One of the most important considerations when developing a new product or reformulating an existing one is to ensure that the desired attributes and quality are maintained throughout its entire shelf life.

Plant-based eating may be booming, but when it comes to on-pack claims manufacturers are working in a largely undefined area. Here, Jessica Sage, food safety and quality consultant at Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), comments on the considerations that should be made by manufacturers making these claims.

More than one year after the new Novel Foods Regulation 2015/2283 came into effect across Europe, food operators are still getting to grips with the full implications of this important development. But initiatives are underway to support manufacturers through the regulatory process.

A day of smoking volcanoes, fire and slime brought science to life for over 70 young people who took part in an interactive workshop led by Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) in partnership with The Earley Crescent Resource Centre.

Science takes to the road: Join us for a fun, interactive science workshop designed to inspire the next generation of scientists on 20 February at The Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Reading.

A new subvisible particle (SVP) test method for therapeutic protein, which cuts the total volume of product required and so significantly reduces compliance costs.

Why people should be at the heart of a forward-thinking contract research organisation

With interest in protein showing no signs of slowing, where should food and drink manufacturers focus formulation efforts? In the December edition of The World of Food Ingredients, Carole Bingley, Technical Specialist for Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), reviews some of the latest developments in alternative proteins

In the Autumn edition of Nutraceuticals Now, Rachel Reid, Senior Scientist, RSSL Functional Ingredients Laboratory, discusses a model approach to method validation

Food allergen specialist, global industry figure and inspiring mentor, Simon Flanagan took the top spot in the prestigious Scientist of the Year category at this year’s Food & Drink Federation awards ceremony.

In the September edition of Food and Drink Technology, Carole Bingley, Technical Specialist for Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), answers the crucial questions shaping product development.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has established a dedicated acrylamide testing laboratory in a move to increase capacity and reduce turnaround times.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has established a dedicated acrylamide testing laboratory in a move to increase capacity and reduce turnaround times.

In the July issue of The Column, RSSL's Jef Halbardier discusses the application of novel balance systems.

In the June 2018 issue of Cleanroom Technology, Alan Cross RSSL Technical Specialist, Metals Laboratory, explains how recent changes within the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and European Pharmacopoeia (EP) put emphasis on risk assessment for the likelihood of contamination as opposed to enforcing mandatory testing in drug products.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has appointed Katarzyna Szymaniec to lead its accredited pharmaceutical training business and align its strategic development with the diverse needs of professionals working within the sector.

In the April edition of Nutraceuticals Now, Carole Bingley, Technical Specialist for Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), reviews some of the latest developments in alternative proteins

In the April 2018 issue of Manufacturing Chemist, Philip Kuhlman Technical Specialist, Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Dale Hreczuk-Hirst Biopharmaceutical Business Development Manager, RSSL look at the advantages of using an outsourcing partner and most importantly, how to find the right one.

Findings that many bottled waters contain microplastics have recently hit the headlines. RSSL can quantify microplastic particles in water down to 10 microns and above. We can then identify the type of microplastic using a variety of techniques and compare the particles with the reference materials to confirm if they have come from the original bottle.

In the wake of PHE's new calorie cutting initiative, RSSL is taking on the reformulation challenge with its dedicated product development service.

RSSL are pleased to announce the appointment of Thorsten Platz as a Technical Specialist in Preparative Chromatography.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is delighted to announce it has found the solution for one of the most difficult challenges facing the team in recent weeks – choosing a name for the yellow Labrador puppy sponsored by the science centre as part of the Dogs for Good Puppy Partner community scheme.

Staff at Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) are turning their analytical minds to the urgent problem of finding a name for the latest addition to the team – a yellow Labrador puppy.

Alan Cross, RSSL Technical Specialist, Metals Laboratory provides an insight into elemental impurities analysis in an article published in Manufacturing Chemist.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced yesterday (29 November 2017) that new EU legislation would be in force from April 2018 requiring food businesses to put in place practical steps to manage acrylamide within their food safety management systems.

Carole Bingley, Product and Ingredient Innovation at RSSL addresses the complexities of technical formulation and consumer expectations involved in sugar reduction strategies.

Carole Bingley, Product and Ingredient Innovation at RSSL provides an insight into alternative sugar ingredients

Carole Bingley, Product and Ingredient Innovation at RSSL provides an insight on how soluble fibre has taken on the structural role previously provided by sugars

Employee engagement, community spirit and a passion for science help Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) gain Good Employer nomination.

Reading Scientific Services Limited (RSSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacinta George in the role of Managing Director as part of their strategy to build further growth in supporting FMCG and Pharmaceutical clients.

