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 (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.

Foreign body quiz

Contact Us

If you would like further information about foreign bodies in food please email us at info@campden.co.uk or call our switchboard on +44(0)1386 842000 and they will be happy to direct your call to the relevant person.