From November 2014 newsletter
Oats methods
Our Cereals and Cereal Applications Testing Working Group
(CCAT) has expanded its scope to include oats in its new
methods and method revalidation. This is part of our increased
activity in oat science and technology. We asked Mervin Poole
about CCAT and the expansion of research into oats.
So what does CCAT do?
"CCAT validates cereal–testing methods for their accuracy and
precision. It runs its own proficiency schemes to support the
application of the methods, and it provides a forum to discuss
and establish best practice. It recently published a method for
the determination of ergot in cereals. With oats in the scope of
the method it becomes a valuable tool for the oat community."
And who is in CCAT?
"CCAT is open to all of our members – typically plant breeders,
millers, processors and equipment manufacturers. It's a very
good example of how we bring together primary producers and
processors with their suppliers. Its work has been supported by
member–funded research projects for over a decade. It next
meets on 12 November."
And how does this fit in with Campden BRI's
interest in oats?
"A recent investment in a dehuller completed our state-of-theart
oat processing facilities, meaning that we can now hull, heat
treat and flake oats. We also provide a lipase and peroxidise
testing service to support the validation of oat stabilisation by
heat treatment.
Our dynamic image analysis system can measure the particle size
and shape of both oat flakes and fines in a single process. This
allows fine tuning of the performance of oats and oat processes
at a level not previously possible.
In 2013, we ran a hugely successful oats seminar, which brought
the entire supply chain together in one forum."
Contact: Mervin Poole
+44(0)1386 842287
mervin.poole@campdenbri.co.uk