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Fera Science Ltd strengthens its Laboratory Assurance services with the acquisition of Qotho Minerals

Fera Science Ltd (Fera) strengthens its Laboratory Assurance services with the acquisition of Qotho Minerals 

Date, time: York, UK and Broederstroom, South Africa

York, UK – [9th March] 2026 – Fera Science Ltd (“Fera”), a leading provider of expert science services supporting food, agriculture and the environment, has today announced the acquisition of Qotho Minerals (“Qotho”), a leading global provider of proficiency testing schemes for the minerals industry, based in South Africa. 

Established in 2013, Qotho Minerals - formally Qotho Laboratory Services – is a leading proficiency testing (PT) service provider and trusted producer of certified reference materials (CRMs) for mineral and agri laboratories and geologists worldwide.

The acquisition enhances Fera’s capabilities in laboratory assurance services expanding the breadth and depth of its proficiency testing portfolio delivered under its Fapas® brand. Bringing Qotho into the Fera group alongside Fapas®, opens opportunities to support clients and partners across new markets including agriculture, mining and minerals and presents a portal for the expansion of its PT services into Africa. 

Partnering with Qotho reinforces Fera’s mission to apply Science for Life, giving customers confidence in the reliability of results delivered through the proficient operation of testing laboratories, while upholding the independence, scientific rigour, and customer focus that underpin the Fera brand. 

Together, this strengthens Fera’s ability to respond to market needs, and support clients in maintaining high standards, produce reliable results and stay competitive in an industry where accuracy is paramount. 

Commenting on the transaction, Dr Andrew Swift, CEO of Fera said: 

“We are delighted to welcome the Qotho team to Fera, having seen its strong strategic and cultural fit with Fera right from the outset. Qotho brings a wealth of experience and deep sector expertise strengthening Fera’s market position in the broader Laboratory Assurance Services market. We are excited to work closely with the Qotho team to realise the new growth opportunities presented by our association.”

Dr Hannelie de Beer, Managing Director Qotho Minerals, added:

“Joining Fera provides an opportunity to build on Qotho’s established reputation and expertise, supported by Fera’s wider scientific infrastructure, collaborative environment and strategic vision. As part of Fera, the company will continue to deliver the high-quality services its customers trust, now with access to a broader portfolio of services, business support and capability building upon the high-quality services our customer’s trust. Commitment to quality and customer service is at the heart of everything we do - a value that is clearly driving Fera too – not only in their approach to science but in their culture and purpose.”

Qotho team Qotho team

The transaction is supported by Bridgepoint, one of the world’s leading mid-market investors, which became the Fera majority shareholder in January 2024. Alongside Fera’s existing shareholder, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Bridgepoint has supported the company to pursue strong organic and M&A-led growth, and to enhance its capacity to serve public and private sector clients across multiple geographies. 

Since Bridgepoint’s investment, Fera has demonstrated strong double-digit revenue growth and now employs over 550 people at its biotech campus near York, including over 250 graduate and 50 doctorate multidisciplinary scientists.

The integration process will begin immediately, with both companies committed to ensuring a seamless transition for clients. 


About Fera Science Limited

Fera is an applied science leader, helping clients tackle their most complex challenges through deep expertise and trusted partnership. Applying Science for Life across food, health and the environment, we turn evidence into clarity, impact and advantage — enabling people and organisations make confident decisions in an ever-changing world. 

About Qotho 

Qotho Minerals (QM) is a leading provider of proficiency testing services to mineral laboratories and a producer of certified reference materials for mineral laboratories and geologists worldwide. We help laboratories assess and improve their testing performance by providing high-quality samples, data analysis, and expert consultation whilst also producing fit-for-purpose, stable, and homogeneous reference materials for various testing disciplines. https://qotho.co.za/

About Bridgepoint

Bridgepoint Group is one of the world's leading mid-market investors, specialising in private equity, infrastructure, credit and private wealth.

