The Chemistry and Sensory Analysis Laboratory of ACOS was recognized by the General Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development (DGADR) as an "Official Laboratory", reinforcing its role in the control and certification of agri-food products. The recognition results from the assessment of the laboratory's technical and operational conditions, with DGADR highlighting that the facility has the specialised knowledge, equipment and infrastructure required, as well as sufficient personnel with appropriate qualifications, training and experience, ensuring impartiality and absence of conflicts of interest.
As an "Official Laboratory", the ACOS facility commits to carrying out analyses, tests and laboratory diagnostics on samples collected within the scope of Organic Production, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG), whenever requested by DGADR. The recognition covers the nine tests currently accredited by the Portuguese Accreditation Institute (IPAC), under the NP EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
Operating since 2012, the laboratory received this year the renewal of accreditation by IPAC for chemical analyses of olive oil and olives, as well as the extension of accreditation to new chemical analyses and to sensory analysis of virgin olive oil. This latter function is provided by the ACOS Tasters Panel, created in collaboration with the Centre for Agricultural and Agri-food Biotechnology of Alentejo (CEBAL).
With the approach of the olive harvest campaign, the laboratory is preparing to reinforce its team to meet the expected increase in demand. Samples will be received from producers, cooperatives, packers and exporters across the country, as well as from Spain. This recognition represents a new step in consolidating the laboratory's activity and in strengthening the capacity to respond to the needs of the olive sector, both nationally and internationally.
