Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) : annual report 2010.
Date: 2011-08-26
Institutions: Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements
Subjects: Joint Research Centre, activity report, food safety, metrology, nuclear physics

ANNUAL REPORT 2010

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Report EUR 24820 EN

© Vito2003

European Commission
Joint Research Centre
Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements

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is responsible for the use which might be made of this publication.

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It can be accessed through the Europa server http://europa.eu/.

EUR 24820 EN  
ISBN 978-92-79-20250-6 (print)
ISBN 978-92-79-20251-3 (pdf)
ISSN 1681-5084/1819-5593 (print)
ISSN 1977-186X/1831-9424 (pdf)
JRC64708
doi:10.2787/44884 (print)
doi:10.2787/45300 (pdf)

Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union

© European Union, 2011

Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.

Printed in Luxembourg

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IRMM
Confidence in measurements ®

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 Message from the Director 

02

About the institute 

03 Management team 

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Facts & figures 

Reference materials 

Special feature: New facility for developing and producing reference materials 

Nuclear physics 

Food safety and quality 

09 Metrology in Europe 

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Special feature: The institute’s 50th anniversary 

Annex: Selected publications in 2010 

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01 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

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The competitiveness of the European economy and the smooth functioning of international 
trade depend very much on reliable measurements, which eliminate the need to duplicate or 
dispute testing data. Accurate and reliable measurements also enhance our quality of life – 
delivering better healthcare, safer food and a cleaner environment.

Recent European Commission initiatives, such as the flagship initiatives on Innovation Union 
and the industrial policy for the globalisation era, further highlight the need to develop a 
strong European standardisation system. Metrology – or the science of measurements – is 
typically called upon to provide the scientific basis for measurements and for improvements 
in standardisation.

Indeed, there are many rapidly growing areas, such as nanotechnology, biotechnology and 
personalised medicine, which will require the solid support of measurement standards and 
measurement technology to bring products to the market. Innovation can not happen without 
state-of-the-art measurement tools. 

The JRC’s Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) is working hard to de-
velop measurement standards for new and challenging applications. We are also increasingly 
engaged in supporting policy makers on issues of measurement quality, so that EU policies 
are defined, implemented and assessed in an optimal manner.

The institute pursues its present-day mission with a rich scientific heritage. In 2010 we cel-
ebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the institute – formerly known as the 
Central Bureau for Nuclear Measurements. It was an honour for us that – shortly after taking 
up her duties in February 2010 – the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and 
Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, visited JRC-IRMM and conveyed her best wishes to the 
institute for this special year.

During 2010, several events were organised in the frame of the 50th anniversary, including an 
open day in October during which members of the public were able to enter the site and learn 
about our activities. We also had the honour of hosting two conferences in the second half of 
the year under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

In November, a new building for the development and production of reference materials was 
officially inaugurated. The inauguration ceremony was an important milestone in the develop-
ment of the institute, and I’d like to pay tribute to everyone who contributed their expertise 
and dedication to this project over the years. I am confident that the new facility will enable 
the institute to remain at the forefront of reference material development and production.

Following the inauguration of the new building, an international scientific conference took 
place. Over 130 external participants from 26 countries participated in the event, which 
mapped out the current and upcoming measurement and testing needs for which challeng-
ing demands on reference materials are envisaged. The conference covered a broad range of 
emerging scientific areas, including health control, microbiology, biotechnology, food safety, 
environmental monitoring, nuclear safeguards, nanotechnology and material science.

Another highlight in 2010 was the fact that four analytical methods for food analysis developed 
by JRC-IRMM were adopted as standards by the European Committee for Standardization 
(CEN). Developing and validating accepted analytical methods is one of JRC-IRMM’s central 
activities, and it is very gratifying when these methods are adopted at international level.

Overall, 2010 was an extremely busy and productive year for the institute. We achieved sig-
nificant year-on-year increases in terms of our additional income, the number of peer-review 
scientific publications and our visibility in the press and media. 

I’d like to thank my staff for their dedication, and I am confident that the institute will continue 
to make an invaluable contribution to measurement science in support of EU policies in the 
years to come.

Krzysztof Maruszewski
Director JRC-IRMM

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02 ABOUT THE INSTITUTE

The Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) is one of the seven institutes 
of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), a Directorate-General of the European Commission, provid-
ing independent scientific and technical support to Community policy-making. The JRC-IRMM 
was founded in 1957 under the Treaties of Rome and started operation in 1960 under the 
name of the Central Bureau for Nuclear Measurements (CBNM). Today, JRC-IRMM is one of 
the world’s leading reference material producers, expert adviser in food safety and quality 
and bioanalysis as well as a valued provider of reference measurement data. Its management 
system is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 and its scientific units 
hold several accreditations.

Mission and tasks

JRC-IRMM promotes a common and reliable European measurement system in support of EU 
policies. The primary task of JRC-IRMM is to build confidence in the comparability of measure-
ment results by the production and dissemination of internationally accepted quality assur-
ance tools. JRC-IRMM develops and validates testing methods, produces reference materials, 
organises measurement evaluation programmes and provides reference measurements.

JRC-IRMM participates in the activities of the international metrology organisations such as 
the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) and the association of Euro-
pean metrology institutes (EURAMET). In collaboration with the European Co-operation for 
Accreditation (EA), JRC-IRMM helps to improve the measurement capabilities of hundreds 
of laboratories in all Member States. JRC-IRMM staff also contribute actively to the work 
of standardisation bodies like the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) and the 
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The JRC-IRMM operates four European 
Union reference laboratories (EU-RLs), formerly called Community reference laboratories.

(left): New mass spec-
trometer for certification 
of reference materials 
and nuclear safeguards 
measurements.

(right): The GAINS spec-
trometer provides neu-
tron data for advanced 
reactor studies.

A new facility for devel-
oping reference materi-
als  was inaugurated on 
23 November 2010 by 
the Minister-President 
of the Belgian region of 
Flanders, Kris Peeters 
(centre-right), and the 
European Commission’s 
Director-General for 
Enterprise and Industry, 
Heinz Zourek (centre-
left).

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Core competencies

The core competencies of JRC-IRMM are the development, production and distribution of 
reference materials, the development and validation of methods for food and feed analysis, 
bioanalysis, isotopic measurements, neutron physics and radionuclide metrology. These 
competencies are applied in a variety of research fields: food and feed safety and quality, 
biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, food allergen research, environment, health, nano-
technology and nuclear safety and security. The scientific knowledge base of JRC-IRMM is 
acquired and maintained by both fundamental and applied research in the respective areas.

JRC-IRMM staff are members of numerous committees, working groups and scientific boards 
of international organisations. JRC-IRMM’s work in the field of metrology and standardisation 
is widely recognised. For instance, various technical committees of ISO use expert advice of 
JRC-IRMM on reference materials for their specific application fields, and JRC-IRMM experts 
participate actively in the work of AOAC International, Versailles Project on Advanced Materials 
and Standards (VAMAS), International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medi-
cine (IFCC), Codex Alimentarius, etc. Many testing methods validated by JRC-IRMM together 
with its collaborators have been approved as standards of CEN and ISO.

Inductively coupled 
plasma mass spectrom-
etry (ICP-MS) laboratory 
at JRC-IRMM.

Special infrastructure

The institute’s research facilities include multi-functional and adaptable laboratories for the 
development and production of reference materials, advanced analytical laboratories, a mass 
metrology laboratory and an ultra-clean chemical laboratory. The dedicated facilities for ref-
erence materials production are able to handle large amounts of various types of materials, 
even those hazardous for health. Controlled storage conditions for all materials are available. 

In 2010, work finished on the new building at JRC-IRMM for the development and production 
of reference materials. The new facility – which was officially inaugurated on 23 November 
2010 – comprises specialised laboratories and a versatile pilot-scale facility for material proc-
essing. The new facility will enable JRC-IRMM to remain at the forefront of reference material 
development and production.

The radionuclide metrology laboratory houses instrumentation for extremely accurate radio-
activity measurements and small amounts of radioactive substances can be studied in the 
underground laboratory of JRC-IRMM located at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN 
in Mol, Belgium. 

JRC-IRMM operates a 150 MeV linear electron accelerator (GELINA) and a 7 MV light-ion Van 
de Graaff accelerator. The two accelerators of JRC-IRMM, used to obtain neutron reaction data, 
are complementary in their experimental conditions and among the best such installations in 
the world. In a review of the JRC – chaired by Sir David King – the GELINA accelerator of JRC-
IRMM was cited as one of the “efficient facilities absolutely necessary for the European nuclear 
research programme”. The two accelerators can be used by scientists from other research 
organisations thanks to a project that facilitates access to large-scale facilities (EUFRAT).

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03

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Director
Krzysztof Maruszewski

Reference materials
Hendrik Emons

Neutron physics
Peter Rullhusen

Food safety and quality
Franz Ulberth

Isotope measurements
Philip Taylor

Management support
Doris Florian

Infrastructure and site  
management
Marc Wellens

Safety, Health,  
Environment & Security
Pierre Kockerols

(Situation December 2010)

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FACTS & FIGURES

Budget

The majority of JRC-IRMM funding comes from the EU Framework Programmes for Research 
and Technological Development, both of the European Community and the European Atomic 
Energy Community (EURATOM). This budget is supplemented with additional income, which 
is detailed below:

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Staff

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Contracts with other Directorates-General   
Work for third parties 

Co-funding in collaborative projects
Sales of reference materials

Officials 
Fixed-term 

PhDs and post docs 
Seconded national experts

Trainees 

Publications

A large part of the research done at JRC-IRMM is reported in scientific publications in refereed 
scientific journals and conference proceedings. Additionally, valuable information can be found 
in the Scientific and Technical Research series which are accessible online 1 . A bibliographic 
list of selected scientific and technical articles and reports is given at the end of this report.

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Monographs and articles 
Contributions in conference proceedings 

JRC scientific and technical reports
PhD theses

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Since March 2009, the JRC’s Scientific and Technical Reports can be downloaded online at http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.
eu/repository.

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REFERENCE MATERIALS

5.1 

Introduction

The reliability and comparability of analytical testing data depend on adequate quality assur-
ance tools, particularly certified reference materials. These materials are needed for develop-
ing, calibrating and validating methods of analysis. Today, certified reference materials are 
often indispensable to fulfil the requirements of standards for the accreditation of testing and 
calibration laboratories. 

During 2010, JRC-IRMM released 24 new reference materials in areas such as food safety and 
quality (including GMOs), environmental monitoring, engineered materials and clinical testing.
The institute continued to make important steps forward in the field of metrology at the nano-
scale. The Reference Materials Unit of JRC-IRMM achieved ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for the 
measurement of the size of nanoparticles by dynamic light scattering and centrifugal liquid 
sedimentation. The institute also contributed to an important ISO Technical Specification 
defining key terms in the field (ISO/TS 80004-1:2010).

On the 23 November 2010, a new scientific facility to develop and produce reference materials 
was inaugurated by the Flemish Minister-President, Kris Peeters, and the European Commis-
sion’s Director-General for Enterprise and Industry, Heinz Zourek (see next section).

Following the inauguration, the institute hosted an international scientific conference enti-
tled “The Future of Reference Materials – Science and Innovation”. The conference was held 
under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Over 130 
participants from 26 countries got together to discuss the upcoming measurement and testing 
challenges for which reference materials need to be developed. 

5.2  A world first for nanoparticle size measurements

In 2010, JRC-IRMM released the world’s first certified nanoparticle reference material based 
on industry-sourced nanoparticles. This new material will help ensure the comparability of 
particle-size measurements worldwide, thereby facilitating trade and ensuring compliance 
with legislation. 

Nanotechnology offers a range of benefits over traditional materials and enables the devel-
opment of innovative applications and products. However, there are often concerns about 
safety aspects and to what extent these have been investigated. High-quality measurements 
are the basis for reliable safety assessments, process improvement, quality control and the 
development of new nanotechnology applications. 

05

The Director of JRC-
IRMM, Krzysztof 
Maruszewski, welcomes 
the participants of the 
international conference: 
“The Future of Refer-
ence Materials – Science 
and Innovation”, 23 
November 2010, which 
was organised under the 
auspices of the Belgian 
Presidency of the Council 
of the European Union.

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Until now, no certified benchmarks incorporating industrial nanoparticles were available. Some 
synthetic materials were available, but they were not fully representative of real test samples. 
For this reason, JRC-IRMM developed the world’s first certified reference material based on 
industry-sourced nanoparticles. The material (ERM®-FD100) consists of silica nanoparticles 
of a nominal diameter of 20 nanometres. 

This material provides a basis to check that nanomaterials conform to the internationally 
accepted definition of a nanomaterial 1. It will enable producers of nanoparticles to moni-
tor production quality over time against a stable reference point, and to assess the impact 
of process improvements. Furthermore, the certified reference material will contribute to 
establishing market confidence by confirming that nanomaterial products meet customers’ 
technical requirements. 

The release of this certified reference material concludes several years of product develop-
ment, in which the homogeneity and stability of the material were assessed. Particle size was 
measured in collaboration with 33 laboratories from 11 different countries in Europe, America 
and Asia. Particle size was measured by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, centrifu-
gal liquid sedimentation and small-angle x-ray scattering, and certified values were assigned 
individually for each measurement method.

A) JRC-IRMM produced 
the world’s first certi-
fied reference material 
for nanoparticle size 
measurements based on 
industry-sourced nano-
particles.

B) In 2010, JRC-IRMM 
examined the feasibility 
of preparing biodiesel 
reference materials.

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A)A)

B)

5.3 Towards international measurement standards for biofuels

There is an increasing demand to accurately measure the quality of biofuel products (biodiesel 
and bioethanol), particularly in view of the European directives promoting renewable energies 2
and setting out fuel quality requirements 3 .

Until now, however, there is no international consensus on the technical specifications of 
biofuels, nor is it fully clear what measurement standards and quality control tools in the form 
of reference materials are needed to meet legislative requirements.

In 2010, an international project on biofuel reference materials involving JRC-IRMM reported its 
final results. The project demonstrated that it is feasible to prepare biodiesel and bioethanol 
reference materials with reference values traceable to the international system (SI) of units 
for a range of parameters. However, further research is needed for several parameters such 
as for glycerides in biodiesel and acidity in bioethanol.