With over $86 billion of assets under management and a strong local presence in Europe, North America and Asia, we combine global scale with local market insight and sector expertise, consistently delivering strong returns through cycles.

 

Contact:

Lorna Appleton | Marketing Manager

[email protected]

+44 7702623766

From Complexity to Clarity: Why Verification is the Answer

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is reshaping global supply chains by enforcing due diligence requirements on companies dealing with commodities linked to deforestation. A critical aspect of EUDR compliance is the ability to trace the origin of agricultural commodities such as coffee, cattle, soybean, palm oil, cacao, rubber and timber, to ensure their cultivation does not contribute to deforestation.

Companies must demonstrate due diligence rather than absolute certainty. Understanding the role of verification allows businesses to present robust evidence supporting their compliance.

In this blog, we outline how Fera Science and World Forest ID (WFID) can support the verification of product provenance within complex supply chains - helping businesses meet due diligence requirements with greater confidence. Our scientific verification methods offer a practical solution for assessing the plausibility of origin, even when products are blended or processed. While scientific traceability isn’t always suitable for every product type, especially those with highly mixed or transformed inputs, we explain where and how verification works effectively and how our combined expertise can guide you through these challenges.

 

Understanding Verification

Verification assesses the plausibility of a given claim about the origin of a material. While pinpointing an exact source may not always be feasible, verification techniques can provide confidence in whether a material is consistent with its origin declaration.

 

How Fera and WFID Support Industry Compliance

Fera and WFID bring world-class expertise in analysis and traceability to support businesses navigating EUDR compliance. Our combined capabilities provide innovative solutions for determination and verification at multiple levels of the supply chain:

  • Fera: With decades of experience in food safety and chemistry, Fera applies cutting-edge scientific techniques to traceability challenges. Our expertise in stable isotope analysis, DNA testing and authenticity verification provides businesses with robust tools to assess supply chain integrity.
  • WFID: WFID develops the reference data and tools necessary to verify the harvest origin of timber and agricultural commodities. Through the global collection and analysis of georeferenced tree and plant samples, WFID builds AI-enabled spatial models that accurately verify the claimed provenance of traded products, helping businesses to detect misdeclarations in their supply chains.

Together, Fera and WFID offer a powerful combination of science-backed solutions that enable companies to demonstrate due diligence and strengthen their compliance strategies under EUDR.

 

Verifying the Provenance of Blended and Processed Materials

Determining the precise origin of materials becomes increasingly complex when products are heavily blended or processed, often passing through multiple stages of transformation, combining inputs from various sources and obscuring their original provenance. In these cases, traditional scientific determination—such as stable isotope or DNA analysis—may not deliver a conclusive result. However, this does not mean origin verification is out of reach. Instead, businesses can adopt robust verification approaches that support a defensible due diligence position under regulations like the EUDR. Fera and WFID help companies navigate this complexity through supply chain transparency measures, forensic analysis techniques, and risk-based assessment models. These methods offer practical, science-led ways to assess plausibility and demonstrate credible compliance, even in the face of uncertainty. 

 

The Future of Traceability in a Regulated World

As regulatory scrutiny on supply chains increases, businesses must adapt to evolving expectations around traceability and deforestation risk mitigation. The challenges of modelling at smaller scales and handling blended materials highlight the need for a pragmatic, science-driven approach. While absolute certainty may not always be achievable, rigorous verification techniques provide a pathway to credible due diligence compliance.

For businesses looking to strengthen their traceability frameworks, adopting a combination of scientific analysis, transparent documentation, and risk assessment will be key to meeting EUDR requirements effectively.

By using the expertise available at Fera and WFID, companies can enhance their ability to navigate complex supply chain challenges, build consumer trust, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

Have any questions? Click below to speak to Joe Humphreys, Business Development Manager, Food Safety

Fera Science Ltd. and Purity-IQ Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Global Authenticity Testing Services

Fera Science Ltd. (Fera) is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Purity-IQ Incorporated (Purity-IQ), a North American leader in authenticity testing and certification. As global adulteration continues to rise, this collaboration will provide enhanced services to maintain the integrity and purity of ingredients and products, ensuring that manufacturers, brand owners, and consumers can trust that the label accurately reflects what's inside the products.

