Food Analysis Services in the UK

The survival of every human depends on food so it becomes critical to maintain both safety and contamination-free food in tours. Food testing involves laboratory evaluation of food samples to detect and measure dangerous pollutants and harmful agents, including bacteria, along with viruses, chemicals, and other dangerous substances. Food Analysis Services in the UK exist to guarantee that the food items maintain their safety along with their lack of harmful contaminants.

METS Laboratories leads the field of food testing innovation by providing state-of-the-art analytical services which unite scientific requirements with industrial sector needs. Protecting public health cuts across with our mission alongside elevating product standards and upholding strict national & international standards and regulatory compliances. Our solution provides custom testing services to various clients who face unique market challenges by applying pioneering technology with deep industry expertise.

Why is Food Testing Crucial?

Tests of food products play an essential role in protecting their safety alongside maintaining their quality standards. Quality testing identifies harmful substances in food that trigger illnesses and allergies together with other health issues in people. Testing functions as the main safeguard of public confidence while ensuring food safety in the modern global food market context. The examination process guides authorities towards discovering contaminated sources so they can apply preventive steps against contamination. Food testing procedures verify that food products fulfil both government requirements and industry mandatory standards. Food industry operators together with consumers need food testing as an essential practice. Food testing enables both consumer trust in food products as well as safety assessment to ensure the products are suitable for consumption.
The test procedures of METS provide complete verification of nutritional elements alongside authenticity assessment which meets regulatory standards. The diverse testing strategies create organizations that protect themselves from legal risks while earning public trust in addition to delivering products beyond customer expectations

UK & European Union Regulatory Requirements for Food

There are several government agencies involved in regulating Food Analysis Services in the UK,

UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency)

UKHSA is a government agency responsible for all health security in England and some reserved public health matters. The United Kingdom as a whole is concerned about health protection. UKHSA collaborates with Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and Northern Ireland’s public health agency, and industry to ensure effective policy response and implementation. These guidelines provide information on the bacteria that cause foodborne disease and those that act as hygiene indicators, on interpretation of test results, comments on poor practices that are probably caused by unfavourable outcomes and recommend suitable public health measures. These guidelines have been expanded to include information on statutory requirements such as for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) testing as well as advice on sampling, transport and test selection.

Regulation of the Commission on Microbiological Standards for Foodstuffs

Compliance with legal regulations is a mandatory requirement. Microbiological criteria in the EU have been harmonised in Community legislation by the European Commission Regulation on Microbiological Criteria for Foodstuffs, Regulation (EC) 2073/2005 as amended (40). This supports the Regulation on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs, Regulation (EC) 852/2004 as amended (3), and the General Food Law Regulation (EC) 178/2002 as amended (45). In addition, the regulation laying down specific rules for food of animal origin Regulation (EC) 853/2004 as amended (46) contains microbiological criteria for live bivalve molluscs, and raw milk is regulated by the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 (47).

European Food Safety Agency (EFSA)

EFSA is responsible for informing the public about food chain hazards and offering independent scientific advice for EU laws and policies in all areas that affect the safety of food and feed. EFSA is primarily a scientific risk assessment body while risk management and decision-making remain the domain of the EU’s institutions: the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. Rules, including recalls, are nevertheless enforced by the Member States.

Controls for Food and Feed

Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of March 15, 2017, on official controls and other official activities, carried out to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, and regulations on plant health and plant protection products, superseded Regulation (EC) No 882/2004.

The 2002 Wales Contaminants in Food Regulations

These Regulations make provision for the enforcement and execution of specified Commission Regulations and Directives concerning official control of the levels of contaminants in foodstuffs. The Regulations provide that it is an offence to,

• Place on the market certain foods if they contain contaminants of any kind specified in the Commission Regulation at levels exceeding those specified.
• Use foods containing such contaminants at such levels as ingredients in the production of certain foods
• Mix foods which comply with the maxima referred to above with foods which do not
• Mix foods to which the Commission Regulation relates and which are intended for direct consumption with foods to which the Commission Regulation relates and which are intended to be sorted or otherwise treated before consumption, or detoxify by chemical treatments food not complying with the limits specified in the Commission Regulation

Food Analysis Services in the UK, as a trusted analytical service provider of third-party evaluation, our highly experienced food analysts can provide a unique global testing experience across all types of food items. We deliver through reliable quality evaluations that your stakeholders can depend on. Through our extensive expertise, we ensure that all aspects of your food products adhere to the necessary compliance and quality regulations in the UK.

Food Safety Requirements in the UK.

