Eurofins obtains MHLW accreditation in Japan
Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), the global leader in food testing, announces that it has obtained the coveted accreditation from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW)1, reflecting the quality of the Group's analytical capabilities and the strength of its systems and processes across the network. Eurofins is currently the only foreign-owned independent laboratory in the country to hold the accreditation2, which not only allows the Group to provide both domestic and global customers analytical services to comply with MHLW's stringent testing requirements for importing food products into the country, but also to bid for government contracts.
As the fourth largest food importer in the world3, Japan imports 60% of its locally-consumed food4, making management of the domestic food chain complex. The MHLW therefore grants its food testing accreditation only after thorough auditing process of the laboratory, its analytical methods, internal processes and management capability. Whilst the accreditation provides Eurofins' greater access and credibility in the Japanese food testing market, customers and local consumers will also benefit from Eurofins' expertise in food analysis and its unparalleled database of global food contaminants compiled over the years from across the world.
Eurofins currently has 6 sites in Japan, with food testing activities performed at its site in Yokohama, where the Group employs over 170 staff. The addition of this accreditation to its credentials should allow the Group to reach out to more clients especially in the Japanese domestic market.
Comments from Dr. Matthias-Wilbur Weber, Eurofins Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific:"The MHLW accreditation reflects the trust and credibility that Eurofins has achieved in the growing APAC markets, by applying the same high standards of quality throughout our network. Whilst our laboratories have been built to meet Western standards and accreditation, 95% of our staff come from the APAC region, and are therefore in-tune with local industry trends and regulations. By doing this, we aim to be the partner of choice for customers who care about the consistent quality of their products uniformly across all their markets".
1 Eurofins MHLW accreditation scope: Pesticides, Heavy Metals and Mycotoxins
2 This information is based on the list of registered laboratories published by MHLW on April 2013
3 World Trade Organization International Trade Statistics 2013 http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/its2013_e/its13_merch_trade_product_e.pdf
4 US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/international-markets-trade/countries-regions/japan/trade.aspx
For more information, please visit www.eurofins.com or contact:
Eurofins Investor Relations Phone: +32-2-766 1620 E-mail: ir@eurofins.com |
Notes for the editor:
Eurofins - a global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins Scientific is the world leader in food and pharmaceutical products testing. It is also number one in the world in the field of environmental laboratory services and one of the global market leaders in agroscience, genomics and central laboratory services.
With over 15,000 staff in more than 190 laboratories across 36 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 100,000 reliable analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin and purity of biological substances and products. The Group provides its customers with high-quality services, accurate results on time and expert advice by its highly qualified staff.
Eurofins is committed to pursuing its dynamic growth strategy by expanding both its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in the field of biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and the most comprehensive range of testing methods.
As one of the most innovative and quality oriented international players in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients' increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the expanding demands of regulatory authorities around the world.
The shares of Eurofins Scientific are listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).
Important disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgement of Eurofins Scientific’ management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the data available to the Company as of the date of publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity.