Matprøver

Matprøver refers to portions of food that are selected from production, processing, distribution, or sale for laboratory testing. The aim is to assess safety, quality, and authenticity, and to verify compliance with regulatory standards such as labeling, nutrition declarations, and permissible levels of contaminants or allergens. Matprøver may be drawn from production lots, retail samples, or imported goods to enable traceability and monitoring across the supply chain.

Sampling and handling are guided by official guidelines or industry standards. Methods include random, systematic, stratified, or targeted sampling, chosen according to product type, risk factors, and regulatory requirements. A strict chain of custody and proper handling from collection to analysis helps ensure sample integrity and credible results.

Analyses conducted on matprøver cover microbiological safety (pathogens and spoilage organisms), chemical contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents), additives and preservatives, nutritional content, and allergen presence. In some cases, labeling accuracy, authenticity, and sensory attributes are evaluated as well. Results are used by authorities to take corrective actions such as recalls or warnings, and by producers and retailers to improve processes and compliance.

Limitations include the representativeness of a single sample, potential sampling bias, and the limits of analytical methods. Despite these, matprøver are a fundamental tool in food safety oversight and quality control, providing objective data to protect consumers and support trustworthy markets.