The project also carried out inter-laboratory comparisons using biodiesel and bioethanol test 
materials prepared within the project. The exercise showed that the measurement capabilities 
of the field laboratories were often good in the case of biodiesel, although the availability 
and use of certified reference materials will certainly enhance the comparability of measure-
ment results for many parameters. For bioethanol, the consensus values for density, ethanol 
and water were in very good agreement with the reference values. However, several other 

1 

2 

 Nanotechnologies - Terminology and definitions for nano-objects - Nanoparticle, nanofibre and nanoplate, International 
Organization for Standardization: ISO/TS 27687:2008, ISO, Geneva (2008)

Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of energy 
from renewable sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives 2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC

3    Directive 2009/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 amending Directive 98/70/EC as 

regards the specification of petrol, diesel and gas-oil and introducing a mechanism to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions and amending Council Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the specification of fuel used by inland waterway vessels 
and repealing Directive 93/12/EEC 

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parameters, such as electrolytic conductivity and acidity, exhibited poor measurement re-
producibility. Overall, there is a pressing need for (certified) reference materials to improve 
measurement reproducibility.

In this project 4, JRC-IRMM participated together with five other organisations: the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA), the National Institute of Metrology, Stand-
ardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO, Brazil), the Dutch National Metrology Institute 
(VSL, the Netherlands), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL, UK) and LGC Ltd (UK). The final 
summary report of the project is available online 5.

5.4  Detecting the presence of GMO foodstuffs

more accurately

Legislation in the European Union calls for food and feed products containing more than 0.9 % 
of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be labelled accordingly . Most of the measure-
ment results for control purposes are expressed as mass fraction, whereas a subsequent 
recommendation stipulated that the copy number ratio should be used .

For this reason, existing certified reference materials (CRMs) for GMO analysis with a known 
mass fraction of GMO were further certified for their copy number ratios.

Three sets of CRMs – each consisting of a matrix CRM produced from seed powder and a 
calibrant of plasmid DNA – were certified for the maize events NK603 and 98140, and the 
soya event 356043. 

The three matrix materials (ERM®-BF415e, ERM®-BF425c and ERM®-BF427c) were certified for 
copy number ratio, as measured by a defined quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 
method, and calibrated with the corresponding plasmid DNA materials (ERM®-AD415, ERM®-
AD425 and ERM®-AD427). The certified values were obtained on the basis of a collaborative trial 
that involved extensive analysis of datasets obtained from specialised laboratories world-wide. 

The three plasmid DNA materials are certified for the number of DNA fragments per plasmid: 
one specific transgenic and one taxon-specific sequence. They are intended to be used for 
the calibration of the event-specific method for the quantification of the NK603, 98140 and 
356043 in food or feed samples.

Each matrix CRM (used for quality control) and corresponding plasmid DNA CRM (used for 
calibration) form – together with the event-specific PCR method – a reference system for the 
expression of the measured GM quantity in copy number ratios. 

JRC-IRMM has developed 
certified reference mate-
rials for measuring GM 
quantity in terms of copy 
number ratios.

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4 

BIOREMA (Reference materials for biofuel specifications) was funded under the Seventh Framework Programme of the Euro-
pean Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013), project number 219081.

5 

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/renewables/biofuels/doc/liquid_biofuels/publishable_summary.pdf 

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5.5  Quality control materials for environmental monitoring

A safe and healthy environment is the common goal of several Community directives and 
regulations, and to this end, water, air and soil have to be regularly monitored and assessed. 
In 2010, JRC-IRMM released eight new certified reference materials (CRMs) for the accurate 
measurement of inorganic and organic pollutants in various environmental matrices. These 
materials are primarily intended for the performance assessment and validation of analytical 
measurement methods in support of environmental legislation.

JRC-IRMM produced three new water-based CRMs (ERM®-CA616, ERM®-CA408 and ERM®-CA615), 
intended as quality control tools for laboratories carrying out measurements required under 
the Water Framework Directive 6. This legislation sets out a long-term perspective for the 
management and protection of EU inland and coastal waters, including mandatory monitoring 
of the so-called priority substances comprising a wide range of compounds and elements. 
ERM®-CA615 is a groundwater material, certified for the mass concentrations of a range of 
trace metals. The mass concentrations of four metals were chosen to reach specific Euro-
pean environmental quality standards 7. ERM®-CA616 and ERM®-CA408 are groundwater and 
simulated rainwater materials, respectively, certified for the mass concentrations of the main 
components and for pH and conductivity. Consequently, these materials carry certified values 
for some cations (ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium) and anions (chloride, 
fluoride, nitrate, ortho-phosphate, sulfate).

Two new CRMs were developed to match the testing requirements of European air quality 
legislation 8, in particular, the type of matrix (including the particle size) and the type and 
content of the certified analytes. ERM®-CZ100 and ERM®-CZ120 were produced from fine dust 
that was processed in such a way as to resemble particulate matter with an aerodynamic 
diameter below 10 microns (so-called PM10) as closely as possible. ERM®-CZ100 is certified 
for a range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ERM®-CZ120 is certified for four trace 
elements (arsenic, cadmium, nickel and lead).

A further three CRMs for environmental analysis were released in 2010. These materials were 
natural loam soil and rye grass certified for the mass fractions of a range of trace metals 
(ERM®-CC141 and ERM®-CD281, respectively) and fish oil certified for the mass fractions of 18 
chemicals related to polychlorobiphenyls (ERM®-BB350). 

A)A)

B)B)

5.6  Harmonising clinical measurements of cystatin C 

In 2010, JRC-IRMM released a reference material certified for cystatin C. Cystatin C in human 
plasma is a marker of the proper functioning of kidneys, and can be used for testing children, 
elderly, patients with low muscle mass, and those in the early stages of kidney problems. 
Cystatin C is also employed as a marker for cardiovascular risk and pre-eclampsia.

6 

7 

8 

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for com-
munity action in the field of water policy.

Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environmental quality stand-
ards in the field of water policy.

Directive 2004/107/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 relating to arsenic, cadmium, 
mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air & Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and 
of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. 

A) In 2010, JRC-IRMM 
released eight new certi-
fied reference materials 
for the accurate measure-
ment of inorganic and 
organic pollutants in 
various environmental 
matrices.

B) In 2010, JRC-IRMM 
released a reference 
material certified for 
cystatin C – a marker in 
human plasma of the 
proper functioning of 
kidneys.

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The usefulness of cystatin C assays in clinical chemistry has been hampered by the lack of 
standardisation: the same samples gave different results when measured by different meth-
ods. Furthermore, the cystatin C values obtained by various methods were not stable over 
time. This causes problems for the interpretation of large-scale population studies running 
over a long period of time.

JRC-IRMM’s new certified reference material (ERM®-DA471/IFCC) was produced in collaboration 
with the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), which 
actively supports standardisation in clinical chemistry. The reference material was produced 
to support the implementation of the EU legislation on in vitro diagnostic medical devices, 
which requires traceability of calibrators and control materials to reference measurement 
procedures and/or reference materials of a higher order 9.

The availability of a certified reference material for cystatin C will reduce the problems result-
ing from the use of different cystatin C calibrators and non-agreeing determination methods, 
thus improving non-invasive testing of the capacity of the kidneys to filter plasma. 

5.7  Detecting banned antibiotics in meat

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that can be used against a wide range of disease-causing 
bacteria, and it is highly effective against many pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella or 
Clostridia. It was used in veterinary practices since the 1950s. However, concerns about serious 
haemotoxic effects in humans, such as leukaemia, led to an EU ban in 1994 on chloramphenicol 
as a veterinary medicinal product for animals in the food chain  10. 

EU legislation also specifies the required sensitivity of analytical methods used by food-testing 
laboratories, and a minimum required performance limit (MRPL) of 0.3 µg/kg has been set for 
residues of chloramphenicol in different food matrices, including meat 11.

In 2010, JRC-IRMM released a new reference material which will assist food-testing laborato-
ries in reliably detecting and quantifying chloramphenicol in meat – enabling them to verify 
whether their methods comply with the MRPL. 

The reference material, ERM®-BB130, is intended to be used for method validation purposes 
(including trueness estimation) and method performance control. The certified value is based 
on an inter-laboratory characterisation study based exclusively on gas chromatography-mass 
spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry confirmatory methods, 
all of which complied with performance criteria stipulated in EU legislation  12. 

Chloramphenicol is 
banned in the EU as a 
veterinary medicinal 
product for animals in 
the food chain ( ©2001 
image100 ltd).

9 

10 

11 

12 

Directive 98/79/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 1998 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.

Commission Regulation (EC) 1430/94 of 22 June 1994 amending Annexes I, II, III and IV of Council Regulation (EEC) No 
2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal prod-
ucts in foodstuffs of animal origin (text with EEA relevance).

Commission Decision 2003/181/EC of 13 March 2003 amending Decision 2002/657/EC as regards the setting of minimum 
required performance limits (MRPLs) for certain residues in food of animal origin. 

Commission Decision 2002/657/EC of 14 August 2002 implementing Council Directive 96/23/EC concerning the performance 
of analytical methods and the interpretation of results.

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A so-called commutability study was conducted to prove that the material can also be applied 
as a quality-control tool for widely used screening methods. The study involved five com-
mercially available rapid immunochemical tests and one biosensor assay. The results of the 
study demonstrated that ERM®-BB130 is sufficiently commutable with the tests examined. 
Laboratories using one of these tests therefore benefit from using ERM®-BB130 to demonstrate 
the correctness of their results. 

5.8  Accurate analysis and control of nuclear material

In 2010, JRC-IRMM released a new batch of large-sized dried spikes for the measurement of 
uranium and plutonium (IRMM-1027n). These reference materials are used to measure the 
uranium and plutonium content of dissolved fuel using isotope dilution mass spectrometry. 
The materials are provided to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy 
as a fundamental part of the fissile material control of irradiated nuclear fuel at the on-site 
laboratories in Sellafield (UK) and La Hague (France).

Another new uranium reference material (IRMM-3100a) was released in 2010, which is suitable 
for verifying the calibration of multi-collector mass spectrometers, especially those equipped 
with multiple-ion counting systems. Such systems are typically used in measurements of 
uranium in nuclear safeguards and earth sciences. The uranium isotopic reference material 
is an equimolar mixture with isotope amount ratios of 233U, 235U, 236U and 238U close to 1:1:1:1 
(a so-called QUAD isotopic reference material). 

Furthermore, one of JRC-IRMM’s reference materials dating from 1995 (IRMM-046b), was re-
certified for isotope amount content and isotopic composition. The re-certification follows a 
calibration campaign linking several of IRMM’s plutonium reference materials on a metrological 
basis, and using state-of-the-art measurement procedures. The new reference values have 
considerably smaller measurement uncertainties – further increasing confidence in control 
measurements of fissile material amongst European and international safeguards authorities.

A paper published in 2010 reported a significant advancement in the ‘fingerprinting’ of pluto-
nium contamination. Using a technique known as thermal ionisation mass spectrometry, the 
ratio of plutonium isotopes was measured with unprecedented accuracy in reference samples 
obtained from the International Atomic Energy Agency and the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology. Soil and moss samples collected from the site of the Chernobyl accident 
were also analysed. The measurements yielded considerably low uncertainties not only for 
the isotope ratio of 240Pu/239Pu, but also – for the first time – for the ratios of 241Pu/239Pu and 
242Pu/239Pu. The results confirmed the suitability of the measurement technique, and the re-
searchers could identify with confidence whether the environmental contamination originated 
from reactor-grade or weapons-grade plutonium. 

Nuclear mass spec-
trometry: by measuring 
isotope ratios, scientists 
can determine whether 
environmental plutonium 
contamination is of civil, 
military or illicit origin.

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JRC-IRMM_Annual_Report_2010_inside_(print).indd   19

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SPECIAL FEATURE:
SPECIAL FEATURE:
NEW FACILITY FOR DEVELOPING
NEW FACILITY FOR DEVELOPING
AND PRODUCING REFERENCE MATERIALS
AND PRODUCING REFERENCE MATERIALS

The processing hall

The building features a material-processing hall that provides for parallel material handling, thanks 
The building features a material-processing hall that provides for parallel material handling, thanks 
to movable walls and separate air-handling systems which divide the hall into up to four separate 
to movable walls and separate air-handling systems which divide the hall into up to four separate 
areas. Consequently, four different reference materials can be processed at a time without any risk 
areas. Consequently, four different reference materials can be processed at a time without any risk 
of cross-contamination. This facility is unique amongst the major producers of reference materials 
of cross-contamination. This facility is unique amongst the major producers of reference materials 
worldwide.
worldwide.

Moreover, a number of dedicated rooms adjacent to the processing hall allow a logical sequence of 
Moreover, a number of dedicated rooms adjacent to the processing hall allow a logical sequence of 
activities and equipment to support the main processing areas like washing and handling of glassware, 
activities and equipment to support the main processing areas like washing and handling of glassware, 
capping and labelling of vials and a process control laboratory incorporating microscopy, particle 
capping and labelling of vials and a process control laboratory incorporating microscopy, particle 
size analysis and measurements of water content. 
size analysis and measurements of water content. 

The processing hall 
provides for parallel ma-
terial handling, thanks 
to movable walls and 
separate air-handling 
systems which can divide 
the hall into four sepa-
rate areas.

Worldwide, there is an increasing demand for new reference materials for a broadening range 
of applications and a greater variety of analyte-matrix combinations. In striving to meet this 
demand, reference material producers have to handle a wider variety of less stable materials, 
especially those of biological origin, often running a greater risk of cross-contamination during 
processing. For this reason, the JRC decided several years ago that new facilities were needed 
for its reference material programme, in order to be able to adapt the targeted measurement 
benchmarks in response to changing requirements. The construction work began in August 
2008 and the new facility was officially inaugurated on 23 November 2010. 

The end result is a scientific and technical facility with specialised laboratories and a versatile 
pilot plant for material processing. The new processing hall bridges the gap between labora-
tory and industrial scale, and it will enable JRC-IRMM to remain at the forefront of reference 
material development and production. The facility will be used to develop reference materials 
in support of EU legislation that provide laboratories around the world with benchmarks to 
deliver accurate, harmonised and traceable results.