This new Laboratory Partnership Agreement will leverage the unique strengths of both organisations, enabling the delivery of advanced testing solutions across the UK, Europe, USA, and Canada. The key highlights of this collaboration include:

  • Fera’s Honey Authenticity Expertise: Honey is one of the most adulterated products globally, and Fera’s well-established expertise in honey authenticity testing will now be available to clients in the USA and Canada, ensuring the integrity and quality of honey in these key markets.
  • Purity-IQ’s Probiotic Authenticity Testing: Purity-IQ will introduce its renowned probiotic authenticity testing to the UK and European markets, utilising genomic-based (qPCR) methods for accurate and reliable strain-specific verification.

In addition to these services, the partnership lays the foundation for expanding into new authenticity testing solutions across a wide range of product categories including dietary supplements (e.g., botanicals, functional mushrooms), food (e.g., spices, edible oils) and beverages (e.g., juice, coffee).

These services will feature:

  • Metabolomic Identity and Consistency Testing
  • Genomic Identification and Viable Cell Count Enumeration
  • Botanical and Geographical Origin Determination
  • Adulteration Detection
  • Sugar Profile Analysis

Dr Andrew Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Fera stated:

“Fera and Purity-IQ have come together in an exciting partnership that builds on our strengths and shared commitment to product integrity. We look forward to collaborating with Purity-IQ to expand our capabilities across the UK, Europe, and North America, ensuring that our clients benefit from the most advanced authenticity testing available. This partnership opens new opportunities for growth, and we are eager to leverage Purity-IQ’s expertise and innovation as we continue to enhance trust and transparency in global markets.”

 

Deleo de Leonardis, Chief Executive Officer of Purity-IQ stated:

“This partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to scientific integrity and transparency. By combining our complementary capabilities, we’re helping to close critical gaps in global supply chains and enabling our clients to validate the authenticity of their products with confidence. Ultimately, it means suppliers, brand owners and consumers can trust that what’s on the label is what’s in the product.”

 

This collaboration will create exciting opportunities for both Fera and Purity-IQ to expand their market presence and deliver innovative solutions that enhance product transparency and trust. By combining their expertise, Fera and Purity-IQ will provide advanced authenticity testing and certification services that benefit key industries such as food, beverages, and dietary supplements.

Stay tuned for further updates as Fera and Purity-IQ work together to revolutionise the global landscape of authenticity testing.

 

About Purity-IQ
Purity-IQ is a leading bio-technology company specialising in authenticity testing and certification services. Utilising advanced molecular, genomic, and metabolomic technologies, Purity-IQ ensures product integrity and purity across industries including dietary supplements, food and beverages. Purity-IQ’s solutions help businesses meet regulatory requirements, help protect brand reputation and deliver authentic products in both domestic and international markets.

 

Understanding Acrylamide Risks, Sources, and Prevention for Food Manufacturers

What is Acrylamide?

Acrylamide is a chemical compound that forms naturally in food during high-temperature cooking processes such as frying, baking, and roasting. It is primarily created when foods rich in carbohydrates and the amino acid asparagine undergo the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for the browning and flavour development in cooked foods. Acrylamide is not added to food but is an unintended byproduct of these cooking processes.

 

The Dangers of Acrylamide

Acrylamide has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Studies have shown that long-term exposure to high levels of acrylamide can increase the risk of cancer in laboratory animals, raising concerns about its potential health effects on humans.  

Additionally, acrylamide has been linked to neurotoxicity, which can affect the nervous system. Due to these risks, regulatory agencies worldwide, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have established benchmark levels for acrylamide in various food products to protect consumer health.

