Food PT scheme sample instruction sheet
European Food Microbiology Legislation

The final date for return of results is indicated on the accompanying request/report form

Contact details:
The Organisers - FEPTU
UK Health Security Agency
61 Colindale Avenue,
London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8327 7119
e-mail: foodeqa@ukhsa.gov.uk
Results should be returned on-line using the web-based reporting system. Go to: www.phe-eqa.org.uk. You will need your log-in details for this process. Please contact us if you experience problems with the on-line system.

European Food Microbiology Legislation Scheme – Instruction Sheet

Each distribution consists of three LENTICULE® discs in screw-cap plastic vials (with desiccant). The LENTICULE discs require reconstitution by a process of re-hydration and dispersion prior to examination.

Refer also to the Safety Data Sheet: Safety data sheet - LENTICULE

For a video on sample processing: Processing samples - European Food Law

Storage:

  • Store the samples at –20 ± 5ºC on receipt.
  • Allow the LENTICULE discs to reach ambient temperature (5 - 10 minutes) before re-hydrating in diluent.

Reconstitution:

  • Open the sample container and transfer the LENTICULE disc into 100mL buffered peptone water (BPW).
  • Leave at ambient temperature for a minimum of 10 minutes to hydrate.
  • Ensure that the LENTICULE disc has completely hydrated and disperse the inoculum by inverting approximately 30 times.

Examination:

  • Each reconstituted sample is equivalent to a 100g food sample.
  • Undertake sample examination between 30 - 45 minutes after reconstitution.
  • Examine in accordance with routine procedures.

Return of Results:

  • Return your results on-line using the web-based reporting system.
  • Return results to the organisers before the deadline shown on the request/report form.
  • Results returned after that date will not be assessed.