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The new building in figures

Total cost:  
Total cost:  
Building footprint:  
Building footprint:  
Processing hall: 
Processing hall: 
Total number of labs: 
Total number of labs:  1414
Bio-safety labs: 
Bio-safety labs: 
Auditorium: 
Auditorium: 

11 million 
11 million 
120 x 20 m (approx)
120 x 20 m (approx)
4 areas of 100 m22 each
4 areas of 100 m
 each

140 m140 m22
, seating 85
160 m160 m22, seating 85

Additional laboratories and equipment

The new building houses bio-safety laboratories (level class 3) which equip the European Commission with an in-house facility 
The new building houses bio-safety laboratories (level class 3) which equip the European Commission with an in-house facility 
for the safe handling of potent human pathogens (bacteria and viruses).  A sequence of six laboratories has been designed 
for the safe handling of potent human pathogens (bacteria and viruses).  A sequence of six laboratories has been designed 
to host microbiology and protein chemistry using, for instance, high resolution organic mass spectrometry. Access to bio-
to host microbiology and protein chemistry using, for instance, high resolution organic mass spectrometry. Access to bio-
safety cabinets, a waste autoclave and a cool-cell make these labs also highly suitable for supporting the developments in 
safety cabinets, a waste autoclave and a cool-cell make these labs also highly suitable for supporting the developments in 
the field of clinical reference materials. The building includes three laboratories for element analysis. Sample preparation 
the field of clinical reference materials. The building includes three laboratories for element analysis. Sample preparation 
is located in one laboratory with access to metal-free clean benches and fume hoods together with high-capacity digestion 
is located in one laboratory with access to metal-free clean benches and fume hoods together with high-capacity digestion 
systems for mineralisation of samples. Two instrumental laboratories currently house an inductively coupled plasma mass 
systems for mineralisation of samples. Two instrumental laboratories currently house an inductively coupled plasma mass 
spectrometer, a solid sampling atomic absorption spectrometer and an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spec-
spectrometer, a solid sampling atomic absorption spectrometer and an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spec-
trometer, mainly for the measurement of trace elements. The facility includes equipment for manipulating and stabilising 
trometer, mainly for the measurement of trace elements. The facility includes equipment for manipulating and stabilising 
ials.
slurries and pastes for the provision of solid but wet reference materials.
slurries and pastes for the provision of solid but wet reference mater

The processing hall 
contains a new freeze 
dryer with a 100 kg ice 
condenser capacity.

This large-scale mixer 
in the processing hall 
can mix powders up to 
550 L or 400 kg during 
reference material prepa-
ration.

The building contains a 
new laboratory for pro-
ducing water reference 
materials, consisting 
of 4 x 500 litre drums 
which can be made into 
one volume of 2000 
litre thanks to the inert 
pumps that re-circulate 
water in the system.

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JRC-IRMM_Annual_Report_2010_inside_(print).indd   22

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NUCLEAR PHYSICS

7.1 

Introduction

Many issues related to nuclear safety and security involve calculations using accurate nuclear 
data. Measurements of neutron-induced reactions and cross-section standards, and absolute 
measurements of radiation i.e. radionuclide metrology, have been key activities of the JRC-
IRMM since it started operation in 1960. JRC-IRMM focuses on neutron data for standards, 
safety of operating reactors, handling of nuclear waste and waste transmutation and investi-
gating alternative reactor systems and fuel cycles.

Measurements carried out at its linear electron accelerator facility (known as GELINA) and 
the Van de Graaff facility have played a significant role in establishing and improving the 
evaluated nuclear data files maintained at the databank of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) 
of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Additionally, the JRC-IRMM participates in competitive projects. The EUFRAT project 1 facilitates 
access to the nuclear data facilities of JRC-IRMM, Following a third call for proposals in 2010, 
31 experiments at GELINA and the Van de Graaff accelerator have been approved to date. A 
new project called ERINDA (European Research Infrastructures for Nuclear Data Applications) 
started on 1 December 2010. The project brings together major players in Europe in terms of 
nuclear data measurement facilities, working towards improved nuclear data in line with the 
Strategic Research Agenda of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform. 

During 2010, JRC-IRMM organised two workshops as part of the JRC’s “Enlargement and 
Integration” initiative. The first was on nuclear fission dynamics and the emission of prompt 
neutrons and gamma rays was organised in Sinaia, Romania bringing together the leading 
experts in the field of fission theory. A second workshop was organised in Krakow, Poland on 
nuclear measurements, evaluations and applications. 

On 9 December 2010, JRC-IRMM hosted a high-level conference entitled “Research in nuclear 
sciences: impact on the citizen”, under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council 
of the EU. The event was co-organised by the Belgian Nuclear Society, in association with the 
Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN) and the Institute for Radioelements (IRE). The 
conference brought together Belgian stakeholders to discuss the future of nuclear research, 
and was therefore a fitting way to close the 50th anniversary year of the institute.

1 

The project, European Facility for innovative reactor and transmutation neutron data (EUFRAT), is funded under the EU 7th 
Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (contract number 211499), http://irmm.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
eufrat

07

Opposite page: Fission
detector built from ar-
tificial diamond with a 
thickness of 180 microns, 
used in the measurement 
of prompt fission gamma 
rays.

JRC-IRMM hosted a confer-
ence in December 2010 en-
titled “Research in nuclear 
sciences: impact on the 
citizen”. During lunch, the 
50th anniversary cake was 
cut by the Belgian Federal 
Minister, Sabine Laruelle, 
and Philippe Busquin – 
former European Commis-
sioner, former Member of 
the European Parliament, 
and currently Chairman of 
the Board of IRE. 

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7.2  High-resolution measurements

of the 241Am(n,2n) cross section

The nucleus 241Am is one of the most abundant isotopes in spent nuclear fuel, and is one of 
the most highly radiotoxic among the actinides. For this reason, accurate data are required to 
study the possible transmutation of long-lived radioactive waste with advanced high-neutron-
energy reactors.

For the study, samples of 241AmO2 were fabricated and characterized at JRC’s Institute for Tran-
suranium Elements and then irradiated at the 7-MV Van de Graaff accelerator at JRC-IRMM, in 
order to investigate the 241Am(n,2n) reaction cross section. The work was performed as part 
of a collaboration between the JRC, French laboratories from Centre national de la recherche 
scientifique (CNRS) and the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique (CEA). 

The 241Am(n,2n) reaction cross section was measured at energies above 15 MeV for the first 
time. The new data are in good agreement with predictions obtained with a model developed 
at CEA. Measurements at energies below 15 MeV were performed in order to compare the 
new experimental data with previously published data, and good agreement was observed. 

The data were disseminated through the EXFOR 2 database and are included in the latest 
release of the European (JEFF-3.1.1) and United States evaluated data files (ENDF/B-VII.1).

The JRC data (red) for the 
241Am(n,2n) 240Am reac-
tion compared with data 
from earlier work, a new 
model calculation by CEA 
Bruyères-le-Châtel and 
earlier model calcula-
tions.

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2 

EXFOR = Experimental Nuclear Reaction Data: a database maintained by the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of Organisation for 
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), http://www.oecd-nea.org/dbdata/x4/

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7.3 

Improved decay data for 177Lu

The radionuclide  177Lu has received attention as a potential therapeutic radiopharmaceuti-
cal in the nuclear medicine community, as it meets a number of important selection criteria. 
The mean beta energy of 134 keV is suitable for radiotherapy, and the half-life of around 6.6 
days allows ample time for shipping, labelling, purification and application. The presence of 
low-energy gamma emission enables gamma imaging and personalised dosimetry prior to 
administration of a therapeutic dose.

To minimise the uncertainty of dose calculations when such radiopharmaceuticals are applied 
to patients, the decay parameters of radionuclides must be well known. The physical half-life 
of the radionuclide is an important feature, because it should match with the rates of biologi-
cal uptake and clearance of the radiopharmaceutical to maximise the dose delivered to target 
tissue and minimise the burden on normal tissue. JRC-IRMM therefore measured the half-life 
of 177Lu with state-of-the-art accuracy, and the results were compared to other measurement 
results in literature.

The half-life of 177Lu was measured by both an ionisation chamber and a liquid scintillation 
counter over periods of 85 days and 42 days respectively. Both measurements were cor-
rected for background and a minor 177mLu activity contribution. A value of the 177Lu half-life of 
6.6465 (35) days was obtained by a least-squares fit of two exponentials and a constant to 
the experimental data. 

Overview of the measured values of the 177Lu 
half-life and the respective year of publication. 
The solid lines represent the weighted mean and 
the dashed lines the standard deviation derived 
from the best data.

This result is in good agreement with three out of seven previously published measurement 
results and the current recommended value of 6.645 (4) days. Four measurements made 
between 1958 and 2000 have been shown to be significantly overestimated, and should be 
disregarded. Based on a weighted mean of the new results and a selection of literature data, 
a new value of 6.6465 (27) is recommended.

A paper describing the work has been accepted for publication in the journal Applied Radia-
tion and Isotopes.

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7.4  Charged-particle diagnostics in the JET Tokamak

The confinement time for a fusion plasma is mainly determined by the rate of loss of charged 
particles across the magnetic field. Charged particles in the MeV range are produced in large 
quantities in fusion reactors, and the leakage of these particles is a potential hazard to the 
reactor walls and the material structures that contain the fusion plasma. Because of the 
extreme conditions inside the Joint European Torus (JET) 3 tokamak, there is still no standard 
technique to analyse the leakage of charged particles from the plasma. 

A promising solution is to place samples of different materials inside the tokamak and to 
subsequently analyse the activation products. In previous work, JRC-IRMM showed that the 
angular distribution of protons inside a tokamak could be measured. 

In 2010, JRC-IRMM co-authored a paper describing the first ever experimental determination 
of the ratio of 3 MeV and 14.7 MeV protons. This was accomplished by placing several thin 
pieces of boron carbide in a stack and measuring the production of 7Be in each of the small 
pieces. The 3.0 MeV protons activated the upper piece but only the 14.7 MeV protons activated 
the lower pieces in the stack.

It was confirmed that the flux of 14.7 MeV protons is larger than the flux of 3 MeV protons, 
which is expected from the confinement of protons in the plasma. Furthermore, information 
was obtained about the angle of incidence and the attenuation of the proton flux with the 
position of the samples. There are now plans to perform more experiments to develop the 
technique further and inclusion in the ITER3 design is being considered.

Interior view of the JET 
vacuum vessel with a 
superimposed image of 
an actual JET plasma
Image: EFDA-JET) 
In 2010, JRC-IRMM 
co-authored a paper 
describing the first ever 
experimental determina-
tion of the ratio of 3 MeV 
and 14.7 MeV protons.

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3 

The Joint European Torus (JET) tokamak is the largest in the world, and it is the only operational fusion experiment capable 
of producing fusion energy. The successor machine, ITER, is currently under development: http://www.jet.efda.org,  http://
www.iter.org.

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7.5  Neutron-based analysis of a Bronze Age sword

Scientists at JRC-IRMM studied the composition of a precious Bronze Age sword using pulsed 
neutron beams as part of the European-funded project called ANCIENT CHARM 4. The sword 
dates from 1300 – 1100 BC, and was found near the village of Buggenum in the Netherlands.

In close collaboration with scientists from the Delft University of Technology, ten scientific 
institutes and museums collaborated to improve and develop certain neutron-based analytical 
and imaging methods for cultural heritage objects. 

By precisely measuring the ratio of copper to tin along the length of the sword, the researchers 
gained an insight into the craftsmanship of the sword, and determined that the blade and the 
hilt were cast separately with different bronze compositions. The presence of cobalt in the 
composition supports the assumption that the sword originates from the North Alps-Danube 
region. A radiograph of the sword’s hilt revealed in unprecedented detail how the blade and 
the hilt are connected. 

The sword also underwent time-of-flight neutron diffraction at the Rutherford Appleton Labo-
ratory in the UK. These measurements indicated successive annealing and working cycles, 
for the purpose of hardening the blade. This indicates that although the sword is considered 
a ceremonial object, it was manufactured as a potentially functional weapon.

The results of the sword measurements were published in a peer-reviewed journal 5, and a 
paper describing the technique of neutron resonance capture and transmission analysis has 
been published in the Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry 6.

A radiograph and drawing 
of the hilt of the Bugge-
num sword, which reveals 
how the blade and the 
hilt are connected. The 
blade has a tongue which 
extends far inside the hilt, 
and is attached to the hilt 
with the aid of two rivets.

The Buggenum sword, 
dating from 1300-1100 
BC, was measured at 
JRC-IRMM. Using a tech-
nique called “neutron-
resonance capture analy-
sis”, the composition and 
structure of the precious 
Bronze Age artefact was 
determined.

4 

5 

ANCIENT CHARM stands for “analysis by neutron resonant capture imaging and other emerging neutron techniques: new 
cultural heritage and archaeological research methods”. The project was funded under the EU 6th Framework Programme 
(contract number 15311), http://ancient-charm.neutron-eu.net.

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 383(2010) p.641, available online at: http://www.springerlink.com/
content/7242u32726211687/

6 

http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/emrw/9780470027318/eac/article/a9070/current/abstract

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FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY

8.1 

Introduction

JRC-IRMM’s food safety and quality activities aim at providing fit-for-purpose, validated analyti-
cal methods to testing laboratories. The institute also organises interlaboratory comparisons 
to benchmark the capabilities of official and private food control laboratories across the EU. 
Together, these activities aim at ensuring the comparability of testing results to provide the 
basis for the harmonised implementation of EU food and feed safety regulations. The institute 
also provides measurement-related expert advice to other Commission services dealing with 
food and feed safety and quality.

One of the measures for ensuring that legislation is properly implemented across EU countries 
was the setting up of a number of European Union reference laboratories. Four such labo-
ratories are now operated by JRC-IRMM in the following areas; feed additives, mycotoxins, 
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in feed and food. In 2010, the institute 
organised a scientific forum for all EU reference laboratories to share experiences after five 
years of operation. 

The institute also co-organised an event on pyrrolizidine alkaloids, together with the Directo-
rate-General for Health and Consumers, and produced a special review of analytical methodol-
ogy for these contaminants in feed and food.

8.2  Four new international standards adopted

Developing and validating internationally accepted analytical methods is one of JRC-IRMM’s
central activities. The culmination of this work is when such methods are adopted by interna-
tional standardisation bodies. In 2010, four methods developed by JRC-IRMM were adopted 
as standards by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

Two of the standards were analytical methods to determine the levels of the mycotoxins 
zearalenone and aflatoxin B1 in cereal products for infants and young children (EN 15850 and 
EN 15851 respectively). These toxins can enter the food chain as a result of crops infected by 
fungi, either by being directly consumed by humans, or by being used as feed for animals. 
Because of their relatively high intake of certain foodstuffs compared to their body weight, 
infants and young children are more vulnerable than adults to many toxic substances. For 
this reason, European legislation stipulates lower maximum limits for toxins in certain foods 
intended for infants and young children.

08

Liquid chromatography 
– time of flight mass 
spectrometry is used for 
metabolomics and food 
authentication studies.

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The third standard adopted in 2010 by CEN was a method to determine patulin in fruit juice 
and fruit purée (EN 15890:2010). Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a variety of moulds, in 
particular, Aspergillus and Penicillium. It is commonly found in rotting apples, and the amount 
of patulin in apple products is generally viewed as a measure of the quality of the apples 
used in production. A number of studies have shown that it is genotoxic, which has led to 
some theories that claim it may also be a carcinogen. European legislation 1 sets a limit of 50 
micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg) in both apple juice and cider, and 25 µg/kg in solid apple 
products and 10 µg/kg in products for infants and young children.

