navigation bar image
Food chemistry

Foreign body identification scheme


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 (CCFRA) 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 CCFRA and involves a wide range of laboratories in terms of facilities, skills and services.

Scope of Accredited Services

Contact: info@campden.co.uk

Telephone: +44(0)1386 842000

We are constantly developing and refining our services.
If the service you require is not listed please contact us and we will try to help.

Other chemistry services
Services menu
CCFRA home page