Food Hygiene and Safety

We provide the independent, expert, scientific backup to enforcement specialists in Environmental Health and Trading Standards. We investigate and report on complaints made about food contamination. Our team of experienced scientists regularly test food and drinks for composition, quality, spoilage, additives and contaminants. We also monitor and advise on food labelling.

Our laboratory is appointed as one of the EU Official Food Testing Laboratories.

The range of testing offered to clients includes:

Nutrition Analysis

Energy, carbohydrates (including sugars), protein, vitamins, minerals, fats (including saturates, monounsaturates and polyunsaturates), cholesterol, dietary fibre and sodium.

Composition Analysis

Meat content of meat products, meat species identification, milk and beer for added water, alcoholic drinks for alcohol content and spirits for brand substitution.

Consumer Complaints

Foreign bodies, unusual taste or odour, mould, and infestation by insects or larvae.

Trace Element Analysis

A range of micro nutrient elements can be determined including copper, calcium, iron and zinc as well as toxic constituents including lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury.

Food additives Analysis

Food colourings, sweeteners, preservatives, antioxidants

Food Labelling

Nutrition labelling, misleading descriptions

Pesticide Residue Analysis

Fresh fruit and vegetables

Others

Many other tests can be carried out and are too numerous to show here. If you have a query, or want a test done, contact us and we will try to help.

Charges

Details of charges for analysis and scientific advice can be obtained from the contact numbers given below.

Contact Details

E-mail: Scientific Services

Tel: 0191 3834232
Fax: 0191 3834234