Food Analysis Services in the UK is the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), an independent government agency. European Union Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs came into force on the first of January 2006, replacing the food safety regulations of 1995. The food hygiene (England) Regulations 2006

To ensure that the food you serve is safe to consume, good food hygiene is crucial. It helps prevent food poisoning. Our highly experienced technical team, both chemical & microbiological divisions, use state-of-the-art analytical and laboratory equipment to deliver the most accurate chemistry and microbiological results.

Food Standards Act 1999 & Food Standards Agency (FSA) in UK.

Food Analysis Services in the UK are of the utmost importance, for organisations and businesses that deal with the handling or preparation of foods, ensuring that you are complying with food safety laws is a major concern. The Food Standards Act 1999 was created to provide the U.K. Food Standards Agency with powers and authority to execute actions by the food regulations outlined by the government and independent food safety organisations. This grants them access to any stage of the supply and food production chain, which means that people can trust that the food they buy and eat is safe and trustworthy.

The main goal of the Food Standards Act 1999 is to allow for the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to protect the health and safety of the public in the production, preparation, and consumption of food. It gives the FSA the authority and rights to protect the public’s health in any instance where it feels that food safety standards are not up to par or are not following regulations.

In line with the Food Standards Act 1999, food businesses must ensure that they comply with the food safety legislation by;

• Ensuring that they do not include or remove anything from food or treat food in any way that means it would be damaging to the health of people eating it
• Ensuring that served or sold is of the nature, substance or quality that consumers would expect
• Ensuring that the food is labelled, advertised, and presented in a way that is not false or misleading

So, the Food Standards Act 1999 is another key piece of UK legislation that helps to protect the public health of those living in the UK about food. Without its being in effect, the FSA would not have the power it does in our current day and age to behave in a way that is best aligned with consumer interests.

METS-UK offer you an insight into what the Food Standards Act 1999 is, as well as the FSA’s role in relation to this legislation and how this complies with your food products.

Packaging and Labelling -Legal Requirements

The food labels show us the information about the food products contained. Most packaged food items are required to have a label with this information, but the information required depends on the food type. What information must be included and how it must be presented are specified under the UK's current food labelling rules. Food labels ought to be readable, unambiguous, and truthful. However, food supplements and natural mineral waters are exempt from the nutrition labelling regulations.

In a single piece of legislation, the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers unifies EU regulations on nutrition labelling and general food labelling.

Labelling of Prepacked Food: All prepacked food requires food labels that display certain mandatory information. All food products are subject to general food labelling requirements and any labelling provided must be accurate and not misleading. The following foods are subject to product-specific regulations:

What must be included in the labelling?

Food labels and packaging are required by law to include the following information

• Name of the food: The name of the food must be clearly stated on the packaging and not be misleading. If the law specifies a name, it must be used. A customary name may be used if there isn't a legal one.
• List of ingredients: If a food product has two or more ingredients, then all must be listed under the heading 'Ingredients' or a suitable heading which includes the word 'ingredients'. Ingredients must be stated by weight, starting with the primary component based on the quantity required to prepare the dish.
• Allergen information: When a food product contains any of the 14 allergens required to be declared by law as ingredients, these allergens must be listed and emphasized within the ingredients list.
• Net quantity: All packaged foods above 5g or 5ml must show the net quantity on the label to comply with the Food Information Regulations.
• Storage conditions and date labelling: Food labels must be marked with either a ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date so that it is clear how long foods can be kept and how to store them.
• Name and address of manufacturer: Food businesses must include a business name and address on the packaging or food label. This needs to be either the address of the company that imported the food or the name of the company that markets it.
• Country of origin: According to the FIC Regulations, it is required to suggest the country of origin or place of provenance of food where doing otherwise could cause the consumer to be misinformed about the actual country of origin or place of provenance of the food.
• Preparation instructions: Instructions on how to prepare and cook the food appropriately, including for heating in a microwave oven, must be given on the label if they are needed.
• Nutritional Declaration: The mandatory nutritional declaration must be presented in a specific format and give values for energy and six nutrients. The values must be given in the units (including both kJ and kcal for energy) per 100g/ml, and the nutrition declaration must meet the minimum font size requirement.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise extends across the entire food sector spectrum:

• Food manufacturers and product installations
• transnational trade companies specializing in food import/ import
• Distribution networks and retail chains
• Hospitality assiduity leaders and food service providers

Our Strengths in Food Testing

• Broad Testing Scope: From nutrient profiling to advanced contamination analysis.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilize next-generation equipment to ensure unparalleled accuracy.
• Expert Team: Combining scientific expertise with practical industry insights.
• Customized Solutions: Tailoring testing programs to client-specific needs.

