Laboratory Accreditation (CLAS)

CLAS (the Campden Laboratory Accreditation Scheme) is the leading independent laboratory accreditation scheme for food industry laboratories. CLAS was established specifically to meet the need for a recognised standard for food, drink and allied laboratories.

It will help these in achieving consistent, reliable and verifiable results. Nowadays this is often seen as essential in securing relationships with existing clients and acquiring new ones.

What is CLAS?

• Addresses principles of International Laboratory Quality Standard ISO 17025
• Sets standards for good laboratory practice
• Complies with BRC Global Standard - Food
• Broad Applicability
  – Food, Drink, Water, Environmental, Cereal, Toiletries, Raw Materials
  – Microbiology, Chemistry, Milling, Sensory
• Over 260 laboratories accredited annually (~80% UK ~20% overseas)
• Practical, prompt, efficient accreditation service operated under Campden BRI ISO 9001 certification

Benefits of CLAS

• Verifies technical competence
• Gives confidence in results
• Single audit to meet all business/customer needs
• Assists Due Diligence Defence
• Contributes to other quality systems/certifications (e.g. BRC, ISO 9000)
• Experienced technically competent assessors
• Clear reporting and categorisation of audit findings

Added value built into assessments

• Positive feedback
• Advice on resolution of nonconformances
• Suggestions to improve operations and enhance efficiency