The fourth standard was a method for detecting nine different sweeteners in soft drinks and 
canned and bottled fruits (EN 15911:2010). This quantitative method uses high-performance 
liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD), to measure 
levels of sweeteners in foodstuffs. The method enables the simultaneous determination of six 
authorised sweeteners, namely acesulfame-K, aspartame, cyclamic acid, saccharin, sucralose 
and neohesperidine dihydrochalcone, as well as three non-authorised sweeteners: neotame, 
alitame and dulcin.

In 2010, four methods 
developed by JRC-IRMM 
were adopted as stand-
ards by the European 
Committee for Standardi-
zation (CEN).

Furthermore, a method to measure the feed additive, semduramicin, in poultry feed has also 
been accepted as a candidate CEN standard. Semduramicin is a member of the group of com-
pounds known as coccidiostats, which are used to inhibit parasites that cause coccidiosis in 
farm animals. The conditions of use of this feed additive, including the authorised concentra-
tion range, are specified in European legislation 2. JRC-IRMM developed a method consisting of 
a common sample preparation and then analysis of semduramicin by liquid chromatography 
coupled to either mass spectrometry detection or UV detection using post-column derivatisa-
tion. The approach was the subject of a collaborative study, which demonstrated the fitness 
for purpose of both methods.

8.3 

Inter-laboratory comparison for heavy metals in seafood

In 2010, JRC-IRMM published the results of an inter-laboratory comparison which benchmarked 
the abilities of laboratories around the world to measure heavy metals in seafood.

In Europe, maximum levels for lead, cadmium and total mercury in food are laid down in leg-
islation, varying from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg for different seafood. No maximum level exists for the 
methylmercury form of mercury, as its measurement requires specific analytical equipment 
not routinely present in testing laboratories. However, methylmercury is the main source of 
human intake of mercury in fish and fishery products, and is of particular interest due to its 
high toxicity compared to inorganic mercury. 

No maximum levels for arsenic have been laid down in European legislation either, due to a 
lack of information about reliable analytical methods for determining inorganic arsenic in dif-
ferent food commodities, and measurement values of inorganic arsenic are generally believed 
to be method-dependent. 

1 

2 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in food-
stuffs.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1443/2006 of 29 September 2006 concerning the permanent authorisations of certain addi-
tives in feedingstuffs and an authorisation for 10 years for a coccidiostat. 

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The inter-laboratory comparison was, therefore, extended to include methylmercury and 
inorganic arsenic, in order to investigate the issues that laboratories encounter in measuring 
these substances. 

The inter-laboratory comparison was organised in support of the European Cooperation for 
Accreditation (EA), the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and the 
national reference laboratories associated to the European Union reference laboratory for 
heavy metals in feed and food. Fifty-seven laboratories from 29 countries volunteered to put 
their measuring competence to the test. 

The outcome of the exercise was generally positive. All of the 57 laboratories that registered 
reported results. The share of satisfactory scores ranged between 80 % and 96 %. Participants 
tended to underestimate the content of total arsenic, and to a lesser extent total cadmium.
Unlike in a previous exercise (IMEP-107 on total and inorganic arsenic in rice), the values 
reported for inorganic arsenic showed a large spread. This indicates that the matrix (in this 
case, seafood), has a major influence on the analytical determination of inorganic arsenic. 
This is a crucial consideration for legislators, when specifying a maximum level of inorganic 
arsenic in seafood.

8.4  Proficiency test to determine 3-MCPD in edible oil

In 2010, JRC-IRMM published the results of a proficiency test on the determination of 3-mono-
chloropropane-1, 2-diol (3-MCPD) esters in edible oils. 

The substance 3-MCPD is the most common member of a group of chemical contaminants 
known as chloropropanols. It is a contaminant by-product of a flavour enhancer known as acid-
hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP), which is commonly added to commercially produced food 
products to make them taste more savoury. 3-MCPD is most frequently found in soy sauce. 

3-MCPD is of concern owing to its toxicological properties. It can cause cancer in laboratory 
animals when fed in large amounts over their lifetime. Although human consumption of these 
substances is at lower levels, there is still concern that they may present a risk to health. Ac-
cordingly, EU legislation sets a maximum level of 20 µg/kg for 3-MCPD in HVP and soy sauce 3.
Recently, some Member States’ authorities have found 3-MCPD esterified to partial glycerides 
(bound 3-MCPD) in edible oils and products made thereof (margarine, mayonnaise, etc). Ex-
periments in animals point to the fact that 3-MCPD is released from the esters in the intestine 
due to the action of certain digestive enzymes.

JRC-IRMM was requested by the Directorate-General for Health and Consumers to conduct 
a proficiency test on 3-MCPD in edible oils. The participants were asked to determine the 
amount of 3-MCPD in two samples (palm oil and extra virgin olive oil – in which 3-MCPD esters 
were added), and also to provide details about the analytical methods they used. In total, 34 
laboratories representing official control laboratories, industry and other interested parties 
reported results.

The substance 3-MCPD is 
a contaminant by-prod-
uct of a flavour enhancer 
known as acid-hydro-
lysed vegetable protein, 
and has been found in 
edible oils.

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The percentage of laboratories with a satisfactory performance was 85 % for the extra virgin 
olive oil sample, but only 56 % for the palm oil. The lower scores for the palm oil sample are 
probably due to the transformation of glycidyl esters to 3-MCPD. The laboratories that treated 
the sample with acid at the beginning of the sample preparation performed better, presumably 
because of the complete degradation of the glycidyl esters. The study concluded that the criti-
cal steps in the analysis of 3-MCPD esters in oil are linked to the method of esters hydrolysis 
and instrument calibration. It was also recommended to develop methods that measure the 
3-MCPD esters directly, to avoid artefact formation during ester hydrolysis and derivatisation.

8.5  New international guidelines

for reliable food allergen measurements

Around 2 % of adults and 8 % of children suffer from food allergies worldwide. Food allergy is 
responsible for the majority of anaphylactic reactions in children. Even with the best available 
allergen management programme, accidental reactions to ingested food may occur.  

To reliably detect the presence of food allergens, scientists have to target certain protein 
markers in food samples. The targeted proteins have to meet multiple criteria, such as the 
efficiency with which they are extracted from the food sample and the ability to withstand 
food production processes, such as roasting and extrusion. 

A new set of guidelines co-authored by JRC-IRMM aims at better protecting consumers by 
promoting harmonised, accurate and reliable measurements of food allergens in food products 
by analytical laboratories. 

While there were a number of publications in the area of method validation and numerous 
publications on validation of so-called ELISA testing methods (enzyme-linked immunosorbent 
assay) for food contaminants and residues, the new guidelines address for the first time the 
validation of ELISA testing methods for food allergen analysis in a harmonised way. 

The guidance document – which was published in the Journal of AOAC International – was 
developed by a collaboration of research institutions, experts from regulatory agencies and 
food allergen test-kit manufacturers, under the auspices of the AOAC Presidential Taskforce 
on Food Allergens. 

A)

B)

8.6  Detecting species-specific animal proteins in animal feed

The feed ban is a preventive measure against transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) 
and consists of a ban on the use of processed animal protein in feed for farmed animals to 
avoid spreading bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The development and validation 
of analytical methods for the species-specific detection of the presence of animal proteins in 
animal feed was described in the European Commission’s TSE roadmap as the main condition 
for lifting the extended feed ban.

A) To reliably detect the 
presence of food al-
lergens, scientists have 
to target certain protein 
markers in food samples.

B) Samples of animal 
feed: the development 
of species-specific detec-
tion of animal proteins 
is a main condition for 
lifting the extended feed 
ban. 

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The European project SAFEED-PAP (Detection of presence of species-specific processed animal 
proteins in animal feed) aimed at developing and validating species-specific methods and 
measurement strategies in order to fulfil the conditions for a possible lifting of the extended 
feed ban. JRC-IRMM conducted two collaborative studies to validate methods developed in 
the project.

A near infrared microscopy (NIRM) method for the detection of animal products in feedingstuffs 
was validated via a collaborative study in which seven laboratories from four EU Member 
States plus one laboratory from China participated. The method is based on the evaluation 
of near-infrared spectra obtained from individual particles and delivers qualitative results in 
terms of presence / absence of animal particles in feed. In sedimented samples, the limit of 
detection is 0.1 % meat and bone meal in feed, as for the European official method, while in 
samples that were not sedimented, the limit of detection is 2 % meat and bone meal in feed. 
The method demonstrated to be fit for the intended purpose. 

The second collaborative study aimed at the validation of a real-time polymerase chain reaction 
(PCR) method for the detection of cattle DNA in feed and gathered results from laboratories 
in Europe and Japan. The results demonstrated that the limit of detection is well below the 
target level of 0.1 %, thus demonstrating that the method is fit for the intended purpose.

8.7  Analytical methods to control feed additives

Feed additives are an integral part of modern animal husbandry which aims to improve animal 
production, performance and welfare. Such additives may not be put on the EU market without 
authorisation by the European Commission. 

The JRC-IRMM operates the European Union reference laboratory for feed additives, which 
checks the appropriateness of analytical methods to monitor the correct use of these sub-
stances. In so doing, it supports the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in conducting its 
scientific evaluation of the additive prior to authorisation. 

About 2,800 feed additives are currently authorised, but most of them have been evaluated 
according to an old procedure, which was replaced in 2004 by a legislative framework in which 
risk assessment and risk management are separated. The new legislation required industry 
to submit applications for all feed additives considered important to be kept in the feed ad-
ditive register by November 2010. 

Throughout 2010, the EU-RL processed around 380 applications from industry (from a total 
number of around 440), corresponding to more than 1000 feed additives, and 68 dossiers 
were evaluated.

The final objective is to maintain an up-to-date register of authorised feed additives, which 
have been evaluated against criteria laid down in legislation and for which appropriate ana-
lytical methods are available.

Suitable analytical meth-
ods have to be available 
before feed additives can 
be authorised for use in 
animal feed.

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8.8 Towards a common European denaturant in alcohol

Alcohol (ethanol) for human consumption is subject to excise duties while ethanol for industrial 
purposes, such as screen-wash, paints, etc, is not. To prevent the latter from being illicitly 
consumed, European Member States apply a wide range of strong-smelling and bitter-tasting 
agents, called denaturants. The resulting denatured alcohol is unfit to drink. 

Not all of the denaturants used in Europe are simple to detect though, and their sheer number 
(120 in total) adds a hefty administrative burden to the customs laboratories, making controls 
more difficult. This situation potentially opens the door to fraud - especially for those denatur-
ants that can be easily removed. Furthermore, there are concerns that some of the denaturants 
on the market are not environmentally friendly. 

Recognising the problem posed by number and variety of denaturants used in Europe, the 
European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union requested the 
JRC to investigate the possibility of establishing an easily detectable and reliable “euro-dena-
turant” that could be used throughout the EU and which fulfils the requirements stipulated in 
the REACH regulation for chemicals. The aim is to have a voluntary transition over time to the 
new denaturant in order to harmonise European practices for denaturing alcohol.

In cooperation with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs 
Union, the JRC-IRMM developed a database of the 120 denaturants currently in use within the 
EU for customs laboratories. Based on a number of stringent criteria, five potential “euro-
denaturants” were shortlisted. 

To ensure that control laboratories can measure these denaturants in several formulations, 
the  JRC-IRMM organised a proficiency test, where the laboratories could use their method of 
choice on a number of samples of denaturant concentrations (unknown to the laboratories). 
All 31 laboratories that registered for participation submitted results. In terms of measuring 
the alcoholic strength, the laboratories performances appear to be good when the concentra-
tions of alcohols other than ethanol were low, but the performances decreased with formula-
tions containing higher concentrations of IPA. The reason is related to the analytical method 
used by the laboratories. A detailed analysis of the laboratories ability to measure different 
concentrations of various denaturants was performed.

Summary of laborato-
ries’ performance in 
a proficiency test to 
determine the alcoholic 
strength of nine different 
denatured samples.

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METROLOGY IN EUROPE

9.1  Measurement Science in Chemistry

Training and knowledge transfer are essential to the JRC-IRMM’s mission of promoting a com-
mon and reliable European measurement system in support of EU policies. A high-quality, 
well-functioning measurement infrastructure in Europe depends on the availability of trained 
and competent practitioners. 

JRC-IRMM previously took the initiative to bring together a consortium of nine universities 
located in seven different European countries (Estonia, Poland, France, Portugal, Finland, 
Bulgaria and Slovenia). Together, these universities offer the harmonised Master’s degree 
“Measurement Science in Chemistry”, which received the “Euromaster” quality award in 2008. 
On 26 October 2010, the first group of 33 graduates received their European Diploma Sup-
plements at JRC-IRMM.

The degree was developed from a training programme launched in 2001 by JRC-IRMM called 
TrainMiC®. This programme aims at the harmonised interpretation of the metrological re-
quirements of ISO/IEC-17025 – the main standard for chemical and bio-analytical testing 
laboratories in different sectors such as environment, food or consumer protection. Today, 
the training programme supports Commission initiatives such as the 2020 Strategy Initiative, 
“Agenda for new skills and jobs”. In 2010, around 600 people received training at 25 events 
in 17 different countries, bringing the cumulative total number of persons trained through the 
TrainMiC® programme since 2001 to over 5800.

A)

B)B)

9.2  Pre-accession assistance to Turkey

The project “Europe and Metrology in Turkey” (EMIT) entered its implementation phase on 1 
January 2010. The main purpose of the project – which was set up between the EU Delegation 
in Ankara and JRC-IRMM – is to enhance institutional and measurement capacity in chemical 
and ionising radiation metrology for the main beneficiaries, the National Metrology Institute 
.
of Turkey (TÜBI
TAK UME) and the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK). The aim is to en-
sure that Turkish laboratories are able to produce traceable and comparable measurement 
results – leading to improvements in quality of life and facilitating the free movement of goods.
During the course of 2010, experts at JRC-IRMM arranged and provided short-term training 
of Turkish scientists. This training took the form of six scientific study visits to JRC-IRMM or 
national metrology institutes, the preparation of one conference, attendance of one EU confer-
ence, two university networking meetings, six scientific workshops, two scientific seminars 
and four technical advice visits. Moreover, JRC-IRMM hosted ten long-term trainees (from 
the beneficiary institutes) for 12-month traineeships, four of whom have recently returned to 
begin transferring their knowledge to their home institutes.

