Improved metal analysis

We have strengthened our chemical contaminant analysis capabilities with a significant investment in a new state–of–the–art inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP–MS). The ICP–MS will be used to quantify the levels of heavy metals and other elemental contaminants in food samples.

Julian South, Head of Chemistry and Biochemistry said: "This new ICP–MS will complement our other analytical equipment, enabling us to process more samples, more quickly and to lower detection levels. Commonly, we test for the levels of metals such as lead in cereals, cadmium in cocoa beans, arsenic in rice and mercury in fish. There are many further elements that we test for and this new addition will greatly enhance our capabilities.

A current concern is nickel, and we will be able to offer the highest sensitivity for this at a time when stringent limits are being considered by EFSA. The new instrument will also enable us to deal with challenging food types where, previously, problems have been encountered due to interferences between elements."

Contact: Julian South
+44(0)1386 842293
julian.south@campdenbri.co.uk