Campden BRI receives UKAS accreditation for ergot mycotoxin testing method
Campden BRI, the specialist providing technical, legislative and scientific support and research to the food and drinks industry worldwide, is pleased to announce that it has received UKAS accreditation for its ergot mycotoxin testing method. Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins which mainly affect cereals including wheat, rye, barley and oats and can cause issues via long-term dietary exposure.
Campden BRI is one of the few companies currently providing this testing service in the UK. The company has developed a sensitive mass spectrometry-based method to detect the six major ergot alkaloids defined by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (ergometrine, ergotamine, ergosine, ergocristine, ergocryptine and ergocornine) and their corresponding epimers at levels as low as 1µg/kg. The new accreditation provides reassurance that Campden BRI’s ergot testing service is impartial and competent, and meets internationally agreed standards.
Julian South, Head of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Campden BRI comments: “Here at Campden BRI, we have been carrying out ergot testing for several years to help manufacturers working with cereals and grains maintain the quality and safety of their products. EFSA has proposed that in 2017 maximum levels will be set for alkaloids in unprocessed grain. Our UKAS accredited method will help our clients ensure their products meet the legal requirements.”
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole national accreditation body recognised by the British government to assess the competence of organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.
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