 

Common Sources of Acrylamide in Food

Acrylamide is found in a variety of commonly consumed foods, particularly those that are processed at high temperatures. Some of the primary sources include: 

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  • Potato-based products: Chips, fries, and roasted potatoes
  • Cereal-based products: Bread, biscuits, crackers, and breakfast cereals
  • Coffee: Particularly instant coffee, which has been found to contain higher levels of acrylamide compared to brewed coffee
  • Baby food: Especially biscuits and other processed infant products, such as cereal snacks
  • Snack foods: Such as pretzels and extruded snacks 

Is Acrylamide a Growing Concern for Food Manufacturers?

Recent data from HorizonScan indicates that acrylamide remains a significant issue in food safety, with 15 cases of acrylamide hazards reported in 2024 across a range of food products.

Notable incidents include: 

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> High acrylamide content in organic sweet potato chips from the Netherlands (https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/731360)  

> Acrylamide detected in corn waffles from Poland (https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/723612)  

> Presence of acrylamide in baby biscuits from Belgium (https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/718614)  

> Elevated levels of acrylamide in biscuits from Romania, Turkey, and North Macedonia (https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/714718)  

> Acrylamide detected in instant coffee from India (https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/rasff-window/screen/notification/678549)  

These reports highlight that acrylamide contamination continues to pose a challenge for food manufacturers, necessitating ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts. 


How Can Food Manufacturers Reduce Acrylamide Levels? 

Food producers can take several steps to minimise acrylamide formation in their products and there are a number of on-line toolboxes available that provide technical advice to support this. Measures to reduce acrylamide formation include : 

  • Optimising Cooking Processes: Lowering cooking temperatures and reducing cooking times can help limit acrylamide formation. Steam cooking and boiling do not produce acrylamide, making them safer alternatives.  
  • Reformulating Recipes: Adjusting ingredients, such as using enzyme treatments like asparaginase to break down asparagine before cooking, can significantly reduce acrylamide levels.
  • Monitoring Raw Materials: Selecting specific varieties of potatoes and grains that have lower levels of asparagine can help mitigate acrylamide formation.
  • Adopting Best Practices for Storage: Storing raw materials properly, such as keeping potatoes at the right temperatures to prevent sugar formation, can reduce the risk of acrylamide development during cooking. 

Fera’s Testing Capabilities for Acrylamide 

To support food manufacturers in identifying and mitigating acrylamide risks, Fera offers comprehensive acrylamide testing services. 

Our advanced analytical techniques enable precise detection and quantification of acrylamide levels in food products, helping businesses ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Learn more about our acrylamide testing solutions here: Fera Science Acrylamide Testing. 

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Ensuring Quality Through Proficiency Testing with Fapas 

In addition to direct testing, Fapas provides proficiency testing programs for acrylamide, allowing food manufacturers to assess and validate their testing methods. These programs help businesses maintain confidence in their analytical processes and ensure their products meet safety standards. Find out more about Fapas® proficiency testing for acrylamide here: Fapas Acrylamide Proficiency Testing. 

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Conclusion

Acrylamide remains a prevalent concern for food manufacturers, with ongoing regulatory scrutiny and consumer awareness driving the need for robust monitoring and mitigation strategies. By leveraging advanced testing solutions from Fera and participating in Fapas® proficiency testing, food producers can proactively manage acrylamide risks, ensure compliance, and protect public health. As the food industry continues to evolve, adopting best practices in food safety will be critical to maintaining consumer trust and product integrity.

Fera at the Food and Drink Expo in Birmingham

The Food & Drink Expo 2025 brought together more than 30,000 professionals from across the retail, wholesale, foodservice, manufacturing, and hospitality sectors. With over 1,500 exhibitors, the event provided a vital platform for exploring trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the future of food and drink in the UK and beyond. 