Reading Scientific Services Limited (RSSL), is promising customers a dramatic improvement to their online experience of working with the UK's leading provider of analytical and technical services, following a complete rebuild of the RSSL website.

RSSL has recently installed and validated new equipment for detecting impurities in the production of raw materials that contain amino acids.

RSSL has relocated its biomolecular analysis group to new and expanded laboratories in its JJT facility based on the Reading University site.

RSSL’s physical chemistry department has recently expanded its capabilities in particle characterisation with new equipment for measuring the surface area of powder particles.

RSSL is leading the way in helping the food industry reduce the amount of acrylamide in fried and baked products.

RSSL has opened additional space in its Pharmaceutical Microbiology Laboratories in response to a growing demand for its services.

Jill Webb has rejoined RSSL as Associate Principal Scientist in the microscopy department.

Reading Scientific Services (RSSL) Ltd are delighted to announce their success in becoming the first provider of Qualified Person (QP) training courses to receive Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) approval for their full range of QP modules.

One of the UK’s leading pharmaceutical CROs, RSSL, is stepping up its support for manufacturers in addressing cleaning validation; a discipline that is coming under increasing scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

A new Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) service for measuring nanoparticles in food and drink products has been introduced by RSSL, with the acquisition of a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZSP into the physical chemistry department. The new instrument will assist in the evaluation of nano-sized particles to aid quality control and development of food products and ingredients, and through determination of zeta potential as an indicator of stability to help screen formulations thus reducing the time to market.

A new Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) service for measuring nanoparticles in cosmetic products has been introduced by RSSL, with the acquisition of a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZSP into the physical chemistry department.

A new Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) service for measuring nanoparticles in pharmaceutical products has been introduced by RSSL, with the acquisition of a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZSP into the physical chemistry department.

RSSL is now offering a service in preparative HPLC to help customers isolate impurities and also purify reference standards.

RSSL has been recognised as a Centre of Expertise in food authenticity testing by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

RSSL has invested in a new and improved Innovation Kitchen which was officially opened on 16 December 2015.

RSSL was delighted to have been shortlisted for the Company of the Year award with more than 100 employees by the Society of Food Hygiene & Technology (SOFHT).

Investment at the company’s Reading laboratories has seen RSSL expand its services in many areas and signals a commitment to evolve its service offering to meet the new challenges faced by the industry.

RSSL is launching a new HACCP Health Check service for food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.

RSSL can provide direct support with the transfer of validated particle sizing methods

New technology that can identify the chemicals we sense by smell, at the moment we sense them, has been installed at RSSL.

The Proton Transfer Reaction Time of Fight Mass Spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) recently installed at RSSL acts like an 'artificial nose', detecting and identifying the chemicals in the nasal cavity as aromas are sensed.

RSSL are offering two levels of tests to verify the authenticity of oregano.

RSSL's service will effectively provide a comprehensive and bespoke testing service (biological, chemical and physical) providing results for QC release, EU import certificates, affirming medical device functionality and determining product shelf-life.

RSSL's food experts can help food and drink manufacturers with efforts to reduce the levels of sugar in their products.

RSSL can promise competitive rates and flexibility in supporting customers during early stages of drug development.

This online training course is a convenient way for anyone involved in the wholesale distribution of medicinal products to be trained in the requirements of GDP

With over 4,000 subscribers; this very popular newsletter provides readers with a regular, easy to understand summary of key research findings that affect food and food ingredients.

RSSL purchased a new instrument to help with rapid product development, optimisation and quality checking process

RSSL can currently detect almond protein using ELISA techniques or can detect peanut or almond using a DNA based method.

New course developed by RSSL to help address the changing requirements of the BRC Standard Version 7

The new EU Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC) came into force on December 13th, 2014. It brought about a major change to the way food information must be provided in shops and restaurants.

A major new textbook on allergen management has been launched by Woodhead Publishing. The 'Handbook of Food Allergen Detection and Control' reviews current and emerging technologies for detecting and reducing allergens, as well as issues such as traceability, regulation and consumer attitudes.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is exhibiting and speaking at Food Matters Live - a new event dedicated to food, health and nutrition.

The Integrated Approaches to Food Allergen and Allergy Risk Assessment (iFAAM) Project General Assembly has voted unanimously in favour of the inclusion of Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) as an Associate Partner in iFAAM.

With an expanded service and brand new Head of Consultancy Business, consultancy at RSSL is booming and it's our clients reaping the benefits.