Categories We Test

Utilizing advanced testing facilities, METS Laboratories provide analysis services for a wide range of food items, including food-borne pathogens & chemical contaminants.

1. Processed Foods

Processed foods are rigorously tested for microbial, chemical, and physical parameters to ensure quality and compliance.

• Packaged Foods: Snack items (chips, biscuits, crackers) and ready-to-eat meals.
• Canned and Preserved Foods: Fruits, vegetables, soups, and pickled products.
• Frozen Foods: Premade dinners, frozen veggies, and ice cream.
• Bakery Products: Bread, cakes, pastries, and cookies.
• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, and cream.

2. Beverages

Beverages undergo extensive testing to verify purity, flavour, and compliance with safety standards.

• Alcoholic Drinks: Wine, spirits, liqueurs, and beer.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Soft drinks, fruit juices, tea, and coffee.
• Bottled Water: Flavoured, mineral, and sparkling varieties.
• Energy Drinks: Assessed for stimulant content and safety.

3. Raw and Fresh Foods

Fresh and minimally processed foods are tested for contamination, nutrient content, and overall quality.

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and organic produce.
• Meat and Poultry: Fresh and processed meats (sausages, bacon).
• Seafood: Fish, shellfish, and crustaceans (fresh, frozen, canned).
• Eggs: Fresh and powdered forms for culinary use.

4. Grains and Cereal Products

We ensure grains and cereal products meet food safety and nutritional standards.

• Raw Grains: Wheat, rice, corn, oats, and quinoa.
• Cereal Products: Breakfast cereals and granola.
• Flour and Baking Ingredients: All-purpose flour and bread mixes.

5. Confectionery and Snacks

Confectionery and snack items are tested for contaminants, quality, and labelling compliance.

• Sweets and Chocolates: Candies, chocolates, and mints.
• Savory Snacks: Chips, popcorn, and trail mixes.
• Desserts: Puddings, jellies, and custards.

6. Infant and Food Products

Consumers are entitled to know more than the contents of the label on the top baby food products. The poisonous residues that can be left behind in the cultivation or production phase need to be eliminated much more in baby food products compared to other food products. Government policies and food dietary regulations stipulate certain nutritional values and limits for contaminants that are much below the traditional ones. METS Laboratories offers testing solutions for various baby food product types.

• Infant Foods: Pureed foods and baby formula.
• Dietary Supplements: Herbal supplements, vitamins, and protein powders.
• Functional Foods: Nutrient-fortified and probiotic products.

7. Oils, Fats, and Condiments

We assess cooking oils, fats, and condiments based on quality, safety, and authenticity.

• Frying Oils: Olive oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil.
• Fats: Butter, margarine, and ghee.
• Sauces and Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, soy sauce.

8. Fermented and Probiotic Foods

Fermented and probiotic foods are tested for microbial load, safety, and health claims.

• Fermented Foods: Pickles, miso, and kimchi.
• Probiotic Beverages: Yogurt drinks, kombucha, and kefir.

9. Specialty and Gourmet Foods

We promote luxury food makers and artisans by ensuring authenticity and quality.

• Artisanal Products: Chocolates and handcrafted cheeses.
• Luxury Foods: Truffles, caviar, and saffron.
• Ethnic Foods: Regional specialities such as masala blends or sushi-grade fish.

10. Animal Feed and Pet Food

Analysis for nutritional balance and safety in animal feed and pet feed.

• Animal Feed: Livestock grains and additives.
• Pet Food: Both wet and dry varieties.

11. Food Additives and Ingredients

Testing for the safety and effectiveness of additives utilized in food processing.

• Preservatives: Sulphites and nitrates.
• Colouring Agents: Artificial and natural.

Our Analytical Services

At METS Laboratories, we turn food testing issues into quality improvement opportunities. Our blend of cutting-edge technology, expert analysis, and committed service enables clients to surpass international quality standards. Join us to take your products to new heights of excellence through accurate, dependable, and thorough food analysis services in the UK.