This year’s Food & Drink Expo underscored one vital message: the UK food and beverage industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the risks that come with it. Fera was proud to participate, bringing our expertise in food safety testing, HorizonScan, and Fapas proficiency testing to the table—and engaging in conversations that will shape the future of food safety. 
From future food innovations to sustainable packaging, the Expo presented an opportunity to explore where risk intersects with innovation—and how science and data can help navigate the path forward. 
 
Key Insights for Food Chemistry & Contaminant Risk Management

Emerging Product Trends in the Future Food Zone

The Future Food Zone was a vibrant showcase of innovation—highlighting booming categories like keto, kombucha, fermented foods, whole foods, and functional beverages. While exciting for consumers and retailers, the rapid rise of these novel product types introduces new, unknown contaminant risks into the supply chain.

This reinforces the importance of proactive risk identification, particularly through tools like HorizonScan, which helps businesses monitor global food safety alerts and anticipate emerging threats linked to new ingredients or processing methods. Comprehensive contaminant analysis is essential to ensure that innovation doesn’t compromise safety.

Sustainability and Safety in Packaging

Another spotlight moment came from the Packaging Zone, where exhibitors showcased alternatives to conventional plastics—biodegradable materials, compostable wraps, and novel food contact surfaces. While the shift toward sustainability is widely welcomed, it introduces a fresh set of food safety considerations.

Specifically, laboratories and manufacturers must pay closer attention to chemical migration from packaging into food, especially with less-established materials. Fera’s material testing and risk evaluation services are key in helping businesses validate new packaging from both a sustainability and a safety perspective. 
 
HorizonScan: Anticipating Risk Before It Reaches Your Plate

Industry conversations consistently returned to one critical need: staying ahead of the risk curve. That’s where HorizonScan proves invaluable. As a global monitoring system, HorizonScan empowers businesses to:

  • Track food safety alerts and recalls across 100+ countries,
  • Identify vulnerabilities by commodity, country, or supplier,
  • Take pre-emptive action before a threat affects product safety or brand trust.

In a globalised food economy, early intelligence is no longer optional—it’s strategic necessity. 
 
Fapas: Giving Labs Confidence in Their Results

With new contaminants and testing targets on the rise, laboratories must validate their methods and maintain high performance. Fapas—Fera’s world-renowned proficiency testing service—helps labs and food companies:

  • Benchmark their analytical accuracy,
  • Meet international regulatory requirements,
  • Build credibility with retailers, auditors, and consumers.

When your results inform safety decisions, confidence in those results matters. Fapas provides that assurance across a range of proficiency tests in:

  • Food & Beverage
  • Water & Environmental 
  • Cosmetics

Fera’s Broader Testing Expertise: Trustworthy, Tailored, and Transparent

Whether it’s pesticide residues, heavy metals, acrylamide, allergens or packaging migration—Fera delivers accredited, science-led testing that supports:

  • Regulatory compliance (UK, EU, and global),
  • Retailer and supply chain standards,
  • Incident response and surveillance programs.

Our scientists work at the forefront of regulatory and scientific research, bringing evidence-based insight that translates directly into business value. 
 
Beyond the Booth: Expo highlights from our team on the stand

  1. Industry Networking & Collaboration
    One of the Expo’s greatest strengths was its ability to connect players across the supply chain—suppliers, retailers, foodservice operators, and laboratories. There was a palpable sense of collaboration and partnership, with conversations focused on supply chain resilience, sourcing transparency, and shared innovation.
  2. Insightful Talks and Demos 
    The seminars and live demos were packed with actionable insights. From future food technology to ESG in branding, experts shared strategies for staying relevant in a highly competitive, fast-moving market. ESG, in particular, emerged as a central pillar of consumer trust and brand differentiation.

 

Final Thoughts: Science and Partnership at the Core

As food businesses innovate to meet changing consumer expectations, Fera stands ready to support them—through scientific expertise, data-driven foresight, and a collaborative mindset. Whether you're formulating the next best-selling beverage, overhauling your packaging, or managing global supply chains, food safety must remain at the core of every decision.