New flavour capabilities mean RSSL can now offer enhanced food product development services and support to the industry.

New flavour capabilities mean RSSL can now offer enhanced product development services and support to the pharmaceutical, healthcare product, cosmetics and related industries.

RSSL's Consultancy Department expands under the leadership of new appointment Sarah Marshall.

Food manufacturers can exploit a fresh avenue to competitive advantage with RSSL's new lipids profiling service.

RSSL's first ever international “Allergens in a Nutshell” Roadshow event in Schiphol, the Netherlands, was a resounding success, and another is planned for September 2014.

As the countdown to FIC compliance begins in earnest, Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is receiving numerous enquiries from food business operators about the changes to food labelling requirements.

Significant increases in the number of people seeking Qualified Person (QP) status have led Reading Scientific Services Ltd to double the number of course places on offer, and provide additional online “webtorials,” in order to meet demand.

A new accelerated stability testing service for oils, fats and finished products will provide invaluable support to the food industry, says Reading Scientific Services Ltd. Accelerated testing allows oxidative stability to be evaluated in a fraction of the standard time, so more stable products with longer shelf-life can be developed quicker.

With recent recruitment of biomolecule specialists, increased capability and a highly anticipated touring series of Biomolecule Breakfast events on the horizon, RSSL couldn’t be clearer in its commitment to biopharma.

Straight off the heels of a recent expansion in biomolecule services, analytical specialists at Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) are touring the British Isles with a specialised briefing presentation about protein, antibody and peptide analysis.

Demand for food authenticity testing increases amid reports of food fraud and mislabelling.

RSSL, in partnership with two other UK companies has secured government funding to accelerate the development of a new test to combat food fraud in the wake of the horsemeat scandal.

Food manufacturers, food suppliers, food retailers, restaurants and cafes have just over a year to prepare for major changes to food labelling regulations. The new EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers (FIC) will come into force on December 13th, 2014.

RSSL's microscopy laboratory is anticipating its 1000th foreign body identification project for the food industry this year during the Christmas period.

RSSL's microscopy laboratory is anticipating its 1500th foreign material identification project of this year during the Christmas period. RSSL identifies and investigates foreign material on behalf of numerous customers in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as those in the food and drink industry.

The head of RSSL's DNA & Protein laboratory, Barbara Hirst, has been awarded the accolade of Best Auditor/Technologist by SOFHT in its annual awards.

RSSL's Barbara Hirst has been recognised by the Food & Drink Federation for the help and support she gave to the UK food industry during the height of the horse meat scandal, and subsequently.

Demand for places on QP (Qualified Person) training courses run by RSSL has become so great that RSSL is to double the number of modules it runs in 2014.

RSSL is delighted to announce that its accreditation to ISO 17025 was maintained following a recent surveillance visit from UKAS.

The European Medicines Agency has launched a public consultation on a revision of the guideline addressing similar biological products (biosimilars) containing biotechnology-derived proteins as the active substance.

A welcome fall in the number of incidents reported in the FSA's Annual Report of Incidents 2012 (published on June 28), still identifies many areas of ongoing concern for food manufacturing.

RSSL has unveiled the latest stage of its recent expansion with the opening of its new metals laboratory, and signing of a laboratory partnership agreement with Agilent.

RSSL has unveiled the latest stage of its recent expansion with the opening of its new metals laboratory, and signing of a laboratory partnership agreement with Agilent.

Food manufacturers and retailers have increased their testing programmes in the wake of the horse meat scandal. However, not only meat has come under the spotlight.

RSSL ran its first course covering the changes in the GDP guidelines, just a day after they were published last month. Extra dates for courses covering these important changes have been set for April 9th, May 21st, and June 13th.

The inside secrets of food products will be revealed when the Royal Microscopical Society hosts a 'Focus on Food' meeting at the University of Reading, sponsored by local contract research laboratory, RSSL.

The third wave of test results announced by the FSA on Friday showed a small number of positive tests for horse DNA in meat products; however, that does not signal an end to the testing story. In fact the industry is gearing up for more.

Having offered a DNA test for horse for more than ten years, RSSL is advising the food industry to understand the limitations of testing before rushing to test.

Massive changes in the expectations on companies involved in distributing pharmaceutical products are about to come into force.

Reports emerged yesterday from the Irish Food Standards Agency of horse and pig DNA being found in beef burgers sold in Ireland and the UK.

Major investment in new microscopy facilities has enabled RSSL to introduce a new service for identifying routine foreign bodies. With proven expertise in foreign body identification and a turnaround time of 5 days, RSSL is confident that the new offering will enhance its reputation for quality and service, and represent the best value in the food industry.