09

A): The first group 
of graduates of the 
Master’s degree, 
“Measurement Science 
in Chemistry”, received 
their diplomas at
JRC-IRMM on 26 October 
2010.

B) Training at
JRC-IRMM in the sample 
preparation of aflatoxins 
and ochratoxin A in 
some spices.

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10 Introduction

SPECIAL FEATURE:
THE INSTITUTE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The year 2010 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the JRC’s Institute for 
Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) – formerly known as the Central Bureau for 
Nuclear Measurements – in Geel, Belgium. Over the years, the institute has remained true to 
its founding principle of scientific meticulousness in the provision of accurate reference data 
and measurements.

Brief history of the institute

The origins of the institute are found in the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy 
Community (Euratom), which was signed on 25 March 1957. The idea of the Euratom Treaty 
was to enable the Member States to produce energy of nuclear origin, to control the entire 
industrial cycle (including research, training and production), to provide for the supply of 
natural uranium and special fissile materials, and to lay the foundations for the vital task of 
supervising this particularly sensitive sector. 

The Euratom treaty also laid down the initial research and training programme of the Joint 
Research Centre, calling for “a bureau of standards specialising in nuclear measurements for 
isotope analysis and absolute measurements of radiation and neutron absorption”. This is the 
legal basis which led to the establishment of the Central Bureau for Nuclear Measurements 
(CBNM) in Geel, Belgium. 

It was originally intended to construct a nuclear reactor at CBNM. However this plan was 
changed in favour of a linear accelerator, a Van De Graaff accelerator and specialised nuclear 
materials laboratories. All activities were part of a single goal, namely neutron cross-section 
measurements needed for the development of thermal and fast fission reactors. 

The CBNM grew and expanded to meet the changing needs for neutron data. There was also 
an increased focus on nuclear measurements, the metrology of radionuclide decay and on 
neutron flux and dose studies as well as on absolute measurements of isotopes. 

Expertise in the preparation and characterisation of sophisticated materials, needed for the 
accurate determination of parameters relevant for the nuclear industry, would ultimately 
expand into non-nuclear reference materials. 

Signing of the Treaty 
of Rome on 25 March 
1957 by the six found-
ing nations: Belgium, 
France, the Netherlands, 
Germany, Luxembourg 
and Italy.

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New Commissioner conveys best wishes for 50th anniversary

A few weeks after taking office, the Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire 
Geoghegan-Quinn, visited JRC-IRMM on 25 February 2010. In her first visit to a JRC institute, 
she conveyed her best wishes to JRC-IRMM during the year of the institute’s 50th anniversary, 
and met with the JRC Board of Governors. 1

JRC-IRMM Open Day 2010

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, JRC-IRMM opened its doors to the public on 3 
October 2010. The activities included a historical exhibition comprising a series of archive 
photos, old measuring devices and early informatics equipment. The 2010 open day attracted 
a record number of visitors in one day: 702 visitors with 31 different nationalities (75 % Bel-
gians). Around 23 % of visitors were under the age of 18, whilst 17 % of visitors were 65 or over.

Commissioner Máire 
Geoghegan-Quinn 
and the JRC Board of 
Governors at JRC-IRMM, 
25 February 2010.

A banner marking the 
50th anniversary of the 
institute was placed on 
the facade of the Com-
mission’s Berlaymont 
building in Brussels 
during 29 October – 7 
November 2010. The 
tagline of the banner was 
“Providing measurement 
solutions – for tomor-
row’s challenges: life 
sciences, nanotechnol-
ogy and nuclear safety”.

Open day activities: 
separating compounds 
using thin-layer chro-
matography (left), and 
measuring the caffeine 
content in drinks (right).

50th Anniversary Competition for Schools

How do measurements influence our daily life? That was the subject of a school competition 
to mark the 50th anniversary of the institute. Pupils from primary and secondary schools were 
challenged to make a multimedia presentation, poster or collage about the importance of ac-
curate measurements in our society. The three winning entries were selected by the IRMM’s 
Scientific Committee on the basis of the originality and the scientific value of the contributions. 
The winning pupils had the opportunity to visit the institute, perform hands-on experiments 
and “be a scientist for a day”.

1 

http://irmm.jrc.ec.europa.eu/about_IRMM/50/Documents/irmm_50th_brochure_web.pdf

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11 ANNEX: SELECTED PUBLICATIONS IN 2010

11.1  Articles in peer-reviewed periodicals 1

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Corbisier P, Bhat S, Partis L, Rui Dan Xie V, Emslie K. Absolute Quantification of Genetically Modified MON810 Maize 
(Zea mays L.) by Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction. ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 396 (6); 2010. 
p. 2143-2150. JRC54158

Emons H. Editorial: GMO Analysis – A Complex and Challenging Undertaking. ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL 
CHEMISTRY 396 (6); 2010. p. 1949-1950. JRC56986

Grubb A, Blirup-Jensen S, Lindstrom V, Schmidt C, Althaus H, Zegers I. First Certified Reference Material for Cystatin 
C in Human Serum ERM-DA471/IFCC. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 48 (11); 2010. p. 1619-1621. 
JRC60500

Kestens V, Auclair G, Drozdzewska K, Held A, Roebben G, Linsinger T. Thermodynamic Property Values of Selected 
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS 
AND CALORIMETRY 99 (1); 2010. p. 245-261. JRC50403

Lamberty M, Emons H. The Third Edition of ISO Guide 34: What Were the Drivers for the Revision and What Is New. 
ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE 15 (11); 2010. p. 647-652. JRC59766

Merlini G, Blirup-Jensen S, Johnson M, Sheldon J, Zegers I. Standardizing Plasma Protein Measurements Worldwide: 
A Challenging Enterprise. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 48 (11); 2010. p. 1567-1575. JRC58478

Niessner R, Broekaert J, Bron M, Einax J, Emons H, Haisch C, Huber C, Jakubowski N, Knopp D, Popp J, Schäferling M. 
Trendbericht: Analytische Chemie 2008/2009. NACHRICHTEN AUS DER CHEMIE 58 (3); 2010. p. 223-235. JRC56971

Noble J, Bunk D, Christenson R, Cole K, He H, Katrukha A, Panteghini M, Porter R, Schimmel H, Tate J, Wang L. De-
velopment of a Candidate Secondary Reference Procedure (Immunoassay Based Measurement Procedure of Higher 
Metrological Order) for Cardiac Troponin I: I. Antibody Characterization and Preliminary Validation. CLINICAL CHEM-
ISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 48 (11); 2010. p. 1603-1610. JRC59173

Paleari R, Muñoz-Piñeiro M, Mosca A. Towards the Development of a Certified Reference Material for Hemoglobin 
A2. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 48 (11); 2010. p. 1611-1618. JRC62381

Payne D, Mamotte C, Gancberg D, Pazzagli M, Van Schaik R, Schimmel H, Rousseau F. Nucleic Acid Reference Materi-
als (NARMs): Definitions and Issues. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 48 (11); 2010. p. 1531-1535. 
JRC59426

Prins T, Van Dijk J, Van Hoef A, Voorhuijzen M, Broeders S, Trapmann S, Seyfarth R, Pardigol A, Schoen C, Aarts H, Kok 
E. Towards a Multiplex Cereal Traceability Tool Using Padlock Probe Ligation on Genomic DNA. FOOD CHEMISTRY 
118 (4); 2010. p. 966-973. JRC42227

Richter S, Eykens R, Kuehn H, Aregbe Y, Verbruggen A, Weyer S. New Average Values for the n(238U)/n(235U) Isotope 
Ratios of Natural Uranium Standards. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 295 (1-2); 2010. p. 94-97. 
JRC59428

Roebben G, Linsinger T, Lamberty M, Emons H. Metrological Traceability of the Measured Values of Properties of 
Engineering Materials. METROLOGIA 47 (2); 2010. p. S23-S31. JRC54146

Rzychon M, Zegers I, Schimmel H. Analysis of the Physicochemical State of C-Reactive Protein in Different Preparations 
Including 2 Certified Reference Materials. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 56 (9); 2010. p. 1475-1482. JRC57693

Schimmel H, Zegers I, Emons H. Standardization of Protein Biomarker Measurements: Is It Feasible. SCANDINAVIAN 
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL and LABORATORY INVESTIGATION 70 (Suppl. 242); 2010. p. 27-33. JRC56556

Tate J, Bunk D, Christenson R, Katrukha A, Noble J, Porter R, Schimmel H, Wang L, Panteghini M. Standardisation of 
Cardiac Troponin I Measurement: Past and Present. PATHOLOGY 42 (5); 2010. p. 402-408. JRC57465

Thienpont L, Van Uytfanghe K, Beastall G, Faix J, Ieiri T, Miller W, Nelson J, Ronin C, Ross H, Thijssen J, Toussaint B. 
Report of the IFCC Working Group for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests – Part 1: Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone. 
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 56 (6); 2010. p. 902-911. JRC56156

Thienpont L, Van Uytfanghe K, Beastall G, Faix J, Ieiri T, Miller W, Nelson J, Ronin C, Ross H, Thijssen J, Toussaint B. 
Report of the IFCC Working Group for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests – Part 2: Free Thyroxine and Free 
Triiodothyronine. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 56 (6); 2010. p. 912-920. JRC56158

Thienpont L, Van Uytfanghe K, Beastall G, Faix J, Ieiri T, Miller W, Nelson J, Ronin C, Ross H, Thijssen J, Toussaint B. 
Report of the IFCC Working Group for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests – Part 3: Total Thyroxine and Total 
Triiodothyronine. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 56 (6); 2010. p. 921-929. JRC56159

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Toussaint B, Emons H, Schimmel H, Bossert-Reuther S, Canalias F, Ceriotti F, Férard G, Ferrero C, Franck P, Gella F, 
Henny J, Jorgensen P, Klauke R, Lessinger J, Mazziotta D, Panteghini M, Ueda S, Schumann G. Traceability of Values 
for Catalytic Activity Concentration of Enzymes: a Certified Reference Material for Aspartate Transaminase. CLINICAL 
CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 48 (6); 2010. p. 795-803. JRC56163

Trapmann S, Corbisier P, Schimmel H, Emons H. Towards Future Reference Systems for GM Analysis. ANALYTICAL 
AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 396 (6); 2010. p. 1969-1975. JRC55725

Zegers I, Keller T, Schreiber W, Sheldon J, Albertini R, Blirup-Jensen S, Johnson M, Trapmann S, Emons H, Merlini G, 
Schimmel H. Characterization of the New Serum Protein Reference Material ERM-DA470k/IFCC: Value Assignment 
by Immunoassay. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 56 (12); 2010. p. 1880-1888. JRC58476

Zegers I, Schreiber W, Linstead S, Lammers M, Mccusker M, Muñoz-Piñeiro M, Itoh Y, Merlini G, Trapmann S, Emons 
H, Sheldon J, Schimmel H. Development and Preparation of a New Serum Protein Reference Material: Feasibility 
Studies and Processing. CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE 48 (6); 2010. p. 805-813. JRC56552

Zeleny R, Emteborg P, Schimmel H. Assessment of Commutability for Candidate Certified Reference Material ERM-
BB130 “Chloramphenicol in Pork”. ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 398 (3); 2010. p. 1457-1465. 
JRC60798

REFERENCE MEASUREMENTS:

Assonov S, Brenninkmeijer C, Schuck T, Zahn A, Taylor P. Analysis of Accurate 13C and 18O Isotope Measurements of CO2
in CARIBIC Aircraft Air Samples from the Tropical Troposphere, and the Upper Troposphere/Lowermost Stratosphere. 
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS 10 (3); 2010. p. 8575-8599. JRC54644

Bürger S, Essex R, Mathew K, Richter S, Thomas R. Implementation of Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in 
Measurement (GUM) to Multi-Collector TIMS Uranium Isotope Ratio Metrology. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS 
SPECTROMETRY 294 (2-3); 2010. p. 65-76. JRC56969

Brand W, Assonov S, Coplen T. Correction for the 17O Interference in delta(13C) Measurements When Analyzing CO2 
with Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry (IUPAC Technical Report). PURE AND APPLIED CHEMISTRY 82 (8); 2010. p. 
1719-1733. JRC44685

Davies J, Tsotridis G, Varlam M, Valkiers S, Berglund M, Taylor P. SSITKA Investigation of CO and H2 Competitive 
Adsorption at PEM Fuel Cell Anode Catalysts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 291 (3); 2010. p. 
152-158. JRC54507

Jakopic R, Richter S, Kuehn H, Aregbe Y. Determination of 240Pu/239Pu, 241Pu/239Pu, 242Pu/239Pu Isotope Ratios in En-
vironmental Reference Materials and Samples from Chernobyl by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) 
and Filament Carburization. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY 25 (6); 2010. p. 815-821. JRC56162

Kestens V, Roebben G, Linsinger T. Development and Validation of a Differential Scanning Calorimetry Purity Deter-
mination Method for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. ACCREDITATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE 15 (5); 2010. p. 
269-281. JRC52175

Mana G, Massa E, Valkiers S, Willenberg G. Uncertainty Assessment of Si Molar Mass Measurements. INTERNATIONAL 
JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 289 (1); 2010. p. 6-10. JRC47763

Pavese F, Fahr M, Hermier Y, Hill K, Lipinski L, Nakano T, Peruzzi A, Sakurai H, Sparasci F, Steur P, Smyrka-Grzebyk A, 
Tamura O, Tew W, Valkiers S, Van Geel J. Further Progress Toward the Determination of Ttp-x(22Ne). INTERNATIONAL 
JOURNAL OF THERMOPHYSICS 31 (8-9); 2010. p. 1633-1643. JRC60339

Pavese F, Valkiers S, Steur P, Ferri D, Giraudi D. An Accurate Determination of the Triple Point Temperature of Pure 
20Ne and 22Ne. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS 42 (10); 2010. p. 1222-1229. JRC59338

Pereira De Oliveira Junior O, De Bolle W, Alonso-Muñoz A, Richter S, Wellum R, Ponzevera E, Sarkis J, Kessel R. 
Demonstrating the Metrological Compatibility of Uranium Isotope Amount Ratio Measurement Results Obtained 
by GSMS, TIMS and MC-ICPMS Techniques. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 291 (1-2); 2010. 
p. 48-54. JRC56164

Pham M, Betti M, Povinec P, Benmansour M, Bojanowski R, Bouisset P, Calvo E, Ham G, Holm E, Hult M, Ilchmann C, 
Kloster M, Kanisch G, Koehler M, Larosa J, Legarda F, Llaurado M, Nourredine A, Oh J, Pellicciari M, Rieth U, Rodriguez 
Y Baena A, Sanchez-Cabeza J, Satake H, Schikowski J, Takeishi M, Thebault H, Varga Z. A New Reference Material for 
Radionuclides in the Mussel Sample from the Mediterranean Sea (IAEA-437). JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND 
NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY 283 (3); 2010. p. 851-859. JRC57687

