Food Clinic
Whether you're investigating a contamination event, an unexpected test result, a quality issue or an unknown substance in your product, we provide rapid expert assessment and testing to help you understand what's happening and what to do next.
What we do
The Food Clinic is Fera's dedicated diagnostic and problem-solving service for food businesses. Whether you're investigating a contamination event, an unexpected test result, a quality issue or an unknown substance in your product, we provide rapid expert assessment and testing to help you understand what's happening and what to do next.
Contamination investigation
Something unexpected in your product? We identify contaminants (chemical, microbial or physical) and help you understand the source and scale of the problem so you can take the best remedial action.
Unknown substance identification
We identify unknown materials found in food products or production environments, from foreign bodies to unexpected residues.
Rapid incident response
When time matters, we move quickly. Our scientists mobilise fast to support product recalls, complaints investigations or regulatory enquiries.
Quality failure diagnosis
Unexplained spoilage, off-flavours, texture changes or shelf-life failures, we apply targeted analytical science to get to the root cause quickly.
Allergen and labelling verification
Working with trusted partners, we help to verify that what's on your label matches what's in your product, supporting compliance and protecting your customers.
Regulatory and defence support
If you're facing regulatory scrutiny or need robust scientific evidence to defend a claim or decision, our experts can provide the analysis and expert testimony you need.
Tell us what you're dealing with and we'll tell you how we can help
Get in touchWho we work with
The Food Clinic works with food manufacturers, retailers, brand owners, importers and foodservice businesses. Whether you're a large producer managing a complex supply chain or a smaller business dealing with an unexpected issue, we have the expertise to help.
Why bring your food problem to Fera
1.
Depth of expertise
Our food scientists span chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology. Complex problems rarely have simple causes — we're equipped to investigate all of them.
2.
Accredited, defensible results
Many of our methods are accredited to ISO17025, so our findings hold up in regulatory, legal and commercial contexts.
3.
Fast turnaround when it matters
We understand that food safety and quality incidents don't wait. We prioritise urgent work and give you clear answers quickly.
4.
We go beyond the result
We don't just deliver data. We interpret what it means for your product, your process and your next step.
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