Communication Unit 5. Information Technology Unit The following services assist the SGL in its dayto-day operation and implementation of its work: Registry, Stores, Library, Secretariat, Accounts and Electromechanical Services. MINISTRY OF HEALTH STATE GENERAL LABORATORY DIRECTOR Senior Chemist CHIEF CHEMIST* Senior Chemist Senior Chemist Senior Chemist Food Composition & Food Quality Nutritional Value Lab. 01 Toxic Chemicals in Materials & Human Biomonitoring Lab. 11 Food & Environmental Radioactivity Lab. 09 Food Additives & Special Analyses of Food Lab. 13 Pharmaceuticals Lab. 04 Pesticide Residues & POPs Lab. 08 Cosmetics & Food Supplements Lab. 19 Veterinary Drug Residues Lab. 05 Food Contact Materials and Safety of Toys Lab. 12 Environmental & Other Food Contamination & Natural Toxins Lab. 14 CHIEF CHEMIST* CHIEF CHEMIST* Senior Chemist Senior Chemist
ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΕΚΘΕΣΗ 2022 | 11 Registry / Treasury Research Unit / Funded Projects EFSA Focal Point Reception Library Hourly Paid Personnel Laboratory of Electromechanical Services (EMS) Senior Chemist Senior Chemist Senior Chemist Water and Drug Microbiology Lab. 15 Food Microbiology Lab. 16 Ecotoxicology Lab. 07 General WaterAnalyses | Lab. 02 Environmental Water Contamination Lab. 06 Water & Drug Microbiology Lab. 10 Food Molecular Biology & Technology Lab. 21 Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology Lab. 03 Food / Drinks Authenticity (NMR) Lab. 20 Information Technology Unit IT EFSA Tenders Department Stores Risk Assessment Unit Quality Assurance Unit QA European / International Issues /Communication / Website Preparation Unit/ Sterility Lab Senior Chemist Senior Chemist Senior Chemist *Pending Placement
12 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY RESEARCH APPLIED RESEARCH Applied research is an important pillar of the continuous scientific and technological development of the SGL. Research carried out contributes towards problem solving and prevention as well as supporting policy decisions and legislation, while boosting socioeconomic growth. The main areas of research cover especially food and water safety and quality, food authenticity and geographical origin, environment and health, consumer products as well as narcotics. During 2022, the SGL utilised € 572.744 from national and EU funds for research programmes. The results of the above research activities have been presented in international conferences and published in international, well-established, scientific journals and magazines, as well as on the SGL’s website and in the local media, for keeping updated both the scientific community and the public at large. In 2022, the SGL participated in the following research projects/studies: EUROPEAN RESEARCH PROGRAMMES y Implementation of the Component: “Enhancing the existing isotopic databases of Cypriot local traditional food/drinks by developing a blockchain platform, to ensure their identity-IsoDataBase”, funded by Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021-2026). y Research programme “EFSA Multi-Annual Focal Point Grant Agreement” (2015-2022). y Seven research programmes funded by EU [Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF), LIFE]. 1. “European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU)” (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/). (2017-2022). The aim of the project is to provide scientific support for the safe management of chemical substances and the protection of human health by using biomonitoring studies to understand the exposure of humans to chemicals and the resulting health effects. The results are used in policy making, in the assessment of existing measures and in the design of new policies. 2. European study “HBM4EU-mom” (2020-2022), coordinated at European level by SGL, which aims to prevent prenatal exposure to mercury, through simple dietary recommendations for healthy fish consumption during pregnancy. Specifically, 650 European pregnant women in Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Iceland are recruited in this research through their health care providers. The recruited participants provide hair samples to measure their exposure to mercury and personal HUMAN RESOURCES During 2022, the SGL’s personnel consisted of 170 persons in total. y 54 Chemists/Microbiologists/Biologists and three clerks/secretarial staff in permanent positions, as well as 23 persons as support staff. y 50 Chemists/Microbiologists/Biologists, one Laboratory Technician, one IT Officer and seven clerks were employed on a temporary base. y 23 Chemists, four Microbiologists/Biologists, three service providers and one clerk were employed on contract for the completion of research projects (including transition facility programme). It is worth noting that out of the 106 scientists, 84 (79%) held at least one postgraduate degree (MSc) and several of them had a Ph.D. degree (see Chart 1). 60% 19% 21% Postgraduate (MSc) University Degree Doctorate (Ph.D) Chart 1: Distribution of SGL’s scientific staff according to academic qualifications – 2022
