BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics (polycarbonate) and epoxy resins since the 1960s. All materials and articles that come into contact with food, from manufacturers' packaging to storage containers should be tested to ensure they are safe for food contact and compliant with the European Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. Recent changes to the Plastics Regulation which were published in February 2018 (Regulation (EU) 2018/213), specifying a decrease in the specific migration limit for BPA as well as new restrictions for BPA in food contact varnished and coated materials and articles, will mean that the challenge for industry will now be more about 'BPA free'.

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Our experts focus on the scientific research relating to intentionally added food components and to those arising from chemical changes during food processing, bioactive chemicals and natural toxicants. Fera is the UK National Reference Laboratory for Mycotoxins, Heavy Metals, Dioxins and PCBs in Dioxins and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in food and feed. 

Fera is a UK National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Veterinary Medicines Residues A6 - chloramphenicol, nitrofurans honey, dapsone, B1, B2a, and B2b - ionophores.

• Multi-Residue
• Single-Residue

Couldn't find the test you want? With a large range of testing abilities, our multi-disciplinary approach gives an overall view of any food issue you may be facing, providing you with the complete information you need to make the strong decisions needed to address these issues.

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With the food industry increasingly subject to scrutiny, testing to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, protecting public health and supporting traceability is a must. Our original thinking has enabled our food safety experts to develop novel analysis techniques. From these techniques we are able to highlight & quantify the presence of a number of analytes across a range of samples to extensive limits of detection.

Fera has established a reputation for implementing new technologies, developing and validating new methodologies and extending the scope of existing methods in order to include new pesticide/matrix combinations and are the UK National Reference Laboratory (NRL) cereals and feeding stuff, fruits and vegetables & single residue methods. Fera has a long history of providing comprehensive surveillance/monitoring services involving the use of multi-residue methods and single/selective methods for pesticides that are not amenable to multi-residue analysis. for Pesticide Residues.  We have many years of experience carrying out pesticides residue testing, providing services across the food supply chain. Our aim is to understand and meet the demands of the customer and to assist with any upcoming and emerging issues. The majority of pesticides can be analysed by multi-residue screening methods, in addition we also offer a range of single residue methods.

• Multi-Residue
• Single-Residue

The balance between growing the food demand of the world population and global agricultural output has dramatically worsened during the recent decades. Plant protection in general and the protection of crops against plant diseases in particular, have an obvious role to play in meeting the growing demand for food quality and quantity. Roughly, direct yield losses caused by pathogens, animals, and weeds, are altogether responsible for losses ranging between 20 and 40 % of global agricultural productivity (Teng and Krupa 1980; Teng 1987; Oerke et al. 1994; Oerke 2006).

There are many diseases, pests and other issues that can arise when growing crops. Identifying these problems is the first step to solving them. Not all conditions can be reversed and some plants may need to be destroyed, but catching the problem early can make all the difference. Pay close attention to the health and vigor of your plants and inspect them closely at the first signs of sickness.

Fera has established the Soil Health Unit to improve understanding of soil management and its effects on crop health and threat control. Our work involves investigating the interactions between soil condition, crops, water and biotic stress – and the environmental factors that influence them.

Diagnose my Crop Problem

Our initial assessment typically includes visual examination of your sample by our plant pathologists to assess the most probable cause and appropriate method of testing (please be aware this does not include screening for viral pathogens). In the event of more than one probable cause (e.g. bacterial and fungal) or further specific testing being required we will contact you to discuss any additional work and costs

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