Foreign materials and objects found in food may be introduced with the raw materials, arise from plant problems in the manufacturer's process, or occur at the pint of retail sale. Following the discovery of a foreign object, believed to be glass, one such manufacturer needed to determine what the material was and where it originated from in order to report back to the distributor and consumer, and ease their concerns.
Food Analysis Case Study
HRL provides in-depth insights on foreign material for major food manufacturer
Challenge
Solution
With vast experience investigating foreign materials found in food, the client engaged HRL to complete a thorough investigation. Using a scanning electromicroscope, HRL completed an elemental analysis assessing where the glass originated from based on its appearance and composition. Based on this assessment, HRL was able to identify where the glass was likely to have come from and how it might have ended up in the food product.
These insights, supported by comprehensive graphics and photos, were presented to the client in a thorough investigative report. This report was fit for use in court, had the consumer chosen to take further action.
Results
The client was very happy with the work completed by HRL, which allowed them to finalise their investigations and ensure that this situation be avoided in future. The client has since engaged HRL on an ongoing basis to investigate the origins of other foreign materials.
