NRC Cherkizovo is accredited to detect coronavirus RNA in the external environment

In March, the Research Center of Cherkizovo Group PJSC (Cherkizovo Research Center) became the first private laboratory in the country accredited to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in environmental samples. This was reported by the press center of the holding.

In the course of the procedure for expanding the scope of accreditation at the Association of Analytical Centers (AAC) "Analytics", the specialists of the Cherkizovo Research Center confirmed their competence both in 94 previously declared methods for studying raw materials, animal feed, food, packaging and environmental objects, and in four new directions of laboratory activity.

According to Sergey Shapovalov, DIRECTOR of the Cherkizovo Research Center, obtaining accreditation for the determination of the covid-19 pathogen in environmental samples is an extremely important event for the entire company. it proves not only the high professionalism of the employees, but also the commitment of the center to the best practices in the field of quality control and product safety. 

To date, Cherkizovo Research Center has been recognized as one of the most technologically advanced laboratories in terms of the level of instrumental base required by the holding as the leader of the Russian MEAT market and a major exporter of animal products. The right to conduct such a relevant virological test in the corporate center will provide an additional guarantee of the safety of Cherkizovo products for Russian and foreign partners.

Cherkizovo Group supplies food products to the markets of Southeast Asia, the CIS and the Middle East. At the end of 2020, the volume of exports amounted to approximately 85 thousand tons and grew by 70% year on year. The main driver of supply chain development is chicken meat products. The volume of shipment of goods of this category abroad last year approached 61,000 tons.

Since 2009 AAC "Analytics" has been participating in a multilateral agreement on mutual recognition of the equivalence of accreditation results, supported by the international laboratory accreditation organization ILAC. 

The agreement with ILAC was signed by accreditation bodies from more than 100 countries, including the countries of the European Union, Great Britain, the usa and CHINA. In RUSSIA, such agreements were concluded by two organizations - AAC "Analytics" and the Federal Service for Accreditation (Rosakkreditatsiya).

Cherkizovo Research Center, which opened in 2016, has become the only European-level laboratory complex specializing in research and development of food products in the domestic agribusiness. Investments in its creation exceeded €10 million. 

Within the walls of the Cherkizovo Research Center, about 1,000 tests are performed annually, including the most complex laboratory tests in all areas of the agro-industrial complex. In addition, the staff of the center is engaged in research work in the fields of genomics, molecular biology, analytical chemistry and veterinary and sanitary expertise.