Maintaining Analytical Standards for the Irish Dairy Industry
The Technical Service Laboratory at Teagasc Moorepark Food Research centre, plays a crucial role in maintaining milk testing accuracy and consistency across Ireland’s dairy sector. Accredited to ISO 17025:2017, the lab delivers independent and transparent analytical testing services that support farmers, cooperatives, and milk testing facilities across the country.
Milk Standard Subscription Service
Operating 51 weeks each year, the lab supplies raw milk composition check materials with accredited certificates of analysis detailing fat, protein, and total solids. These are used by co-ops and testing laboratories as quality control checks to ensure the precision of rapid infrared milk analysers, the systems used to calculate farmer payments. This service provides reassurance and transparency in the payment process.
Proficiency Scheme
The lab also manages a Proficiency Scheme that anonymously monitors milk testing laboratories across Ireland. This scheme tracks the accuracy of milk composition determinations, ensuring consistent and reliable results across the industry.
Milk Sample Testing for Farmers
Farmers can avail of two key testing options through the Technical Service Laboratory:
- Individual Sample Milk Testing: Farmers may drop off milk samples at Moorepark for analysis, with results sent directly by text message.
- Split Sampling Scheme: Farmers can request their co-op to take a split sample, which is analysed independently at the lab. A compositional certificate is provided alongside the results, ensuring impartial verification.
Technical Team Roles
A dedicated team of laboratory technicians carry out a range of analytical services, including:
- Preparation of milk standards and mineral analyses
- Functional tests on client samples, including split sampling and individual farmer analyses
- Volatile compound analysis of foods and beverages using GC-MS
- Quantification of fatty acids in milk and dairy products
Contact
For more information contact
Prof. John Tobin john.tobin@teagasc.ie