LFGB Data collections

Since 1980 an updated version of the Official collection of methods for sampling and examining foods, additives, products which could be mistaken for foods, tobacco products, cosmetics and commodities has been published every year in accordance with § 64 of the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB), § 35 of the Draft Tobacco Regulation and § 28b Genetic Engineering Act (GenTG). From September 2002, these methods are available in an online database.

The Official Collection mainly contains analytical and sampling methods examined in inter-laboratory tests, which have been developed or selected by working groups of BfR (formerly BgVV) or DIN (German Standards Institute) with the support of experts from the areas of control, science and industry. Furthermore, it contains "preliminary methods (V)" from the fields of plant protection and residues of veterinary medicinal products which can already be used.

Finally, the Official Collection contains references to a series of methods published elsewhere which thus have official standing. The online database does not contain the full text of these methods. This applies, amongst other things, to specific analytical methods for residues of plant protection products and pesticides. They are available and can be used as a separate collection on the BfR homepage (link, see below).

The database, which is managed by Beuth Verlag (publishing house), permits the rapid sourcing of the required examination methods using different criteria, for instance field, the examination parameter to be determined or the method number.

It is possible to search for examination methods without registering. A fee is only charged for access to the full descriptions of the methods. The database will not replace the print version of the collection. The print version will also be available in future in loose-leaf form from Beuth Verlag.