Laboratory performance on analysis of mandatory nutrients and preparation of nutrition labelling

This study assessed the performance of 17 laboratories in Thailand in analysing mandatory nutrients in salted, fried broad bean and in using data to prepare nutrition labels. Nutrient levels in the test material, as robust mean (x∗) and robust standard deviation (s∗), were assigned in line with ISO 13528. Data obtained from the laboratories were statistically evaluated against these values. Laboratories with satisfactory, questionable and unsatisfactory results for each nutrient were identified based on robust z-score. Laboratories achieving satisfactory analytical results (z-score ⩽ 2) were for lipid, 82%; protein, 85%; Na, 82%; Ca, 62%; Fe, 81%; ash, 70%; and moisture, 62%. Reference values for some nutrients in broad bean powder were developed using data from satisfactorily performing laboratories. Less than 20% of the laboratories demonstrated good performance in preparing nutrition labels. Common mistakes were the nutrition information format, estimation of serving size and serving(s) per package.

► The study is a model to assess laboratory performance on nutrition labelling.
► Test material was salted, fried broad beans with high lipid but sufficient homogeneity.
► Laboratories performed well on lipid, protein, Na, Ca and Fe analyses.
► Mistakes were commonly made in estimating serving size and servings per package.
► Post-performance testing technical meeting benefited subsequent analytical performance.