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 13 information about their diet and lifestyle, which will be correlated with their analytical results. The research was completed in 2022 and is expected to support policy decisions and provide tools to health professionals and women, in order to receive the nutritional benefits of fish during pregnancy and lactation, while minimizing exposure to mercury. 3. “EuroBiotox” – European programme for the establishment of validated procedures for the detection and identification of biological toxins (2017-2022). 4. “Carobs, the black gold of Cyprus – When science meets the industry” (2019-2022). The Project is characterised by strong interdisciplinary synergy between its scientific, industrial and commercial works and aims to play an important role in the development and restoration of the carob industry in Cyprus towards a new, modern form. The basic chemical, biochemical and biological properties of the Cyprus carobs will be highlighted through a broad scientific investigation which can be, on the one hand, the basis for the production of new products and on the other the discovery of important factors that will determine the productivity of the Cyprus carob trees. 5. “Life with Vultures” (LIFE) (2019-2023). The Project supports the overall effort to rescue the vulture (considered a “natural cleaner” of the countryside) and at the same time reduce the illegal use of poison bait in the Cypriot countryside, which has an impact on public health. 6. “DiTECT – Digital TECnologies as an enabler for a conTinuous transformation of food safety system” (2020-2023). DiTECT will develop an integrated framework for real- time detection, assessment and migration of biological, chemical and environmental contaminants throughout the food supply chain (food groups: corn, foods for young children, poultry, beef, milk and fish). Bringing together research, industrial and food authority partners representing the agro-food industry in the EU and China, DiTECT aspires to establish the foundation for future food safety monitoring platforms, through the development of a standards-based, modular, Big Data-enabled platform, capable of accurately predicting food safety parameters of a given food product based on data collected in real-time via cost-efficient sensors, at crop, grain storage, livestock and, finally, in the food supply, incorporating blockchain processes. DiTECT research programme is funded by the EU under Horizon 2020. 7. “PARC – Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals” (2022-2029). PARC is an EUwide research and innovation partnership programme to support EU and national chemical risk assessment and risk management bodies with new data, knowledge, methods, networks and skills to address current, emerging and novel chemical safety challenges. PARC will facilitate the transition to next generation risk assessment to better protect human health and the environment, in line with the Green Deal’s zero-pollution ambition for a toxic free environment and will be an enabler for the future EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. The Partnership brings together Ministries and national public health and risk assessments agencies, as well as research organisations and academia from almost all of EU Member States. https://www.eu-parc.eu / PARC Kick-off meeting 11/5/2022
14 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAMMES y Twelve pilot research programmes funded by the Ministry of Health. 1. Extension of Cyprus food composition tables. 2. Quality control of pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use. 3. Official control of cosmetics and food supplements 4. Control of antibiotic residues in piglets. 5. Determination of gross alpha and gross beta activity using liquid scintillation counting. 6. Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental samples. 7. Specific migration of substances from materials in contact with food and/or children’s toys 8. 8.Method development for the determination of the growth inhibition of unicellular green algae by substances and mixtures contained in water using the Algae Laboratory Analyser Instrument using fluorescence. 9. Microbiological control of Cyprus sea water during the 2022 swimming period. 10. Development of methods for determining substances likely to migrate from paper/cardboard packaging and food contact items. 11. Monitoring and surveillance of the levels of opium alkaloids in poppy seeds and bakery products using the LC-MS/MS technique. 12. Monitoring and surveillance of the levels of furans and alkylfurans in food using the GC-MSHeadspace technique. y Continued its participation in the ongoing project: “Monitoring of the enrichment of Ezousa ground water” along with other competent Authorities. DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND STRATEGY In the context of the Administrative Reform of the Public Sector, the SGL modified its strategic plan and connected it with its activities for implementation. At the same time, it has revised its performance indicators, which have now been linked to the more effective monitoring of budget implementation, in connection with its strategic planning. The development policy and strategy of the SGL is based on its vision and mission and it sets the organisation’s priorities, which aim towards: y its contribution, through its scientific work, to the economic and social development of the country, y its significant contribution, as a consultant of the State, in responding promptly and in a reliable manner to crises and problems that cover areas under its remit, having an active, scientifically robust and meaningful role in the implementation of the National Strategy, y its sustainability, as a high quality and state-of-the-art centre of integrated services, expertise and applied research whose scientific contribution can be classified among the best in Europe, and y its development as a Centre of Excellence and Regional Reference Centre in the areas of its competence (food quality and safety, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, environmental protection and crime investigation), COOPERATION NATIONAL COOPERATION In order to achieve its objectives, the SGL cooperates at national level with almost all ministries and competent authorities, municipalities, governmental and other organisations, universities and institutions and offers paid services to individuals. EUROPEAN/INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION The SGL expands its European and international cooperation so as to improve even further its scientific progress, to enhance capacity building and exploit sources of external funding. Through this cooperation, there is an exchange of knowledge and experience with other EU Member States and countries. At the
