National Cereals and Produce Board aflatoxin testing laboratories get accredited
The National Cereals and Produce Board testing laboratories were accredited to ISO 17025:2017 after fulfilling the general requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories. The ceremony for handing over the ceremonial accreditation certificate occurred at NCPD’s Head Office in Nairobi. The occasion was witnessed by the Managing Director, Mr. Samuel K Ndungu, and other members of the management team. KENAS was represented by the CEO, Dr. Walter Ongeti, and the Testing Manager, Felista Nyakoe amongst other staff members.
NCPD plays a critical role in the maize value chain. Aflatoxin, a family of toxins produced by certain fungi that can contaminate crops in the field, at harvest, and during storage has brought a food security challenge. The accreditation of five out of ten of its aflatoxin testing laboratories across the country affirms its level of commitment and boosts its image. This means that if you want to test for aflatoxin, NCPB is the place to go.
“It’s exciting to engage with accreditation. If anything, as we continually improve our processes we will be ready to expand and strengthen our scope to include fertilizer and other cereals testing,” said Mr. Samuel Ndungu. He was grateful for the benefits that NCPB will obtain from accreditation as the maize produce has undergone rigorous tests to ensure it's okay for public consumption. “Every maize intake point for NCPB has an aflatoxin testing laboratory and therefore the scope can only be bigger”, Mr. Samuel reiterated. The accredited laboratories also come as a market opportunity as other organizations may test their samples in these labs leading to revenue generation. KENAS will also provide technical assistance to ensure that the remaining testing laboratories are accredited.
Accreditation affirms the proficiency, traceability of results, credibility criteria, and testing standards for testing laboratories. The credibility of results which bring about public confidence, reliability, and also global acceptance against the international standard places NCPB in a very strategic position. While directly benefiting NCPB in meeting food safety standards, public health, and trade requirements, it also helps to identify such institutions as competent. This ensures the safety and quality of products before reaching consumers.
