NAQS evaluates 51 agencies to ensure agricultural safety

The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAQS) has launched an evaluation of 51 safety testing and inspection agencies across South Korea to ensure the accuracy of harmful substance analysis. The assessment, which runs from late August through October, aims to verify that these institutions can reliably detect residues such as pesticides, heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms in agricultural products.

Following international standards (ISO), the evaluation uses a proficiency testing method. Agencies are rated as ‘good’ if their analysis results fall within a statistical tolerance range (a z-score of |z| ≤ 2). The results of these tests are critical, as they serve as the legal basis for safety measures, including the postponement of shipments or the disposal of non-compliant agricultural products.

For agencies that fall outside the acceptable range, the NAQS will investigate technical causes and provide support for improvement or take necessary regulatory actions. Additionally, the agency plans to conduct capacity-building training for analysis personnel in October to strengthen national food safety inspection capabilities.