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 15 same time, the SGL has the opportunity to demonstrate the activities and skills of a small Member State and its adaptability to cope with new requirements and challenges. The SGL actively participates in the following European Bodies/networks/meetings/programmes/studies: y European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Advisory Forum (AF) – Focal Point (FP) https://cutt.ly/qpBudYg – Communication Experts Network (CEN) – Scientific Networks: Chemical Monitoring Data Collection (ChemMon), Food Consumption and Exposure Data, Emerging Risks Exchange Network (EMRISK), Food Contact Materials, Microbiological Risk Assessment, Risk Assessment of GMOs (Food and Feed), and Risk Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Food and Feed y Expert Working Group on Analytical Methods of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). y European Reference Laboratories (EURL-NRL) meetings. y Collaborative studies on standardisation of methods (ISO) under the coordination of the competent EURLs. y Working Group for a guidance document on NRL involvement in the investigation of staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks and for the validation of a front-line real-time PCR method for the characterisation of Listeria monocytogenes. y “Ring Tests” of the European Customs Laboratories CLEN for the harmonisation, integration and the publication of official CLEN methods. y EU comitology expert groups and standing committees. y European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) for drugs, arson, gunshot residues and explosives. y Network of Official Medicines Control Laboratories of the Council of Europe (EDQM-OMCL) in cooperation with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other subcommittees of the Network. y Committee for Cosmetics and Consumer Health (CD-P-COS) and Committee of Experts on Cosmetic products (P-SC-COS) of the Council of Europe. y Committee for Food Contact Materials and Articles (CD-P-MCA) of the Council of Europe. y Customs Programme: – EU Customs Laboratories European Network (CLEN) for harmonisation and joint actions, and Working Groups of the Program (Actions 1 to 6). – EU Customs Laboratories Working Groups dealing with new psychoactive substances. Furthermore, in 2022, the SGL: y Continued participation in the following: – The evaluation of EU research proposals for funding and in the Programming Committee of the “Horizon Europe” (in areas of its competence) for research, etc. – The Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Health for the development of a strategy for research, and the approval of applications for applied research within the various departments of the Ministry. – The integration, enrichment and extension of the “European Bank for the Isotopic Characteristics of Wines” (as scientific coordinator of Cyprus and Greece), coordinated by the EU’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in implementation of Regulation (EC) 555/2008. – The Working Groups of the Council of the EU for the formation/modification of the European legislation. – The Management Board of the European Joint Research Programme on Human Biomonitoring (HBM4EU), representing the Ministry of Health and being the Cyprus scientific coordinator of the project. It also represents HBM4EU in European and international forums on mercury issues. In terms of International cooperation, the SGL continued participation in the following: y The Codex Alimentarius, the FAO and the WHO discussions in areas of its competence. y The work of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), mainly for the adoption of common legislation in the field of wines and wine products. y The WHO “Environment and Health Process”, as the National Contact Point of the Ministry of Health, as well as the National Focal Point (health sector) on the “European Environment and Health Task Force
16 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY (EHTF)”–WHO Europe for the implementation of the Ostrava Declaration on tackling environmental health impacts. y The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) working groups. y The International Network of Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA). y The evaluation of research papers (reviews) for their approval for publication in international reputable journals or books. y International conferences with presentations of scientific papers and posters. RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY The efficiency and reliability of a dynamically evolving institution are fundamental conditions for its stability and growth. As a result of long-lasting efforts, the SGL has been able to simultaneously apply two quality management systems in order to guarantee a more integrated approach: y International standard EN ISO / IEC 17025:2017: Since 2002 the SGL has been accredited according to this standard by the Greek Accreditation Body (ESYD), and since 2015 it has been accredited by the National Accreditation Body (“The Cyprus Organisation for the Promotion of Quality (CYS-CYSAB)”), within the context of Regulation (EC) No. 765/2008, and y Common Assessment Framework (CAF): SGL was one of the first services in Cyprus that started in 2005 the implementation of CAF, a system through which an organisation carries out self-evaluation and sets benchmarks for its performance. To achieve the efficiency and reliability objectives set, the SGL has focused on the following: y Quality Assurance – Accreditation