RSSL has been named as Company of the Year with more than 100 employees by the Society of Food Hygiene & Technology (SOFHT). The award was announced on November 22nd at a gala luncheon in London, hosted by SOFHT.

Reading Scientific Services has made two new appointments in its Product and Ingredient Innovation department.

Paul O'Nion has joined the pharmaceutical department at RSSL to head the gas chromatography team, and to oversee expansion of RSSL's gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) services.

RSSL has announced that it is to sponsor a new award for manufacturers in the 'free-from' sector. A special award has been inaugurated for 'products produced in a nut free environment' in the annual FreeFrom Food Awards organised by Foodsmatter.com and RSSL is to sponsor the £1,000 prize.

Significant investment in refurbished laboratories, new equipment and expertise has boosted RSSL's capability in flavour analysis. This includes the investigation of taints and off-flavours, as well as the development and optimisation of flavours. The odour and flavour of food products will often change over time, and during processing/cooking. RSSL can provide expert analysis to understand these changes, and potentially avoid the unwanted off-flavours.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is the first laboratory to be granted a flexible scope of accreditation by UKAS for allergen DNA testing using PCR methods. In effect, UKAS has recognised and endorsed RSSL’s competence to introduce new testing services using PCR techniques, without needing to assess every new addition to its testing portfolio. It means RSSL will be able to offer a UKAS accredited service for new allergens in double-quick time, and follows on from RSSL receiving a flexible scope of accreditation for allergen testing using ELISA methods in 2006.

A post-Olympic passion for sport could prompt a surge in development of 'performance-enhancing' foods and 'replenishing' sports drinks. But in their dash for the top prizes, manufacturers will have to be careful with claims, or risk seeing their products join the ranks of the also-rans.

Steve Alley has joined RSSL as a Senior Scientist working in the team that provides early phase method development and method validation services.

The method for gluten analysis used at RSSL has recently been accepted by AOAC International as the Official First Action method. Developed by R-Biopharm, the RIDASCREEN® Gliadin ELISA, utilises the Codex Alimentarius recommended “R5” gliadin antibody, which is generally accepted as the standard method for the detection of gluten in foods.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has been chosen by the Food Standards Agency to carry out a survey of allergen advisory labelling in the UK. The survey aims to provide a better understanding of whether this type of labelling relates to the actual level of allergen present in foods sold on the UK market. It is not intended to be representative of the entire UK retail market, as only 12 product categories are being considered. However, it will provide a ‘snap shot’ of 500 pre-packed processed food products that may or may not carry allergen advisory labelling.

RSSL is to employ high-tech hand-held scanners in the fight against foreign bodies in food and pharmaceuticals. Scientists from RSSL's Microscopy Department are already experts in identifying foreign bodies. Now they are launching a new service that will help trace the source of foreign bodies from the factory floor, and may help companies fight off false claims from customers.

RSSL has invested in new equipment to bring speed and efficiency gains to its dissolution testing services. Automated dissolution baths have been installed in RSSL's pharmaceutical laboratories, which can auto-sample items under test at the predefined time intervals. Samples will be taken without scientists having to be in attendance, giving RSSL greater flexibility in scheduling work.

For the second year running, the FSA Annual Incident report shows a significant increase in food and environmental contamination incidents.

Dr David Neville has joined Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) as an Associate Principal Scientist, specialising in Carbohydrates and Proteins.

RSSL is to launch several new services to the biopharmaceutical sector, covering all aspects of the EMA regulatory guidelines for safety, quality and efficacy of biopharmaceuticals. Services will be GMP compliant where appropriate.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 comes into full force from January 1st 2012. It is intended to clarify exactly when and how to label foods as “gluten-free”, setting limits for use of terms such as 'gluten-free' and 'very low gluten'. Products that don't comply will have to be removed from sale.

Robert Jones of RSSL was presented with the "Outsourcing Executive of the year" awarded at the European Outsourcing Awards ceremony held in Frankfurt at the end of October.

RSSL's Microscopy department is launching a revolutionary new service in non-destructive 3-D imaging of samples, following installation of a SkyScan X-ray tomography system. This powerful analytical instrument can scan a sample, much like a CT scanner used in medical imaging, to build up a three dimensional image and therefore give much more detailed information about the inside of a sample than microscopy techniques

RSSL has extended its scope for allergen testing even further by validating a method for analysis of buckwheat. Though not on the EU list of allergens that must be declared, buckwheat is a known and serious allergen in Japan, and clinical reports expose several cases in Europe. In France and Russia in particular, buckwheat is a common constituent of cakes and biscuits. There are even some brewing uses for buckwheat.

