Acceptance of analytical methods for implementation of EU legislation with a focus on mycotoxins

This paper gives in overview on current strategies and prospectives Of analytical methods as a tool for implementation of regulatory limits and trade specifications. Examples are given on mycotoxins that have been selected on the basis of being currently relevant contaminants in food and animal feed. Further information is given on methodological demands and limits, legal and normative frameworks and commonly accepted procedures for the implementation and acceptance of analytical methods as,confirmatory methods', 'screening methods', and strategies for measurement as well as for prevention. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.