System. y Implementation of Quality Management System. y Implementation of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF). y Development and implementation of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) which covers environmental factors. OBJECTIVES FULFILLED IN 2022 y Expansion of the control, monitoring and surveillance plans. Implementation of the monitoring/ surveillance/control programmes (in all 62) covering a total of 28.776 analysed samples and 667.513 parameters in 2022 (compared to 2021 where 28.475 samples were analysed with 587.634 parameters tested). The SGL continues to apply multi-residual methods to determine 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. y Infrastructure development and advancement of laboratory equipment. A total of €600.000 from national funds was spent in purchasing state-of-the-art equipment. y Active contribution to dietary risk assessment at national and European level by processing and evaluating the actual food consumption data of Cypriots, using its own upgraded deterministic model “ImproRisk”. y Further development of the Information Technology (IT) Unit’s capacity and ability to: – technically respond to EFSA’s requirements for data transmissions, – enhance the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS-Labvantage) in order to improve the quality of the data, and – contribute to the Cyprus “OPEN DATA” platform. y Effective contribution and support for the national policy/strategy in areas of its competence, among others, through its participation in relevant national Councils, including the “Food Safety Council” and the “Cyprus National Addiction Authority”, in national Committees and in Technical Committees & Working Groups. y Communication/Dissemination of knowledge and information via specific publications, website update, interviews to the media, lectures and presentations in workshops and meetings (a number of them online).
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 17 ACHIEVEMENTS – AWARDS ACHIEVEMENTS-IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES During 2022 the SGL achieved the following: 1. Great effectiveness, in cooperation with the respective competent authorities, in detecting non-compliant: – Foods: preventing their entry from third countries and EU Member States into the Cyprus and EU market (e.g. aflatoxins in nuts) by using appropriate preventive and effective control programmes at critical control points (e.g. imports check points), and – Other consumer products: identifying and withdrawing inappropriate consumer products from the Cyprus market (e.g. toys) and communicating the relevant information to the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products (RAPEX). 2. Extension of the scope of its accreditation as regards international standard EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 to new methods, new substrates and new parameters. Some of these methods/techniques are accredited with a flexible scope. 3. Expansion of the official controls to cover new parameters, products and categories such as: Foodstuffs’ area: – Pesticide residues laboratory, accredited under flexible scope, expanded its analytical scope to new combinations food/pesticides. – Microbiological safety of milk powder and “home-made” cereal bars from cafeterias. – Determination of the quantity of water in frozen chickens (investigate possible adulteration). – Authenticity control of fish expanded to squid, octopus and hake. – New standard methods were applied for the detection of genetically modified organisms. – Adulteration control of coffee, flour and spices. Consumer/Industrial Products Safety – Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs and SCCPs) in consumer products made out of soft plastic. – Accreditation of two new methods for determination of heavy metals in food supplements and cosmetics. – Extension of the scope of accreditation, as regards preservatives in cosmetics, with the introduction of two new parameters (salicylic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) and a new substrate (cream). Environmental Safety – Ecotoxicology: New method for the determination of the quantity of chlorophyll α (indicator for monitoring of ecological situation of waters) in dams and natural lakes. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 % samples above maximum limits 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2010 2012 2007 2008 2009 All critical points Market 2021 2022 Chart 2: Aflatoxins’ control of nuts (2007-2022)
18 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY – Accreditation of method for determination of the following pesticides: Atrazine, Simazine, Chlorfenviphos, Diuron, Isoproturon, Imazalil, Prochloraz, Tebuconazole, Penconazole, Dimoxystrobin, Metaflumizone in marine water. Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology – Detection of nine new psychoactive substances that were reported for the first time in Cyprus. – Methods development for explosives (LC/MS/MS) and methamphetamine (Benchtop NMR). 4. Prompt and effective response to food, environmental and other crises/incidents that occurred in 2022, in cooperation with the respective competent authorities, such as: – Analysis of different batches of imported chocolate products from EU (chocolate eggs, etc.) for salmonella (RASFF notification). – Contribution to the proper operation of water refineries by identifying samples of drinking water in which the concentration of manganese was higher than the legal limit. – Investigation and testing of samples of drinking water in order to find the cause of the presence of yellowish colour due to high concentration of iron (over the maximum permitted level). – Contribution to the investigation for the presence of suspended particles and soil in water from the Waterboard’s network. – Contribution to the decision making of the relevant authority regarding the suitability of new groundwater boreholes and their use as drinking water. – Monitoring of the Dekeleia refiners water quality (Langelier Saturation Index) following problems caused to the tubings and solar systems for water heating. – Scientific support to the Police as regards the management of serious and major cases involving drugs. 5. The effective expansion of ammunition controls by the accreditation National Guard Laboratory, which has been set up and scientifically supported by the SGL since 2014, resulted to the completion of over 3977 sample controls of smokeless powder from 2014 to 2022. 6. Continuous contribution to tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), by carrying out intensive controls on products of animal origin for the detection of veterinary drug residues, including antibiotic residues. 7. Completed successfully its participation in the research project “Black Gold: When Science meets the Industry” (2019-2022), funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation and coordinated by the University of Cyprus with the collaboration of other bodies, to highlight the special properties of the Cypriot carobs that can be used in its production and processing, for the benefit of producers and consumers. Tο this end, it contributes to the standardisation of traditional carob products (e.g. carob syrup) as well as new products (e.g. alcoholic beverages and carob liqueur) through the study of their physical, chemical, isotopic and organoleptic characteristics, and the gathering of evidence proving the link with their geographical origin. 8. Implementation of the Component: “Enhancing the existing isotopic databases of Cypriot local traditional food/drinks, by developing a blockchain platform, to ensure their identity-IsoDataBase”, funded by Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021-2026). 9. Continuous contribution, through the systematic microbiological monitoring of marine waters, towards the classification of Cyprus’ waters among the cleanest bathing waters in the EU in recent years, within the framework of Directive 2006/7/ΕΚ and the “Blue Flag” EU programme. Especially in 2022, Cyprus was first in the European rankings among 30 other countries. 10. Expansion of the “Isotopic Mapping of Cyprus Food and Drinks” to create databases, in order to certify their authenticity, which contributes to their registration and promotion and facilitates the control of local and imported products in the Cyprus market. Scatter Plot for 76 carob syrups from Cyprus, based on their isotopic imprint and their composition Authentic Standardised Commercial
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 19 AWARDS In November 2022, a certificate of excellent performance was awarded to the SGL because the laboratory was among the top-three laboratories with the lowest average z-score in the proficiency test: “Vegetablebased food for Al, As, Cd, Pb and nitrate”, organised by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Metals and Nitrogenous Compounds in Feed and Food (EURL-MN- https://www.eurl-mn.eu/about). FUTURE GOALS The SGL, in view of the continuous scientific challenges, new requirements of the EU legislation, various emerging issues and possible food/environmental crises/incidences, seeks to substantially respond to these challenges, having as a driving force for the accomplishment of these targets its highly professional and dedicated staff. Based on the above, the following future goals have been set by the SGL: 1. Response to increasing monitoring and control requirements in areas of its competence and continuous improvement of its services. 2. Continuous development of its human resources and completion of its reorganisation and consolidation of its scientific excellence with permanent scientific staff. 3. Continuous provision of timely, reliable, scientifically-based information to the competent authorities, the media, various stakeholders and the public at large. 4. Expansion and support of the following: – Targeted educational programmes for all stakeholders, including the private sector, with the aim of protecting public health through prevention and improving the socioeconomic development of the country. – Networking with European centres of excellence and research institutes and organisations, with the aim of enhancing its scientific role at the EU level. – Establishment of the SGL as a Centre of expertise and excellence at a national, regional and European level. 5. Further strengthening of the following: – Coordination and collaboration between competent authorities for more efficient and effective official controls. – Food Safety Council’s (FSC) activities, especially via the continuous improvement of its “ImproRisk” deterministic model for the food risk assessment of the population at individual level, as well as with the required risk assessment studies and better exploitation of the results of official controls. – Cyprus National Addictions Authority activities. – Applied research mostly through utilisation of EU funds 6. Close collaboration with academic centres for research projects, aiming to the socioeconomic development of Cyprus and attracting new high qualified scientists. 7. Strengthening of the close cooperation with relevant competent authorities for the construction of the SGL’s new building, which will reflect its high scientific level as a centre of expertise and excellence at national, regional and European level. 8. Utilisation of the new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). 9. Continuous improvement of its credibility, transparency and responsiveness to crises aiming at preserving the confidence that every Cypriot and European citizen has towards the SGL.
