Case Studies
Strict legislation and demands for higher quality increase the pressure on producers and retailers to ensure that the products they sell are of the highest standards possible. Increased public awareness will also exascerbate ‘the compensation culture’ where customers make fraudulent claims for financial gain.
Foreign bodies are arguably, the most significant source of customer complaints in the food and bevearge industry. Despite best practice, HACCP and increased hygiene standards,the accidental inclusion of unwanted matter in products can occur in even the best-managed processes.
Typical injuries reported to this company ‘allegedly’ as a result of foreign body incidents include;
- choking
- cuts
- broken teeth
- food poisoning
- chemical poisoning
- emotional trauma
Some recent case histories:
- Fragments of broken glass allegedly found in a cereal product by a consumer were submitted to our company for analysis. The fragments were examined under light microscopy before detailed analysis using Electron Microscopy with X-Ray microanalysis facility. The fragments were identified as a mixture of different types of glass, including light bulb glass and ornamental glass. There was no link established between the glass samples and the producer. The complaint was subsequently withdrawn.
- The partial remains of a white substance (alleged tablet) were submitted for analysis. Analysis by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed. The tablet was identified as Xatral, an Alpha Blocker used for treatment of benign prostatic hyperthrophy.
- A fragment of alleged metal was submitted for analysis. The object was examined under light microscopy before detailed analysis using Electron Microscopy with X-Ray microanalysis facility. The elemental composition of the sample combined with its morphology confirmed it to be a dental amalgam (filling). Compacted food residue was also noted on the sample.
- A biscuit product containing small, dark coloured fragments was submitted for analysis. The product was examined under light microscopy as submitted. The fragments were identified as the elytra (wing cases) of a beetle. The beetle fragments were sourced to a group of insects known as the Drug Store Beetle or the Biscuit Beetle. An inspection of the records from the company’s pest control contractor showed that beetles were found on the premises in monitoring traps earlier in the year. These were found to be the same species as the beetles found in the biscuit product. An alkaline phosphatase test on the fragments confirmed that they had been exposed to a temperature consistent with the baking of the product.
- A small glass fragment allegedly found in a food product was submitted for investigation. Elemental analysis using Electron Microscopy with X-Ray microanalysis facility showed a Barium content in the glass consistent with that found in a light bulb.
- A fragment of alleged foreign matter was submitted for anaysis. The sample was analysed using Fourier Transform Infra–Red spectroscopy (FTI-R). The sample was identified as a polycarbonate consistent with a control sample submitted for comparative purposes.