Quetel C, Vassileva E, Petrov I, Chakarova C, Hadjiivanov K. First Results on Fe Solid-Phase Extraction from Coastal 
Seawater Using Anatase TiO2 Nano-Particles. ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 396 (6); 2010. p. 2349-
2361. JRC44683

Sutton G, Underwood R, Pitre L, De Podesta M, Valkiers S. Acoustic Resonator Experiments at the Triple Point of Water: 
First Results for the Boltzmann Constant and Remaining Challenges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMOPHYSICS 
31 (7); 2010. p. 1310-1346. JRC55543

Ussher S, Petrov I, Quetel C, Worsfold P. Validation of a Portable Flow Injection-Chemiluminescence (FI-CL) Method 
for the Determination of Dissolved Iron in Atlantic Open Ocean and Shelf Waters by Comparison with Isotope Dilution-
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ID-ICPMS). ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 7 (2); 2010. p. 139-145. 
JRC53239

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Valkiers S, Vendelbo D, Berglund M, De Podesta M. Preparation of Argon Primary Measurement Standards for the 
Calibration of Ion Current Ratios Measured in Argon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY 291 (1-2); 
2010. p. 41-47. JRC55735

Van De Kreeke J, De La Calle Guntinas M, Held A, Bercaru O, Ricci M, Shegunova P, Taylor P. IMEP-23: The Eight EU-
WFD Priority PAHs in Water in the Presence of Humic Acid. TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 29 (8); 2010. 
p. 928-937. JRC57254

Voerkelius S, Lorenz G, Rummel S, Quetel C, Heiss G, Baxter M, Brach-Papa C, Deters-Itzelsberger P, Hoelzl S, 
Hoogewerff J, Ponzevera E, Van Bocxstaele M, Ueckermann H. Strontium Isotopic Signatures of Natural Mineral 
Waters, the Reference to a Simple Geological Map and its Potential for Authentication of Food. FOOD CHEMISTRY 
118 (4); 2010. p. 933-940. JRC42823

Wieslander E, Loevestam G, Hult M, Fessler A, Gasparro J, Kockerols P. Validation of a Method for Neutron Dosimetry 
and Spectrometry Using Neutron Activation of Metal Discs. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 138 (3); 2010. p. 
205-212. JRC51917

Zeleny R, Voorspoels S, Ricci M, Becker R, Jung C, Bremser W, Sittidech M, Panyawathanakit N, Wong W, Choi K, Lo 
K, Yeung W, Kim D, Han J, Ryu J, Mingwu S, Chao W, Schantz M, Lippa K, Matsuyama S. Evaluation of the State-of-
the-Art Measurement Capabilities for Selected PBDEs and decaBB in Plastic by the International Intercomparison 
CCQM-P114. ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 396 (4); 2010. p. 1501-1511. JRC56161

FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY:

Abbas O, Fernandez Pierna J, Boix Sanfeliu A, Von Holst C, Dardenne P, Baeten V. Key Parameters for the Develop-
ment of a NIR Microscopic Method for the Quantification of Processed By-Products of Animal Origin in Compound 
Feedingstuffs. ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 397 (5); 2010. p. 1965-1973. JRC57247

Abbott M, Hayward S, Ross W, Godefroy S, Ulberth F, Van Hengel A, Roberts J, Akiyama H, Popping B, Yeung J, Wehling 
P, Taylor S, Poms R, Delahaut P. Validation Procedures for Quantitative Food Allergen ELISA Methods: Community 
Guidance and Best Practices. JOURNAL OF AOAC INTERNATIONAL 93 (2); 2010. p. 442-450. JRC54979

Baer I, De La Calle Guntinas M, Taylor P. 3-MCPD in Food Other than Soy Sauce or Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein 
(HVP). ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 396 (1); 2010. p. 443-456. JRC52747

Boix Sanfeliu A, Bellorini S, Von Holst C. Validation of an Analytical Method for the Determination of Glycerolthihep-
tanoate (GTH) in Processed Animal By-products: Results of a Collaborative Study. FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMI-
NANTS 27 (6); 2010. p. 793-800. JRC54148

Breidbach A, Bouten K, Kroeger K, Ulberth F. Capabilities of Laboratories to Determine Melamine in Food - Results of 
an International Proficiency Test. ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 396 (1); 2010. p. 503-510. JRC54201

Buttinger G. Aflatoxin Measurements: How HPLC Methods Have Evolved over the Last 20 Years. FOOD ADDITIVES 
AND CONTAMINANTS 27 (9); 2010. p. 1266-1272. JRC57468

Dall’Asta C, Galaverna G, Bertuzzi T, Moseriti A, Pietri A, Dossena A, Marchelli R. Occurrence of Ochratoxin A in Raw 
Ham Muscle, Salami and Dry-Cured Ham from Pigs Fed with Contaminated Diet. FOOD CHEMISTRY 120 (4); 2010. p. 
978-983. JRC60322

Gómez Galán A, Brohee M, Scaravelli E, Van Hengel A, Chassaigne H. Development of Real-Time PCR Assays for the 
Detection of Lupin Residues in Food Products. EUROPEAN FOOD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY 230 (4); 2010. p. 
597-608. JRC48133

González De La Huebra M, Vincent U, Von Holst C. Determination of Semduramicin in Poultry Feed at Authorized Level 
by Liquid Chromatography Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL 
ANALYSIS 53 (4); 2010. p. 860-868. JRC57383

Karasek L, Wenzl T, Ulberth F. Proficiency Test on the Determination of Mineral Oil in Sunflower Oil. EUROPEAN 
JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 112 (3); 2010. p. 321-332. JRC53128

Kittelberger R, Chaplin M, Simmons M, Ramírez Villaescusa A, Mcintyre L, Macdiarmid S, Hannah M, Jenner J, Bueno R, 
Bayliss D, Black H, Pigott C, O’Keefe J. Atypical Scrapie/Nor98 in a Sheep from New Zealand. JOURNAL OF VETERINARY 
DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION 22 (6); 2010. p. 863-875. JRC57026

Monaci L, Norgaard J, Van Hengel A. Feasibility of a Capillary LC/ESI-Q-TOF MS Method for the Detection of Milk Al-
lergens in an Incurred Model Food Matrix. ANALYTICAL METHODS 2 (7); 2010. p. 967-972. JRC59082

Orhan H, Yasar S. A Model to Analyse and Classify the Level of Farmer’s Qualification in Sustainable Dairy Farming. 
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND VETERINARY ADVANCES 9 (1); 2010. p. 159-168. JRC57244

Romanazzo D, Ricci F, Volpe G, Elliott C, Vesco S, Kroeger-Negoita K, Moscone D, Stroka J, Van Egmond H, Vehniainen M, 
Palleschi G. Development of a Recombinant Fab-Fragment Based Electrochemical Immunosensor for Deoxynivalenol 
Detection in Food Samples. BIOSENSORS and BIOELECTRONICS 25 (12); 2010. p. 2615-2621. JRC59484

Senyuva H, Gilbert J, Stroka J. Determination of Fumonisins B1 and B2 in Corn by LC/MS with Immunoaffinity Column 
Cleanup: Interlaboratory Study. JOURNAL OF AOAC INTERNATIONAL 93 (2); 2010. p. 611-621. JRC58887

Simon R, Gómez Ruiz J, Wenzl T. Results of an European Inter-Laboratory Comparison Study on the Determination 
of the 15 +1 EU Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Liquid Smoke Condensates. FOOD CHEMISTRY 
123 (3); 2010. p. 819-826. JRC48968

Zeleny R, Schimmel H. Towards Comparability of ELISA Results for Peanut Proteins in Food: a Feasibility Study. FOOD 
CHEMISTRY 123 (4); 2010. p. 1343-1351. JRC60680

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NUCLEAR PHYSICS:

Al-Adili A, Hambsch F, Oberstedt S, Pomp S, Zeynalov S. Comparison of Digital and Analogue Data Acquisition Systems 
for Nuclear Spectroscopy. NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS and METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS 
SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT 624 (3); 2010. p. 684-690. JRC61186

Colonna N, Abbondanno U, Aerts G, Alvarez H, Alvarez-Velarde F, Andriamonje S, Andrzejewski J, Assimakopoulos P, 
Audouin L, Badurek G, Baumann P, Becvar F, Berthoumieux E, Calviani M, Calvino F, Cano-Ott D, Capote R, Carrillo 
De Albornoz A, Cennini P, Chepel V, Chiaveri E, Cortés G, Couture A, Cox J, Dahlfors M, David S, Dillman I, Dolfini R, 
Domingo-Pardo C, Dridi W, Duran I, Eleftheriadis C, Ferrant L, Ferrari A, Ferreira-Marques R, Frais Koelbl H, Fujii K, 
Furman W, Goncalves I, González-Romero E, Goverdovski A, Gramegna F, Griesmayer E, Guerrero C, Gunsing F, Haas 
B, Haight R, Heil M, Herrera-Martínez A, Igashira M, Isaev S, Jericha E, Käppeler F, Kadi Y, Karadimos D, Karamanis 
D, Kerveno M, Ketlerov V, Koehler P, Konovalov V, Kossionides E, Krticka M, Lampoudis C, Leeb H, Lindote A, Lopes 
I, Lozano M, Lukic S, Marganiec J, Marques L, Marrone S, Martínez T, Massimi C, Mastinu P, Mengoni A, Milazzo P, 
Moreau C, Mosconi M, Neves F, Oberhummer H, O’Brien S, Oshima M, Pancin J, Papachristodoulou C, Papadopoulos 
C, Paradela C, Patronis N, Pavlik A, Pavlopoulos P, Perrot L, Pigni M, Plag R, Plompen A, Plukis A, Poch A, Pretel C, 
Quesada J, Rauscher T, Reifarth R, Rosetti M, Rubbia C, Rudolf G, Rullhusen P, Salgado J, Sarchiapone L, Savvidis I, 
Stephan C, Tagliente G, Tain J, Tassan-Got L, Tavora L, Terlizzi R, Vannini G, Vaz P, Ventura A, Villamarín D, Vicente 
M, Vlachoudis V, Vlastou R, Voss F, Walter S, Wendler H, Wiescher M, Wisshak K. Neutron Cross-Sections for Next 
Generation Reactors: New Data from n_TOF. APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES 68 (4-5); 2010. p. 643-646. JRC57122

Deleanu D, Borcea C, Dessagne P, Kerveno M, Negret A, Plompen A, Thiry J.  The Gamma Efficiency of the GAINS 
Spectrometer. NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS and METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPEC-
TROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT 624 (1); 2010. p. 130-136. JRC61187

Ene D, Borcea C, Kopecky S, Mondelaers W, Negret A, Plompen A. Global Characterisation of the GELINA Facility 
for High-Resolution Neutron Time-of-Flight Measurements by Monte Carlo Simulations. NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS 
and METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED 
EQUIPMENT 618 (1-3); 2010. p. 54-68. JRC36942

Fujii K, Mosconi M, Mengoni A, Domingo-Pardo C, Kaeppeler F, Abbondanno U, Aerts G, Álvarez Pol H, Álvarez Ve-
larde F, Andriamonje S, Andrzejewski J, Assimakopoulos P, Audouin L, Badurek G, Baumann P, Becvar F, Belloni F, 
Berthoumieux E, Bisterzo S, Calviani M, Calvino F, Cano-Ott D, Capote R, Carrillo De Albornoz A, Cennini P, Chepel V, 
Chiaveri E, Colonna N, Cortés G, Couture A, Cox J, Dahlfors M, David S, Dillmann I, Dolfini R, Dridi W, Durán I, Elefthe-
riadis C, Embid-Segura M, Ferrant L, Ferrari A, Ferreira-Marques R, Fitzpatrick L, Frais Koelbl H, Furman W, Gallino R, 
Goncalves I, González-Romero E, Goverdovski A, Gramegna F, Griesmayer E, Guerrero C, Gunsing F, Haas B, Haight 
R, Heil M, Herrera-Martínez A, Igashira M, Isaev S, Jericha E, Kadi Y, Karamanis D, Karadimos D, Kerveno M, Ketlerov 
V, Koehler P, Konovalov V, Kossionides E, Krticka M, Lamboudis C, Leeb H, Lindote A, Lopes I, Lozano M, Lukic S, 
Marganiec J, Marques L, Marrone S, Massimi C, Mastinu P, Milazzo P, Moreau C, Neves F, Oberhummer H, Oshima 
M, O’Brien S, Pancin J, Papachristodoulou C, Papadopoulos C, Paradela C, Patronis N, Pavlik A, Pavlopoulos P, Per-
rot L, Plag R, Plompen A, Plukis A, Poch A, Praena J, Pretel C, Quesada J, Rauscher T, Reifarth R, Rosetti M, Rubbia C, 
Rudolf G, Rullhusen P, Salgado J, Sarchiapone L, Savvidis I, Stephan C, Tagliente G, Tain J, Tassan Got L, Tavora L, 
Terlizzi R, Vannini G, Vaz P, Ventura A, Villamarín D, Vincente M, Vlachoudis V, Vlastou R, Voss F, Walter S, Wendler 
H, Wiescher M, Wisshak K. Neutron Physics of the Re/Os Clock. III. Resonance Analyses and Stellar (n,gamma) Cross 
Sections of 186,187,188Os. PHYSICAL REVIEW C 82 (1); 2010. p. 015804 (1-18). JRC61780

Goeoek A, Chernykh M, Enders J, Oberstedt A, Oberstedt S. Particle Emission Angle Determination in Frisch Grid 
Ionization Chambers by Electron Drift-Time Measurements. NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS and METHODS IN PHYSICS 
RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT 621 (1-3); 2010. 
p. 401-405. JRC56948

Jacimovic R, Trkov A, Zerovnik G, Snoj L, Schillebeeckx P. Validation of Calculated Self-Shielding Factors for Rh Foils. 
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS and METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETEC-
TORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT 622 (2); 2010. p. 399-402. JRC56123

Kornilov N, Hambsch F, Fabry I, Oberstedt S, Belgya T, Kis Y, Szentmiklosi L, Simakov S. The 235U(n,f) Prompt Fission 
Neutron Spectrum at 100 K Input Neutron Energy. NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 165 (1); 2010. p. 117-127. 
JRC52045