Let’s build a safer, smarter food future—together.

Learn more about HorizonScan, Fapas, and our food safety testing services at www.fera.co.uk. 
 

Fera at the Global Food Safety Initiative 2025 Dublin

Reflections on the importance of transparency in food safety, and the integration of innovative technologies and strategies to enhance food safety practices The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Conference, held from March 31 to April 3, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, brought together global leaders in food safety to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in delivering safe food for all. 

In an era where we possess the knowledge to prevent outbreaks, avoid cross-contamination, and ensure responsible, accurate labelling, food safety must be non-negotiable. 

Fera was delighted to attend and showcase our market-leading science, proficiency testing capabilities, and our future-proofing tool: HorizonScan. 


Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for Food Safety

The conference highlighted the critical role of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in identifying and tracking foodborne pathogens, with a particular focus on its application in outbreak investigations and surveillance systems.

The enhanced traceability and deeper understanding of pathogen behaviour enabled by WGS was a key discussion point. Fera has long been a pioneer in applying WGS to monitor and trace foodborne pathogens—helping to reduce outbreak response times and improve root-cause analysis.

Beyond regulatory compliance and consumer safety, WGS provides microbial insight that supports targeted interventions. Through collaboration with government bodies and agri-food businesses, Fera ensures these tools are applied strategically to protect public health. 


Ensuring Authenticity Through Technological Innovation

Consumers and clients are demanding more information and transparency from the food and beverage industry. As a key player in this space, we have a responsibility to support businesses in mitigating supply chain risks, identifying contaminants, and providing innovative solutions to address broader food safety concerns. Fera’s emphasis on robust testing, including targeted food authenticity tests, minimises threats while ensuring accurate product labelling. This not only protects brands and reduces the risk of costly recalls, but also reinforces consumer confidence and drives long-term brand loyalty.

At the conference, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in the fight against food fraud was a major focus. These technologies are pivotal in verifying food origin and authenticity, thereby strengthening consumer trust and regulatory compliance. The session on AI’s transformative potential in food safety reflects Fera’s continued innovation across laboratory diagnostics, digital agriculture, and intelligent surveillance tools—all developed to increase operational efficiency and enhance traceability.

However, while the digitalisation of data offers great promise in minimising human error and increasing efficiency, we must not lose sight of the foundational principles of food safety. Practices such as sanitation and Good Manufacturing Processes (GMPs) must remain central to staff training and operational procedures, reinforcing the trust and transparency that consumers demand. 


Understanding How Data Is Becoming a Pivotal Asset for Proactive Food Safety

One of the most powerful takeaways from GFSI 2025 was the growing shift from reactive to proactive food safety—a transformation fuelled by data and technology. Fera is uniquely positioned to support this evolution.

Through our market-leading service HorizonScan, we are committed to full supply chain traceability and helping businesses confront the rising challenges of food fraud. By reducing risk and enhancing product integrity, we support brands in achieving cost efficiencies and maintaining a trusted reputation.

HorizonScan equips industry stakeholders with real-time data on global food safety risks, enabling early detection of emerging threats and informed decision-making. Drawing from over 500 commodities, spanning 180 countries and 22,000 suppliers, the platform offers insights into hazards ranging from food fraud to allergens.

The broader conversation around big data analytics, particularly in the context of WGS and predictive risk modelling, aligns closely with Fera’s mission to harness advanced data tools for both public and private sector partners. Our approach helps stakeholders act on insights before issues arise, building resilience across the food supply chain.

 

Final Thoughts

GFSI 2025 reinforced that the future of food safety lies at the intersection of technology, transparency, and sustainability. At Fera, our integrated approach—blending science, policy, and digital innovation—continues to shape a safer, smarter food system.

Advanced testing techniques provide honey authenticity assurances

Demonstrating that honey is free from adulterants and safe to eat is a complex task that links together supply chain monitoring and laboratory testing. 

