Foreign body identification
To discuss your needs
A foreign body is an unwanted physical object present in a food or drink product. Here at Campden BRI we have a dedicated Microscopy team who are able to identify many different types of foreign bodies, using our extensive expertise, techniques and suite of state-of-the-art equipment listed below.
Techniques and equipment
Light microscopy – stereo and compound microscopes
Stereo Microscope – Used to assist with visualising minute detail and gain a detailed view of the foreign body.
Compound Microscope – Commonly used to identify organic matter and surface deposits removed from a foreign body which may indicate contact with a product.
X–ray microanalysis
A non–destructive technique which allows the elemental composition of a sample to be identified. Elemental composition is a key feature in identifying a wide range of samples. In addition to determining the elemental composition of a sample, the Carl Zeiss Evo 60 Scanning Electron Microscope, alongside the x-ray analyser can be used to map the distribution of elements over an area of a sample.
Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FT–IR)
A technique which produces a spectrum of infrared absorption of a sample when an infrared beam is projected onto it. This spectrum is then compared against a vast library of reference data.
Phosphatase test
Heat processing of many animal/insect samples can denature enzymes within the tissues of the sample. A phosphatase test is a chemical test which aims to identify whether the phosphatase enzyme, is active or if has been denatured due to heat processing.
Blood test
A chemical test can be used to determine the presence of peroxidase-like activity, which is exhibited by the haemoglobin of all red blood cells. This test will give a presumptive result for the presence of blood.
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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