• Pesticide Residues: The incorrect application or overuse of pesticides on agricultural produce and in the vicinity of animals can lead to pesticide residues in food. Overuse or use of agrichemicals close to harvest can lead to excessive residue on agricultural produce. The analysis includes the application of multi-pesticide residue methods by both GC-MS/MS and LC-MS, to analyze for more than 500 pesticide constituents.
• Dioxins & Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Dioxins are referred to as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Among the commonly known POPs are PCBs, DDT, and dioxins. POPs encompass a variety of compounds that are globally produced chemicals in agriculture, disease control, industry, or manufacturing.
• Food Mycotoxins: Mycotoxins are poisonous substances which are naturally synthesized by specific species of moulds (fungi). Molds that can form mycotoxins develop on many food items like cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that approximately 25 per cent of global food production includes mycotoxins. The most frequent mycotoxins causing concern to livestock and human health are aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisins, zearalenone, and nivalenol/deoxynivalenol.
• Heavy Metals: The presence of heavy metals in foods is a timely issue, involving contamination of the food chain and harm to public health. Contamination of foods by heavy metals has several different sources. The most important ones include residual mud, chemical fertilisers and pesticides used in agriculture, contamination of the soil used to produce food, and the usage of other materials, among others. Heavy metal contamination can come from a variety of sources, including both plant-based items (such as cereals, rice, wheat, edible roots, mushrooms, etc.) and animal-based foods (such as fish, crustaceans, and molluscs).
• Significant Heavy Metals: Among the most significant heavy metals from the point of view of health are Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn). Some intermediate elements such as Arsenic (As) and Aluminium (Al), which are highly relevant from a toxicological point of view, are generally studied together with heavy metals.
• Analysis of Veterinary Drugs and Antibiotics: Research has indicated that the presence of veterinary medication, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical residues in food products generated from animals might result in negative health outcomes, such as hormonal imbalances, allergic reactions, and antibiotic resistance. METS Laboratories provides several veterinary drugs & antibiotics components analyses within its global networks.
• Artificial Food Colours: Research shows that artificial food colouring and pigments alter brain neurotransmitters, alter brain structure at the microscopic level, and impact learning, memory, and activity. OEHHA (California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment) has pointed out problems with the FDA’s approvals for these unnecessary colour additives.
• Radioactivity and Radioisotope Analysis: Nowadays, radioactive contamination of food is a major problem. Eating food tainted with radionuclides during a nuclear or radiological emergency will raise the body's radioactivity levels and may raise the health risks of radiation exposure. Radiation exposure from naturally occurring radioactivity in food and drink accounts for about 10% of this exposure.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) collectively contributed to the development of international standards relating to the control of radioactivity in food and drinking water. Council Regulation No.3954/87 (EURATOM) of 22nd December 1987 lays down maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination of foodstuffs and of feeding kinds of stuff. Two complementary regulations, Regulation No. 944/89 of April 12, 1989, which established the maximum allowed levels of radioactive contamination in minor foodstuffs after a nuclear accident or other radiological emergency, and Regulation No. 770/90, the Commission Regulation of March 29, 1990, which established the maximum permitted levels of radioactive contamination of feeding materials after a nuclear accident or other radiological emergency, completed Regulation 3954/87.

METS Laboratories offers radioactivity testing of food, water, and other raw materials and natural products by using advanced γ- γ-activity detector & ICP-MS. The List of radioactive substances we have expertise in, including but not limited to:

• Caesium-134 (Cs¹³⁴), Caesium-136 (Cs¹³⁶), Caesium-137 (Cs¹³⁷)
• Strontium-90 (Sr⁹⁰)
• Potassium-40 (K⁴⁰)
• Iodine-131 (I¹³¹)
• Uranium-235 (U²³⁵), Uranium-238 (U²³⁸)
• Barium-140 (Ba¹⁴⁰)
• Lead-210 (Pb²¹⁰)
• Carbon-14 (C¹⁴)
• Cobalt-60 (Co⁶⁰)

Additional radioactive nuclides as per the requirements of our customers can be determined on request

Why METS Laboratories ?

At our facility, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of quality and reliability by adhering to stringent European and international standards. Our operations are guided by ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the globally recognized benchmark for testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring technical competence and precision in every analysis. We also comply with ISO 22000, a comprehensive standard for food safety management systems, to uphold the safety and integrity of food products. Additionally, our accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) ensures that our practices meet rigorous international benchmarks, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

At our facility, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of quality and reliability by adhering to stringent European and international standards. Our operations are guided by ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the globally recognized benchmark for testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring technical competence and precision in every analysis. We also comply with ISO 22000, a comprehensive standard for food safety management systems, to uphold the safety and integrity of food products. Additionally, our accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) ensures that our practices meet rigorous international benchmarks, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

By adhering to these standards, we ensure that our testing processes are not only accurate and dependable but also meet the evolving demands of global food safety and quality assurance.