Recent press articles have declared that some UK and international honeys are fake based on a single laboratory test. Dr Adrian Charlton, Principal Scientist at Fera Science Limited (Fera) and Chair of the UK Bee Product Committee said “It isn’t possible to reach that conclusion in most cases without taking a weight of evidence approach, similar to that which would be used when presenting an argument in court. The data generated should be quality assured through extensive validation and preferably with external accreditation and auditing. The results may also be validated through interlaboratory collaboration and a process known as proficiency testing, whereby a consensus result from a group of laboratories is used to determine an individual laboratories performance.” 

Dr Charlton, went on to say “The method used should be demonstrated to be fit for purpose by undertaking mock exercises and blind trials where technologies are challenged with spiked test samples. Ideally, methods will be peer reviewed or published as collective standards. Even when methods stand up to the rigour that is usual for a professional laboratory, it is rarely the case when testing honey that a single result will be sufficient to make accusations of fraud, so multiple tests are used and a view is formed based on all of the results as to whether a honey is genuine.  This requires expert knowledge of the capability of each test and similar expert knowledge of the variation in composition, particularly for natural products like honey.”

He also said databases which capture the natural range of compounds or isotopes are often used to compare with data from a test sample and these databases need to be carefully curated and their scope clearly defined. Sample collection and storage is also a key factor in the interpretation of results and extensive metadata should be available for each sample. Even when the strict criteria (which are documented in standard operating procedures) are met, the methods have been accredited and the paper chain audited, there is still the matter of data interpretation. Unless a documented procedure is followed to reach a conclusion then that conclusion may be subjective and render R&D findings somewhat academic. 

And finally, he highlighted that this is why Fera are working with accreditation companies and policy advisors to explore the potential for accreditation schemes for the interpretation of results when applied to honey authenticity, which we believe is an essential step before making any claims about honey fraud.

Dr. Adrian Charlton, a biochemist and his colleagues are world leaders in food authentication, undertaking research and testing using molecular biology and analytical technologies such as NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. These are applied to provide a range of novel solutions to regulators and the food industry, assuring confidence in the safety and authenticity of the food chain. 

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Dr Adrian Charlton ([email protected])

Fera Science Ltd and 17 Asset Management Partner to Strengthen Global Food Systems

Fera Science Ltd (Fera) and 17 Asset Management Partner to Strengthen Global Food Systems

New Initiatives to Be Announced at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Week to Tackle Food Security and Drive Investment in Sustainable Food Practices

[New York, NY, October 1, 2024] – 17 Asset Management is proud to announce a new partnership with Fera Science Ltd (Fera), a global leader in food safety and environmental research, that will address critical challenges in global food systems through innovative science and investment strategies.

This partnership brings together several strategic initiatives being led by 17 Asset Management:

  1. Caribbean Food Systems Fund Collaboration: Fera will serve as a science partner to 17 Asset Management’s dedicated investment fund supporting food production across the Caribbean, leveraging its expertise to advance sustainable agricultural practices and improve food security across the region and globe.

  2. SDG 2 Food Systems Index: In collaboration with Syntax, 17 Asset Management will launch the SDG 2 Food Systems Index, a powerful tool for investors to assess the sustainability of global food systems. This index will be accompanied by a focused equity portfolio of food systems stocks, highlighting the vital connection between capital investment and food science.

  3.  Launch of the 17/Fera Food Systems Fellowship: A groundbreaking fellowship program aimed at nurturing the next generation of innovators in food systems science. This initiative will support talented individuals working on sustainable food solutions, with a focus on achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and will leverage Fera’s long pedigree in working with universities and sponsoring research students.