Maslov V, Tetereva N, Pronyaev V, Kagalenko A, Zolotarev K, Capote R, Granier T, Morillon B, Hambsch F, Sublet J. 
Spectrum of Prompt Fission Neutrons from 235U(n, F). ATOMIC ENERGY 108 (6); 2010. p. 432-443. JRC60061

Massimi C, Borella A, Kopecky S, Lampoudis C, Moxon M, Schillebeeckx P, Vannini G. Resonance Parameters for 197Au 
+ n below 200 eV. RIVISTA DEL NUOVO CIMENTO 125 B (5-6); 2010. p. 517-526. JRC56557

Massimi C, Domingo-Pardo C, Vannini G, Audouin L, Guerrero C, Abbondanno U, Aerts G, Álvarez H, Álvarez-Velarde 
F, Andriamonje S, Andrzejewski J, Assimakopoulos P, Badurek G, Baumann P, Becvar F, Belloni F, Berthoumieux E, 
Calvino F, Calviani M, Cano-Ott D, Capote R, Carrapiço C, Cennini P, Chepel V, Chiaveri E, Colonna N, Cortés G, Couture 
A, Cox J, Dahlfors M, David S, Dillmann I, Dridi W, Durán I, Eleftheriadis C, Ferrant L, Ferrari A, Ferreira-Marques R, Fujii 
K, Furman W, Galanopoulos S, Gonçalves I, González-Romero E, Gramegna F, Gunsing F, Haas B, Haight R, Heil M, 
Herrera-Martinez A, Igashira M, Jericha E, Kaeppeler F, Kadi Y, Karadimos D, Karamanis D, Kerveno M, Lampoudis C, 
Koehler P, Kossionides E, Krticka M, Lederer C, Leeb H, Lindote A, Lopes I, Lozano M, Lukic S, Marganiec J, Marrone 
S, Martínez T, Mastinu P, Mendoza E, Mengoni A, Milazzo P, Moreau C, Mosconi M, Neves F, Oberhummer H, O’Brien 
S, Pancin J, Papadopoulos C, Paradela C, Pavlik A, Pavlopoulos P, Perdikakis G, Perrot L, Pigni M, Plag R, Plompen A, 
Plukis A, Poch A, Praena J, Pretel C, Quesada J, Rauscher T, Reifarth R, Rosetti M, Rubbia C, Rudolf G, Rullhusen P, 
Sarchiapone L, Sarmento R, Savvidis I, Stephan C, Tagliente G, Tain J, Tassan-Got L, Tavora L, Terlizzi R, Vaz P, Ventura 
A, Villamarín D, Vlachoudis V, Vlastou R, Voss F, Walter S, Wiescher M, Wisshak K. 197Au(n,gamma) Cross Section in 
the Resonance Region. PHYSICAL REVIEW C 81 (4); 2010. p. 044616 (1-22). JRC61773

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Mosconi M, Fujii K, Mengoni A, Domingo-Pardo C, Kaeppeler F, Abbondanno U, Aerts G, Álvarez Pol H, Álvarez-Velarde 
F, Andriamonje S, Andrzejewski J, Assimakopoulos P, Audouin L, Badurek G, Baumann P, Becvar F, Belloni F, Berthom-
ieux E, Bisterzo S, Calviani M, Calvino F, Cano-Ott D, Capote R, Carrillo De Albornoz A, Cennini P, Chepel V, Chiaveri 
E, Colonna N, Cortés G, Couture A, Cox J, Dahlfors M, David S, Dillmann I, Dolfini R, Dridi W, Durán I, Eleftheriadis C, 
Embid-Segura M, Ferrant L, Ferrari A, Ferreira-Marques R, Fitzpatrick L, Frais Koelbl H, Furman W, Gallino R, Goncalves 
I, González-Romero E, Goverdovski A, Gramegna F, Griesmayer E, Guerrero C, Gunsing F, Haas B, Haight R, Heil M, 
Herrera-Martínez A, Igashira M, Isaev S, Jericha E, Kadi Y, Karamanis D, Karadimos D, Kerveno M, Ketlerov V, Koehler 
P, Konovalov V, Kossionides E, Krticka M, Lamboudis C, Leeb H, Lindote A, Lopes I, Lozano M, Lukic S, Marganiec 
J, Marques L, Marrone S, Massimi C, Mastinu P, Milazzo P, Moreau C, Neves F, Oberhummer H, Oshima M, O’Brien 
S, Pancin J, Papachristodoulou C, Papadopoulos C, Paradela C, Patronis N, Pavlik A, Pavlopoulos P, Perrot L, Plag 
R, Plompen A, Plukis A, Poch A, Praena J, Pretel C, Quesada J, Rauscher T, Reifarth R, Rosetti M, Rubbia C, Rudolf G, 
Rullhusen P, Salgado J, Sarchiapone L, Savvidis I, Stephan C, Tagliente G, Tain J, Tassan Got L, Tavora L, Terlizzi R, 
Vannini G, Vaz P, Ventura A, Villamarín D, Vincente M, Vlachoudis V, Vlastou R, Voss F, Walter S, Wendler H, Wiescher 
M, Wisshak K. Neutron Physics of the Re/Os Clock. I. Measurement of the (n,gamma) Cross Sections of 186,187,188Os 
at the CERN n_TOF Facility. PHYSICAL REVIEW C 82 (1); 2010. p. 015802 (1-10). JRC61777

Paradela C, Tassan-Got L, Audouin L, Berthier B, Durán I, Ferrant L, Isaev S, Le Naour C, Stephan C, Tarrio D, Trubert 
D, Abbondanno U, Aerts G, Álvarez H, Álvarez-Velarde F, Andriamonje S, Andrzejewski J, Assimakopoulos P, Badurek 
G, Baumann P, Becvar F, Berthoumieux E, Calvino F, Calviani M, Cano-Ott D, Capote R, Carrapico C, Cennini P, Chepel 
V, Chiaveri E, Colonna N, Cortés G, Couture A, Cox J, Dahlfors M, David S, Dillmann I, Domingo-Pardo C, Dridi W, 
Eleftheriadis C, Embid-Segura M, Ferrari A, Ferreira-Marques R, Fujii K, Furman W, Goncalves I, González-Romero E, 
Gramegna F, Guerrero C, Gunsing F, Haas B, Haight R, Heil M, Herrera-Martínez A, Igashira M, Jericha E, Kadi Y, Kap-
peler F, Karadimos D, Karamanis D, Kerveno M, Koehler P, Kossionides E, Krticka M, Lampoudis C, Leeb H, Lindote A, 
Lopes I, Lozano M, Lukic S, Marganiec J, Marrone S, Martínez T, Massimi C, Mastinu P, Mengoni A, Milazzo P, Moreau 
C, Mosconi M, Neves F, Oberhummer H, O’Brien S, Oshima M, Pancin J, Papachristodoulou C, Papadopoulos C, Pat-
ronis N, Pavlik A, Pavlopoulos P, Perrot L, Pigni M, Plag R, Plompen A, Plukis A, Poch A, Praena J, Pretel C, Quesada 
J, Rauscher T, Reifarth R, Rubbia C, Rudolf G, Rullhusen P, Salgado J, Santos C, Sarchiapone L, Savvidis I, Tagliente 
G, Tain J, Tavora L, Terlizzi R, Vannini G, Vaz P, Ventura A, Villamarín D, Vincente M, Vlachoudis V, Vlastou R, Voss 
F, Walter S, Wiescher M, Wisshak K. Neutron-Induced Fission Cross Section of 234U and 237Np Measured at the CERN 
Neutron Time-of-Flight (n TOF) Facility. PHYSICAL REVIEW C 82 (3); 2010. p. 034601 (1-11). JRC52047

Perelli Cippo E, Borella A, Gorini G, Kockelmann W, Pietropaolo A, Postma H, Rhodes N, Schillebeeckx P, Schooneveld 
E, Tardocchi M, Wynants R, Collaboration T. A Detector System for Neutron Resonance Capture Imaging. NUCLEAR 
INSTRUMENTS and METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND 
ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT 623 (2); 2010. p. 693-698. JRC56439

Postma H, Amkreutz L, Borella A, Clarijs M, Kamermans H, Kockelmann W, Paradowska A, Schillebeeckx P, Visser D. 
Non-destructive Bulk Analysis of the Buggenum Sword by Neutron Resonance Capture Analysis and Neutron Diffrac-
tion. JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY 283 (3); 2010. p. 641-652. JRC53622

Sage C, Semkova V, Bouland O, Dessagne P, Fernandez Carretero A, Gunsing F, Nästren C, Noguere G, Ottmar H, 
Plompen A, Romain P, Rudolf G, Somers J, Wastin F. High Resolution Measurements of the 241Am(n,2n) Reaction Cross 
Section. PHYSICAL REVIEW C 81 (6); 2010. p. 064604 (1-9). JRC53281

Semkova V, Bauge E, Plompen A, Smith D. Neutron Activation Cross Sections for Zirconium Isotopes. NUCLEAR PHYS-
ICS A 832 (3-4); 2010. p. 149-169. JRC53462

Tagliente G, Milazzo P, Fujii K, Abbondanno U, Aerts G, Álvarez H, Álvarez-Velarde F, Andriamonje S, Andrzejewski J, 
Audouin L, Badurek G, Baumann P, Becvar F, Belloni F, Berthoumieux E, Bisterzo S, Calvino F, Calviani M, Cano-Ott 
D, Capote R, Carrapico C, Cennini P, Chepel V, Chiaveri E, Colonna N, Cortés G, Couture A, Cox J, Dahlfors M, David 
S, Dillmann I, Domingo-Pardo C, Dridi W, Durán I, Eleftheriadis C, Embid-Segura M, Ferrari A, Ferreira-Marques R, 
Furman W, Gallino R, Goncalves I, González-Romero E, Gramegna F, Guerrero C, Gunsing F, Haas B, Haight R, Heil M, 
Herrera-Martínez A, Igashira M, Jericha E, Kappeler F, Kadi Y, Karadimos D, Karamanis D, Kerveno M, Kossionides E, 
Krticka M, Lamboudis C, Leeb H, Lindote A, Lopes I, Lozano M, Lukic S, Marganiec J, Marrone S, Martínez T, Massimi 
C, Mastinu P, Mengoni A, Moreau C, Mosconi M, Neves F, Oberhummer H, O’Brien S, Pancin J, Papachristodoulou C, 
Papadopoulos C, Paradela C, Patronis N, Pavlik A, Pavlopoulos P, Perrot L, Pigni M, Plag R, Plompen A, Plukis A, Poch A, 
Praena J, Pretel C, Quesada J, Rauscher T, Reifarth R, Rosetti M, Rubbia C, Rudolf G, Rullhusen P, Salgado J, Santos C, 
Sarchiapone L, Savvidis I, Stephan C, Tain J, Tassan-Got L, Tavora L, Terlizzi R, Vannini G, Vaz P, Ventura A, Villamarín 
D, Vincente M, Vlachoudis V, Vlastou R, Voss F, Walter S, Wendler H, Wiescher M, Wisshak K. The 92Zr(n,gamma) Reac-
tion and Its Implications for Stellar Nucleosynthesis. PHYSICAL REVIEW C 81 (5); 2010. p. 055801 (9 pp.). JRC52418

Tudora A, Hambsch F. Point by Point Model Calculation of the Prompt Neutron Multiplicity Distribution P(v) for Spon-
taneous and Neutron Induced Fission of Actinides. ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY 37 (6); 2010. p. 771-777. JRC56949

Van Ammel R, Paepen J, Pomme S, Sibbens G. Measurement of the 54Mn Half-Life. APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES 
68 (12); 2010. p. 2387 - 2392. JRC54986

Vermote S, Wagemans C, Serot O, Heyse J, Van Gils J, Soldner T, Geltenbort P, Almahamid I, Tian G, Rao L. Ternary 
Particle Emission in Spontaneous Fission of 250Cf and 252Cf and in Neutron Induced Fission of 249Cf and 251Cf. NUCLEAR 
PHYSICS A 837 (3-4); 2010. p. 176-194. JRC57385

Vidmar T, Celik N, Cornejo Diaz N, Dlabac A, Ewa I, Carrazana Gonzalez J, Hult M, Jovanovic S, Lepy M, Mihaljevic N, 
Sima O, Tzika F, Jurado Vargas M, Vasilopoulou T, Vidmar G. Testing Efficiency Transfer Codes for Equivalence. AP-
PLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES 68 (2); 2010. p. 355-359. JRC52555

Yevetska O, Enders J, Fritzsche M, Von Neumann-Cosel P, Oberstedt S, Richter A, Romig C, Savran D, Sonnabend K. 
Dipole Strength in the 235U(gamma,gamma’) Reaction up to 2.8 MeV. PHYSICAL REVIEW C 81 (4); 2010. p. 044309 
(1-6). JRC56555

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10.2 JRC Scientific and Technical Reports

Note: Since March 2009, the JRC’s Scientific and Technical Reports can be downloaded online at
http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Birgersson-Liebich A, Venelinov T, Santoro A, Held A. The Certification of the Mass Fraction of the Total Content and 
the Aqua Regia Extractable Content of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in Loam Soil, Certified Reference Material 
ERM®-CC141. EUR 24486 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC60102

Buttinger G, Oostra A, Charoud-Got J. The Certification of Mass Fractions of Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 in Compound 
Feedingstuff (low level), Certified Reference Material ERM®-BE375. EUR 24539 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): 
Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC60776

Charoud-Got J, Tumba-Tshilumba M, Baeten V, Van Cutsem J, Emteborg P. SAFEED-PAP, D22 - Report on the Feasibility 
of the Preparation of Reference Materials in the SAFEED-PAP Project. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint 
Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC59419

Jakopic R, Bauwens J, Drooghmans T, Eykens R, Jakobsson U, Kehoe F, Kuehn H, Kushigeta Y, Richter S, Verbruggen 
A, Wellum R, Aregbe Y. Preparation and Certification of IRMM 1027n, Large-Sized Dried (LSD) Spike. EUR 24686 EN. 
Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC62678

Lamberty M, Dean A, Roebben G. Certification of Charpy V-Notch Reference Test Pieces of 120 J Nominal Absorbed 
Energy  – Certified Reference Materials ERM®-FA016bb and ERM®-FA016bc. EUR 24619 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): 
Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC61820

Lamberty M, Dean A, Roebben G. Certification of Charpy V-notch Reference Test Pieces of 30 J Nominal Absorbed 
Energy – Certified Reference Material ERM®-FA013be. EUR 24531 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office 
of the European Union; 2010. JRC60619

