Analysis of foodstuffs and consumer products

Official and private laboratories analyse foodstuffs and consumer products. The network of national reference laboratories ensures that the official analyses in Switzerland are conducted according to uniform methods and European standards.

When analysing foodstuffs and consumer products, the laboratories check that products do not pose any health risks and that they do not mislead consumers. To this end, the official and private laboratories use scientifically recognised and in some cases legally required methods.

Role of the national reference laboratories

Switzerland’s national reference laboratories ensure that the official laboratories use uniform analysis methods. They are integrated in the European network of reference laboratories. They therefore function as interfaces between the European reference laboratories and Switzerland’s official and private laboratories.

The national reference laboratories are designated by the federal government. Mandates generally run for five years. The tasks of these laboratories include:

  • collaboration with European reference laboratories
  • coordinating the activities of the official laboratories in connection with analysis methods
  • passing on information from the European reference laboratories to the FSVO and official laboratories, and
  • providing scientific and technical support to the FSVO.

Sampling and analysis procedures

The requirements of the procedures for taking samples and analysis are set out in two ordinances:

The procedures themselves are described in the ordinances below and are available from the Swiss Association for Standardisation (SNV) The laboratories are required to use the appropriate method for every analysis.

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