  4. Food Fraud and Tracking Technologies: Fera’s industry-leading work in food fraud detection (including HorizonScan Fera’s collaborative software and data platform providing a rapid overview of potential and emerging food safety issues), safety testing and scientific services across the agri-food and environment sector supports the transparency and trustworthiness of global food brands. By providing critical data and insights, Fera will help investors, businesses and consumers to better understand how food companies adhere to global safety and sustainability standards

The collaboration comes at a time when food security, sustainability, and responsible investment are at the forefront of the global agenda, making UNGA week an ideal backdrop for these initiatives. Together, Fera and 17 Asset Management aim to drive meaningful change in how the world produces, consumes, and invests in food.

About Fera Science Ltd
Fera Science Ltd is a leading global provider of scientific solutions and services in food safety, environmental research, and regulatory compliance. With a mission to create a safer, healthier planet, Fera works at the forefront of food system transformation through research, innovation, and technology.

About 17 Asset Management
17 Asset Management is a pioneering investment firm focused on advancing the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. By aligning capital with sustainable development, 17 Asset Management seeks to drive positive social, environmental, and economic impact worldwide.

For more information about 17 Asset Management, view their website here > https://www.17assetmanagement.com/

ABIM 2024


Join us at ABIM 2024

21-25 October 2024 in Basel, Switzerland.

 

Join us at the ABIM 24 event, which remains the best place to discover and unveil new products, to discuss market opportunities, to present new research and products, to learn about the latest regulatory situation and to liaise with fellow professionals.

 

Fera will be exhibiting at the event in Switzerland to present and discuss with other delegates the work we do and the original thinking we have to bring to the scientific world. 

 

To meet with our scientist on stand 164 please book a meeting using the button below.

 


Our Experts Attending 



To connect with our team at the ABIM event you can:

Visit stand 164

Contact an expert via Linkedin 

Book a meeting with them using the button below



Selwyn Wilkins LI logo

Senior Bee Ecotoxicologist

Selwyn is responsible for the delivery of Fera’s pollinator work and for the development and expansion of the business and science capabilities within the team. He is a highly experienced GLP Study Director with over 25 years hands on experience in the delivery of countless GLP studies, ranging from the standard OECD first tier laboratory testing through to higher tier and bespoke studies.   

 



Aoife Dillon LI logo

Principal Scientist - Crop Health

Aoife is passionate about developing a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector that delivers for all. Aoife has worked internationally in SMEs, large global AgroChemical companies, academia and grower led research organisations to develop, register and promote the adoption of sustainable inputs (biopesticides and biostimulants) that help growers deliver more with less.



Ed Haynes LI logo

Senior Molecular Biologist

 



Laura Rigo LI logo

Business Development Manager 

 



Biopesticides


TOPRA 2024


Join us at TOPRA 2024

 30th Sept - 2nd Oct 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

 

Held annually since 2004, the TOPRA Symposium is Europe’s premier conference for healthcare regulatory affairs. With dedicated programme streams for human medicines, medical devices and IVDs, and veterinary medicines, the Symposium is the must-attend event in the regulatory affairs calendar.

 

Fera will be exhibiting at the event in Rotterdam to present and discuss with other delegates the work we do and the original thinking we have to bring to the scientific world.

 

To book a meeting with our scientists on the stand, please click below 

 


Our Experts Attending 



To connect with our team at the TOPRA event you can:

Visit stand 8

Contact an expert via Linkedin 

Book a meeting with them using the button below

 




Phil Rooney LI logo

Operations Manager - Chemistry

Leveraging his solid scientific background, Phil understands the diverse needs of Fera's clients.

His responsibilities encompass managing the balance between commercial project demands, staff development, and future planning, taking into account project and business risks.



Rose Mather LI logo

Environmental Fate Scientist & GLP Study Director

 


Emma Wright LI logo

Bee Ecotoxicologist and GLP Study Director

 

 



Chemical Regulation




Fera's expertise covers a range of Chemical Regulation services including:

 

  • Ecotoxicology
  • Environmental Fate & Metabolism
  • Efficacy Services
  • GLP Analytical Chemistry
  • Bee Ecotoxicology