Foreign body identification scheme

Foreign body identification

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The FOBS scheme enables food industry laboratories to check their competence in the identification of foreign bodies reported from food. It also enables them to benchmark their performance by anonymously comparing their performance with other laboratories in the field.

A foreign body sample is circulated to all participating laboratories, who each examine the sample using their normal method, and then report their conclusion. Recent examples include fragments of stone reported from bread (which was reported to have damaged a tooth, resulting in a dental claim) and a fragment of glass from a fluorescent tube reported from a sandwich. The FOBS Secretariat (at Campden BRI) then compiles a report which is circulated to all participants.

Using a code system enables each laboratory to identify its own entry and compare this with that of others, without disclosing the identity of the other participants. The scheme is open to both members and non-members of Campden BRI and involves a wide range of laboratories in terms of facilities, skills and services.

Key services

Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis

Understanding the chemical make-up of your products is essential.

Physical contaminants

Physical contaminants

Identification of unwanted physical objects present in a product.

Packaging down the microscope

Packaging down the microscope

Microscopy use a range of techniques to examine packaging materials including plastic and metal.

Structure and physical properties

Structure and physical properties

Methods for objective characterisation of food structure and physical properties.

Method development and evaluation

Method development and evaluation

Development of a robust methods for analysis and testing.

Foreign body identification

Foreign body identification

Identification of unwanted physical objects present in a product.

Foreign body ID scheme

Foreign body identification scheme

Run independently from our own foreign body laboratory, the FOBS scheme enables other laboratories to check their competence in the identification of foreign bodies.

Cereals and milling services

Cereals and milling services

Cereals and milling testing services information, pricing and submission.

Meat, poultry and seafood analysis

Meat, poultry and seafood analysis

Analysis supporting meat, poultry and seafood suppliers, manufacturers and retailers.

Herbs and spices analysis

Herbs and spices analysis

Ensure the safety and quality of your herbs and spices.

Food analysis and testing

Explore our analysis and testing related courses including; calculating meat content and wine analysis

View courses

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Where we refer to UKAS Accreditation

The Campden BRI group companies listed below are accredited in accordance with the recognised International Standard ISO17025:2017 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The accreditation demonstrates technical competence for a defined scope of methods, specific to each site, as detailed in the schedules of accreditation bearing the testing laboratory number. The schedules may be revised from time to time and reissued by UKAS. The most recent issue of the schedules are available from the UKAS website www.ukas.com. Campden BRI (Chipping Campden) Limited is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 1079

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