ARS | Publication request: Reference Materials for Food and Nutrition Metrology: Past, Present and Future

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings/Symposium
Publication Acceptance Date: June 20, 2008
Publication Date: September 8, 2008
Citation: Wolf, W.R. Reference Materials for Food and Nutrition Metrology: Past, Present and Future. International Conference on Food and Nutrition Metrology, Technical Committee 23 International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO), September 8-12, 2008, Budapest, Hungary.

Technical Abstract: Establishment of a metrology-based measurement system requires the solid foundation of traceability of measurements to available, appropriate certified reference materials (CRM). In the early 1970¿s the first ¿biological¿ RM of Bowens Kale, as well as Orchard Leaves and Bovine Liver SRMs, from the then National Bureau of Standards (NBS), USA (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)) were characterized solely for trace element content. Over the ensuing 30-plus years, with the evolution and growth of international concepts of metrology-based measurements, the area of food and nutrition measurements has seen a steady evolution of available RMs, and a much wider availability of analytes and food/nutrition-related matrix CRMs. From the perspective of being involved in this measurement area over this course of time, it is useful to briefly look at this past growth, assess where we are at the present, and look at future trends for reference material activities in the area of food and nutrition measurements.