20 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY MAIN AREAS OF ACTIVITY The wide range of the SGL responsibilities and competences is covered by the following four wide areas: Foodstuffs, Environment, Consumer Products and Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology.
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 21
22 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 23 FOODSTUFFS “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” —Hippocrates Ensuring safe, healthy and quality food is a very important component of protecting public health. The SGL carries out regular official controls and surveillance on foodstuffs, covering all parts of the food production chain, “from the field or farm to consumer’s table”. To this purpose, it carries out various national control programmes in cooperation with the competent authorities. Controls are of preventive nature and focus mainly on basic foods that are consumed frequently or may raise a specific problem, and on foodstuffs expected to be consumed by vulnerable groups of the population such as children and pregnant women. The SGL goes one step further beyond the analysis. It evaluates the degree of exposure to toxic substances and to related risks, therefore providing scientifically sound advice to competent authorities for risk management through appropriate measures. The SGL has been designated as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for a large area of food analyses and applies an Integrated Multiannual National Control Plan consisting of individual programmes for surveillance, monitoring and control, as well as applied research, focusing on: y The prevention, investigation and problem-solving throughout the food chain for long-term food safety. y The effective implementation of the EU legislation. y The food risk assessment, the establishment of nutritional data, as well as food composition data, in order to achieve stable supply of safe and wholesome food and healthy choices to consumers. y The provision of valid information to consumers, based on scientific data, to form the correct nutritional/ eating habits. y The analysis and characterisation of traditional or local food, standardisation and authenticity control. The effectiveness of the 32 national control-monitoring-surveillance programmes on foodstuffs (chemical, microbiological, biological, radiological and physical safety) during 2022, managed to prevent the trade of non-compliant food, both on the national and the EU market, and to provide useful information for the compilation of future control programmes. There are 16 specialised food laboratories in total, which support and guarantee the extensive analytical control of the highest standards. Surveillance and control are carried out based on annual and multiannual programmes in the areas of quality/authenticity and safety of foodstuffs:
24 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY QUALITY/ AUTHENTICITY OF FOODSTUFFS Nutritional value, composition, adulteration and authenticity of foodstuffs: y Nutritional value and composition of foodstuffs (moisture, proteins, fat, carbohydrates, salt, total dietary fiber, fatty acids, cholesterol, ω3-ω6 fatty acids, etc.) y Milk and dairy products (moisture, fat, proteins, ash, salt). y Determination of milk identity (cow’s, sheep’s, goat’s) on dairy products, including cheeses bearing the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label. y Honey (sugars: fructose/glucose/sucrose, hydroxy-methyl-furfural, diastase activity, electrical conductivity, iso-glucose). y Olive and vegetable oils (acidity, peroxide number, UV absorbance, ECN42, fatty acid profile, chlorophyll). y Detection of animal DNA (detection of cow, pork, chicken, horse DNA in meat products) y Fish products (histamine, total volatile base nitrogen) y Authenticity and geographical origin of foodstuffs [e.g. alcoholic beverages, wines, honey, fruit juices, vinegar, carob and carob-based products (use of spectroscopic and isotopic techniques: SNIFNMR, IR-MS, ICP, FTIR- NIR, and chemometrics) and fish (tuna and salmon) in terms of genus or species (use of molecular methods)] y Cyprus Food Composition Tables (macro & micro components: moisture, proteins, fat, carbohydrates, salt, total dietary fiber, fatty acids, cholesterol, ω3-ω6 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.). y Food Customs control and other samples SAFETY OF FOODSTUFFS Food additives and food flavourings: Preservatives (sulphur dioxide, benzoic/sorbic acid, propionic acid, nitrates/nitrites), natural and water soluble synthetic colours (tartrazine, carmoisine, ponceau 4R, Allura Red AC, carmines, etc.), synthetic colours (Sudan I, II, III, IV, Para Red), sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, steviol glycosides, sucralose), antioxidants (BHA, BHT, tBHQ, Ascorbic acid), food flavourings (coumarin, caffeine). Methanol in spirits (e.g., gin, vodka, zivania, ouzo, whisky, rum). Pesticides residues: More than 400 pesticides (organophosphorous, organochlorines, carbamates, pyrethroides, amides, strobilurines, dinitroanilines, triazoles, benzimidazoles, neonocotinoides, phenylureas, benzoylureas, triazines, dithiocarbamates, and other pesticides) are analysed in food samples. 