RSSL has further established its reputation as the pre-eminent laboratory in allergen analysis by validating a new test kit to detect the milk protein, casein, in highly processed foods. This is hugely significant since many of the test kits on the market can't detect highly processed proteins, yet these proteins can still remain allergenic for susceptible individuals. So it is important to have a reliable method that can detect highly processed proteins.

RSSL is launching a new training course for QPs and auditors covering the specific requirements for auditing APIs.

The two biggest concerns of the MHRA – supply chain vulnerabilities and counterfeit products – will be addressed in valuable one-day workshops to be held on 31st May 2011 and 2nd November 2011 by RSSL.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd is the first laboratory in the UK to offer a commercial service in elemental analysis, combining two of the most recent developments in microanalysis and FT-IR imaging.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd will soon become the first laboratory in the UK to offer a commercial service in elemental analysis, using the new Apollo XL EDX analysis detector and TEAM software from EDAX.

RSSL Pharma Training has launched a new training course for the cosmetics sector, this course will be good grounding for the preparation of the cosmetic industry to be fully compliant with EC1223/2009 by July 2013. This date is when companies that market cosmetic products must ensure that their products have been manufactured, tested and stored in compliance with the safety requirements, which are described in the detailed guidelines published in International Standard ISO22716.

RSSL has responded quickly to assist food manufacturers affected by a new dioxin scare revealed this morning.

Simon Flanagan of RSSL has won the SOFHT Award for Best Trainer 2010. The award, presented at the Savoy Hotel on November 18, recognises Simon's pioneering role in providing allergen management training to food companies in the UK and Europe.

The announcement by the MHRA on October 27th of new requirements for registering as a Responsible Person (RP) are a good thing for the industry and for patient safety, according to RSSL Pharma Training.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd will celebrate the 500th issue of its fortnightly Food e-News newsletter on Wednesday October 27, 2010. The newsletter provides a regular, easy to understand summary of key research findings that affect food and food ingredients, as well as updates on regulations and legislation. It is available free of charge and now has more than 5700 subscribers.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has followed up its success in developing new methods for analysis of Stevia (Reb A), with a new HPLC method for another natural sweetener, Lo Han Guo.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd has commissioned a new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer in its Berkshire laboratories. The new instrument enhances the analytical capability of RSSL, and is more sensitive and more flexible than the company's existing NMR instrument.

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has added analysis of cochineal carmine to the range of colours, both natural and artificial, that it can detect by HPLC with UV detection. This development means RSSL can now detect cochineal carmine at levels in drinks down to 0.5 parts per million.

RSSL Pharma has signalled its commitment to the biotech sector, especially in services relating to early phase development, with the installation of new storage capability.

The airspace over Europe may have opened again, but the problems may just be beginning for the pharmaceutical supply chain. "The question is what has happened to materials while they have been waiting to be sent," notes Philip Payne, of RSSL Pharma.

The Functional Ingredients laboratory at Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) has developed and validated a new HPLC method for Rebaudioside A, one of the active components of the natural sweetener stevia.

RSSL has announced that it has developed and validated UPLC-MS (liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry) methods for analysing biotin and folic acid in drinks.

The exploitation of an ever-increasing range of speciality oils has raced ahead of the regulatory framework, leaving a tricky 'grey area' for food manufacturers when it comes to determining oil authenticity

Leading laboratory, Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is offering FOSFA accredited services to farmers and small independent oil processors in a bid to improve standards and quality in the speciality oils market. RSSL already works for many of the larger oil producers, food manufacturers and retailers, and feels that smaller processors risk being left behind.

Newspaper reports that elevated levels of antimony have been found in certain fruit juices have highlighted again the risk that chemicals can leach out of packaging into food products. The research published in Journal of Environmental Monitoring found antimony at levels that exceeded the 'safety' limits for drinking water.

RSSL has developed a new method for vitamin B12 analysis using UPLC-MS (liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry). Quicker and more sensitive than other methods, the LC-MS technique has been validated for a variety of matrices, and RSSL is now developing methods for other vitamins and functional ingredients.

Reports emerged on Thursday January 21 that tests on 500 samples of buffalo mozzarella cheese had shown that roughly a quarter contained some cow’s milk. Under the rules of its PDO protected status, buffalo mozzarella should only be made using buffalo milk. