International Stevia Council Improves Proficiency Testing

BRUSSELS, BelgiumThe International Stevia Council (ISC) is launching a reference benchmark standard in its Proficiency Testing Program (PTP) for stevia leaf extracts. ISC has contracted ChromaDex Corp.® to provide the reference benchmark standard for the next two years.

The aim of the new reference benchmark standard is twofold" said Larry Fernandes, president, ISC. We want to ensure we continue improving our testing capabilities in the PTP by having all participants use the same reference benchmark standard to remove the potential differences attributable to using multiple reference standards. Introducing a common reference baseline across all participants will provide more focused and better guidance as to differences in methods and laboratories practices in the PTP, from a statistical point of view."

The PTP was launched by the ISC in 2011. In addition to members of the ISC, companies, laboratories and research organizations can also participate in the PTP.