2022 0 500 1.000 1.500 2.000 2.500 3.000 3.500 4.000 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2010 2012 2007 2009 2008 Parameters Samples 2021 Chart 3: Identification of the authenticity of foodstuffs: Wine, spirits, honey and vinegar (2007-2022)
ANNUAL REPORT 2022 | 25 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 % non-compying samples 2021 2022 market and imported market Chart 5: Percentage of non-complying plant origin samples for pesticides residues over the years 2011-2022 Veterinary drug residues in meat and animal products (tetracyclines, sulphonamides, penicillins, cephalosporines, aminoglucosides, quinolones, chloramphenicol, nitrofurans, carbadox, olaquindox, dyes, nitroimidazoles, coccidiostats, anthelmintics, tranquillizers, zearanols, NSAIDs, β-agonists, hormones, anabolic substances, thyreostats, gestagens, corticosteroids, colistin). Environmental and other food contaminants: heavy metals, nitrates/nitrites/nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acrylamide, furan and alkylofurans, ethyl carbamate, etc., Natural toxins in foodstuffs: aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2 and total aflatoxins), aflatoxin M1, ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FB1, FB2 and total fumonisins), trichothecenes (ZON, DON, T-2 and HT-2), ergotamines, enniatines, citrinin, Alternaria toxins, etc., 21% 31,9% 6,5% Colours Preservatives: benzoic/sorbic/ propionic/ nitrites/ nitrates Sweeteners Methanol, Ethyl acetate, Aldehydes, Higher Alcohols 2.4% 17,2% Preservative: sulphur dioxide (SO2) 8,6% Ca eine 5% Milk identity of dairy products Antioxidants: BHA, BHT, tBHQ 4,2% 2,7% 0,5% Non permitted colours: Sudan I-IV and Para Red Coumarin Chart 4: Food Additives and Special analysis of foodstuff
26 | STATE GENERAL LABORATORY Plant toxins in foodstuffs: tropane alkaloids, pyrrolizidines alkaloids, opium alkaloids in certain foodstuffs, dioxins and PCBs. Radioactivity levels in foodstuffs (gamma radionuclides such as Cs-137, Cs-134, K-40 and Sr-90 in milk) and in feed supplements (Cs-137). Materials and products in contact with food and various substances, including endocrine disrupters (overall & specific migration of substances: polyadipates, cadmium, lead, aluminum, barium, cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, zinc, nickel, formaldehyde, phthalates, primary aromatic amines, melamine, styrene, bisphenol A, etc.) Genetically Modified Organisms (detection and quantification of GMOs in food and feed containing soya, maize, rice, honey, papaya, oilseed rape, flax, potato, wheat, sugar beet) Meat fraud (beef, pork, chicken-poultry, horse, turkey, goat, sheep) Fish fraud (detection of salmon, tuna and squid species, sardines) Milk products fraud (detection and quantification of cow, sheep and goat) Allergens (detection and quantification of milk, soya, egg, fish, crustacean, peanut, mustard, celery, hazelnut, almond, walnut, pistachio, gluten, sesame, lupin, mollusks and cashew) Microbiological quality of foodstuffs (Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., Cronobacter spp., coagulase-positive staphylococci, staphylococcal enterotoxins, Bacillus cereus, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Shiga toxin - producing E. coli, E. coli O157, Clostridium perfringens, aerobic and anaerobic colony count, yeasts and moulds). Food supplements [anabolic steroids, stimulants, vitamins, heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, As), PDE- 5 inhibitors (sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil), pharmaceutical substances for weight loss (sibutramine, synephrine, hydrochlorothiazide, caffeine, phenolphthalein, triamterene, 2,4-dinitrophenol), and other pharmaceutical substances as yohimbine and levodopa in food supplements). Novel Foods / Nutrition and health claims of foodstuffs (according to EU Regulations 2283/2015 and 1924/2006 respectively). Chart 6: Foodstuffs control for allergens (2010-2022) 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Complying samples Positive-non complying samples Samples >LOD <LOQ Positive-under monitoring samples 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 2021 2022
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