Lamberty M, Roebben G, Linsinger T. Certification of Charpy V-Notch Reference Test Pieces of 150 J Nominal Absorbed 
Energy – Certified Reference Material ERM®-FA415t. EUR 24419 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office 
of the European Union; 2010. JRC58998

Lamberty M, Roebben G, Linsinger T. Certification of Charpy V-Notch Reference Test Pieces of 30 J Nominal Absorbed 
Energy – Certified Reference Material ERM®-FA013bf. EUR 24417 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office 
of the European Union; 2010. JRC58996

Pérez Przyk E, Held A. Certification of the mass fractions of As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn and Zn 
in rye grass – Certified Reference Material ERM®-CD281. EUR 24363 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): European Com-
mission; 2010. JRC58449

Piascik M, Pérez Przyk E, Held A. The Certification of the Mass Fractions of Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel and Lead in 
Fine Dust (PM10-like matrix) – Certified Reference Material ERM®-CZ120. EUR 24577 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): 
Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC61263

Piascik M, Pérez Przyk E, Held A. The Certification of the Mass Fractions of Selected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocar-
bons (PAHs) in Fine Dust (PM10-like Matrix) – Certified Reference Material ERM®-CZ100. EUR 24578 EN. Luxembourg 
(Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC61262

Ramos Bordajandi L, Dabrio Ramos M, Sejeroe-Olsen B, Huertas-Pérez J, Jakobsson U, Schimmel H. Certification of the 
Mass Fraction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Toluene – Certified Reference Materials ERM®-AC213. 
EUR 24644 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC62061

Ricci M, De Vos E, Bau A, De Vos P, Held A. Certification of the Mass Concentrations of Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, 
Ortho-Phosphate, Potassium, Sodium and of pH and Conductivity in Groundwater – Certified Reference Material 
ERM®-CA616. EUR 24425 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC59133

Ricci M, De Vos E, Charoud-Got J, Emteborg P, Held A. Certification of the Mass Concentrations of Arsenic, Cadmium, 
Iron, Lead, Manganese, Mercury and Nickel in Groundwater – Certified Reference Material ERM®-CA615. EUR 24508 
EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC60103

Ricci M, De Vos E, Oostra A, Emteborg P, Held A. Certification of the Mass Concentrations of Ammonium, Chloride, 
Fluoride, Magnesium, Nitrate, Ortho-Phosphate, Sulfate and of pH and Conductivity in Simulated Rainwater – Certi-
fied Reference Material ERM®-CA408. EUR 24426 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European 
Union; 2010. JRC59134

Roebben G, Dean A, Lamberty M. Certification of Charpy V-Notch Reference Test Pieces of 60 J Nominal Absorbed 
Energy – Certified Reference Material ERM®-FA014q. EUR 24407 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office 
of the European Union; 2010. JRC58889

Roebben G. Certifcation of Charpy V-Notch Reference Test Pieces of 80 J Nominal Absorbed Energy (ERM-FA015w). 
EUR 24277 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC57029

Trapmann S, Corbisier P, Kortekaas A, Tumba-Tshilumba M, Vincent S. Certification of Reference Materials of Cotton 
Seed Powder with Different Mass Fractions of the Cotton Event T304-40 – Certified Reference Materials ERM®-BF429 
(ERM®-BF429a, ERM®-BF429b, ERM®-BF429c). EUR 24412 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the 
European Union; 2010. JRC58990

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Verbruggen A, Eykens R, Kehoe F, Kuehn H, Jakobsson U, Richter S, Aregbe Y. Preparation and Verification of QUAD 
Uranium Isotopic Reference Material IRMM-3100a. EUR 24559 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office 
of the European Union; 2010. JRC61143

Voorspoels S, Ricci M, Held A. Certification of Mass Fractions of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs 28, 52, 74, 99, 101, 
105, 110, 118, 138, 149, 153, 156, 177, 180, 183, 187, 194 and 196) in Fish Oil – Certified Reference Material ERM®-BB350. 
EUR 24424 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC59132

Zegers I, Auclair G, Schimmel H, Emons H, Blirup-Jensen S, Schmidt C, Lindstrom V, Grubb A, Althaus H. Certification 
of Cystatin C in the Human Serum Reference Material ERM-DA471/IFCC – Certified Reference Material ERM®-DA471/
IFCC. EUR 24408 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC58953

Zeleny R, Schimmel H, Emteborg P, Emons H. The Certification of the Mass Fraction of Chloramphenicol in Pork 
Meat – Certified Reference Material ERM®-BB130. EUR 24411 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of 
the European Union; 2010. JRC58966

REFERENCE MEASUREMENTS:

García Ruiz S, Quetel C. Isotope Dilution Combined to Solid Phase Extraction Using TiO2 Nanoparticles: Determina-
tion of Cadmium Content in Natural Water Samples. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research Centre 
– IRMM; 2010. JRC62566

Gasparro J, Hult M, Marissens G, Hoshi M, Tanaka K, Endo S, Laubenstein M. Measurements of 60Co in Massive Steel 
Samples Exposed to the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Explosion. EUR 24146 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications 
Office of the European Commission; 2010. JRC56541

González De La Huebra M, Vincent U, Serano F, Von Holst C. Validation of a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrom-
etry Analytical Method for the Determination of Semduramicin in Animal Feed at Authorized Level – Final Report on 
the Collaborative Study. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC61560

González De La Huebra M, Vincent U, Serano F, Von Holst C. Validation of a Liquid Chromatography Post-Column 
Derivatisation Method for the Determination of Semduramicin in Animal Feed at Authorized Level – Final Report on 
the Collaborative Study. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC61559

González De Orduna R, Hult M, Andreotti E, Marissens G, Budjas D, Misiaszek M. Pulse Shape Analysis for Background 
Reduction in BEGe Detectors. EUR 24521 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 
2010. JRC60405

Krata A, Ari B, Quetel C. Isotope Dilution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry applied for establishment 
of reference value of the total Hg content in a mineral feed test material for IMEP-111. Geel (Belgium): European 
Commission; 2010. JRC62101

Krata A, Ari B, Quetel C. Isotope Dilution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry applied for establishment 
of reference values of the extractable and the total Cd content in a mineral feed test material for IMEP-111. Geel 
(Belgium): European Commission; 2010. JRC62102

Krata A, Ari B, Quetel C. Isotope Dilution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Applied for Establishment 
of Reference Values of the Extractable and the Total Pb Content in a Mineral Feed Test Material for IMEP-111. Geel 
(Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC62447

Krata A, Quetel C. Certification of the Hg Content in Natural Water Samples by Isotope Dilution Cold Vapor Inductively 
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for the CCQM-K70 International Comparison. Geel (Belgium): European Com-
mission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC57706

Nestler A, Berglund M. Isotopic Analysis with GasBench II in Environmental Applications – Isotopic Analysis of Car-
bonates in Fish Ear Bones. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC62905

Ramírez Villaescusa A, Kollmorgen N, Jakobsson U, Meeus N, Schimmel H. Report on the Prionics®-Check PrioSTRIP 
SR – PRIONICS AG. Geel (Belgium): European Commission; 2010. JRC59659

Ramírez Villaescusa A, Kollmorgen N, Meeus N, Schimmel H. Report on the BetaPrion® SCRAPIE EIA-Test aj ROBO-
SCREEN. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC59145

Ramírez Villaescusa A, Kollmorgen N, Meeus N, Schimmel H. Report on the Pre-Evaluation Assessment (Stage 1) of the 
AJ Roboscreen BetaPrion® SCRAPIE EIA Test Kit Rapid Post-Mortem Test according to the Protocol for the Evaluation 
of Rapid Post-Mortem Tests to Detect TSE in Small Ruminants (The EFSA Journal (2007) 509,1-31). Geel (Belgium): 
European Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC56983

Ramírez Villaescusa A, Kollmorgen N, Meeus N, Schimmel H. Report on the Pre-evaluation Assessment (Stage 1) 
of the Prionics®-Check PrioSTRIP SR Rapid Post-Mortem Test according to the Protocol for the Evaluation of Rapid 
Post-Mortem Tests to Detect TSE in Small Ruminants – (The EFSA Journal (2007) 509, 1-31). Geel (Belgium): European 
Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC59184

Zampella M, Paredes E, Quetel C. Development of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Multi-Element Profi-
ile and Sr Isotopic Signature in TIPIPAPA Potato Samples. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research 
Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC62565

Zampella M, Quetel C. Development of a “Semi-Quantitative” Measurements Method for Multi-Element Determina-
tions – Application to IOPS 2007 Wheat and Potato Samples. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research 
Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC59300

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FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY:

Baer I, De La Calle Guntinas M, Verbist I, Emteborg P, Robouch P. IMEP-30: Total Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mer-
cury, as well as Methylmercury and Inorganic Arsenic in Seafood – Interlaboratory Comparison Report. EUR 24604 
EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC61380

Baer I, Krata A, Quetel C, Verbist I, Linsinger T, Pérez Przyk E, De La Calle Guntinas M. IMEP-29: Total Arsenic, Cad-
mium, Lead, Mercury and Tin, and Extractable Cadmium and Lead in Feed of Plant Origin – Interlaboratory Compari-
son Report. EUR 24318 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC57786

Cordeiro Raposo F, Schmitz F, Verbist I, Emteborg P, Charoud-Got J, Contreras López M, Robouch P, Taylor P, De La 
Calle Guntinas M. IMEP-25a: Determination of Bromate in Drinking Water – A Collaborative Trial Report. EUR 24469 
EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC59582

De La Calle Guntinas M, Emteborg P, Charoud-Got J, Robouch P, Verbist I. Report of the Tenth Interlaboratory Com-
parison Organised by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Heavy Metals in Feed and Food – IMEP-110: Total 
Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury and Lead in Vegetable Food. EUR 24618 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications 
Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC61841

De La Calle Guntinas M, Emteborg P, Robouch P, Verbist I. Report of the Ninth Interlaboratory Comparison Organ-
ised by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Heavy Metals in Feed and Food – IMEP-109: Total Cadmium, 
Lead, Arsenic and Mercury as well as Methylmercury and Inorganic Arsenic in Seafood. EUR 24560 EN. Luxembourg 
(Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC61114

De La Calle Guntinas M, Krata A, Quetel C, Linsinger T, Pérez Przyk E, Verbist I. Report of the Eighth Interlaboratory 
Comparison organised by the Community Reference Laboratory for Heavy Metals in Feed and Food – Total Cd, Pb, As, 
Hg and Sn and extractable Cd and Pb in Feed of Plant Origin. EUR 24278 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications 
Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC57257

De La Calle Guntinas M, Linsinger T, Emteborg P, Charoud-Got J, Verbist I. Report of the Seventh Interlaboratory 
Comparison organized by the European Union - Reference Laboratory for Heavy Metals in Feed and Food. IMEP-107: 
Total and Inorganic As in Rice. EUR 24314 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 
2010. JRC57768

Karasek L, Wenzl T, Ulberth F. Proficiency Test on the Determination of 3-MCPD Esters in Edible Oil – Final Report. 
EUR 24356 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC58305

Kunsagi Z, Ambrosio M, Breidbach A, Stroka J. Report on the 2010 Proficiency Test of the European Union Reference 
Laboratory for Mycotoxins, for the Network of National Reference Laboratories – Determination of Ochratoxin A in 
Cereals, Green Coffee, Paprika and Test Solution. EUR 24621 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of 
the European Union; 2010. JRC61709

Lerda D, Hollosi L, López Sánchez P, Szilagyi S, Wenzl T. Report on the 4th Inter-laboratory Comparison Organised 
by the Community Reference Laboratory for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - 15 + 1 EU Priority PAHs in Fish and 
Acetonitrile. EUR 24287 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC57259

Lerda D, Hollosi L, López Sánchez P, Szilagyi S, Wenzl T. Report on the 5th Inter-Laboratory Comparison organised by 
the Community Reference Laboratory for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - 15 + 1 EU Priority PAHs in Edible Oil and 
Acetonitrile. EUR 24317 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC57807

Lerda D, López Sánchez P, Szilagyi S, Wenzl T. Report on the 6th Inter-Laboratory Comparison Test Organised by the 
European Union Reference Laboratory for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. EUR 24673 EN. Luxembourg (Luxem-
bourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC62544

Stroka J, Breidbach A, Bouten K, Kroeger-Negoita K, Ambrosio M, Lerda D. Report of the 2009 Proficiency Test of the 
Community Reference Laboratory for Mycotoxins, for the Network of National Reference Laboratories, Regarding the 
Determination of T-2 and HT-2 Toxins in Cereal Products. EUR 24315 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications 
Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC57772

Stroka J, Breidbach A, Bouten K, Kroeger-Negoita K, Mischke C. Validation of an Analytical Method to Determine the 
Content of Fumonisins in Baby Food, Breakfast Cereals and Animal Feed. EUR 24501 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): 
Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC59960

Von Holst C, Simone G, Petrova J, Pinto Marcolino Gomes C, Drooghmans M, De Smet M, Robouch P. Community 
Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives – Annual Report, Authorisation Activities 2009. EUR 24617 EN. Luxembourg 
(Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC61875

NUCLEAR PHYSICS:

Hambsch F, editor. EFNUDAT Fast Neutrons – Proceedings of the Scientific Workshop on Neutron Measurements, 
Theory and Applications – Nuclear Data for Sustainable Nuclear Energy – 28-30 April 2009, Geel, Belgium. EUR 23883 
EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC56548

Maslov V, Pronyaev V, Tetereva N, Kolesov A, Zolotarev K, Granier T, Hambsch F. Neutron Data Evaluation of 237Np. 
Vienna (Austria): International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); 2010. JRC62793

Mccourt J, Bickel M. Programme of Pre-accession “Improving Chemical and Ionising Radiation Metrology” in Turkey 
– Inception Phase Report. Geel (Belgium): European Commission – Joint Research Centre – IRMM; 2010. JRC57848

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Mccourt J. Programme of Pre-Accession Assistance “Improving Chemical and Ionising Radiation Metrology” in Tur-
key – First Interim Report. EUR 24549 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 
2010. JRC61020

Plompen A, editor. NEMEA-5 Neutron Measurements, Evaluations and Applications – Nuclear Data for Sustainable 
Nuclear Energy: Proceedings of the CANDIDE Workshop, 27-29 October 2008. EUR 24692 EN. Luxembourg (Luxem-
bourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC62727

Spasova Y, Vasile M. Homogeneity Measurements for the EC Intercomparison Radioactivity in Soil. EUR 24649EN. 
Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2010. JRC56947

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EUR 24820 EN – Joint Research Centre – Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements

Annual Report 2010

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Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union

2011 – 48 pp. – 21.0 x 29.7 cm
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Abstract
This annual report of the JRC Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements describes 
the research highlights in 2010.

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