Proficiency testing catalogue - LGC Standards

QGS - Gelatine schemeFoodPT schemesThe Quality in Gelatine Scheme (QGS) hasbeen developed in collaboration with the tradebody, Gelatine Manufacturers of Europe (GME).GME members account for nearly half of theworldwide gelatine production and the keyrole of the GME is to ensure that gelatine ismanufactured to a consistently high qualityfor the benefit of gelatine customers andconsumers.Gelatine is a pure protein obtained from animalraw materials containing collagen and is typicallyproduced in two grades as far as microbiologicalspecification is concerned – food grade andpharmaceutical grade.Gelatine is an excellent nutrient for most bacteriaand for this reason the manufacturing processeshave to avoid contamination otherwise thesafety and/or quality of the gelatine could beaffected. QGS test materials are available on agelatine hydrolysate matrix in order to representa realistic challenge, and include the relevantmicroorganisms for laboratories involved in thequality control analysis of gelatine. Test materialquantities are supplied as either 10 g forenumeration of indicator organisms or 25 g fordetection of pathogens.Test materialGelatine HydrolysateAnalytesEnumeration:Sulphite-reducing bacteria,Total aerobic mesophilic count.Presence/absence:Clostridium perfringens,Coliforms, Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus,Salmonella species.Note: Test materials and analytes may be added or removed, pleasesee current application form.The full range and availability of test materialsin QGS is determined on an annual basis andfurther details can be found in the QGSapplication form and scheme description.16 Tel: +44 (0)161 762 2500 Fax: +44 (0)161 762 2501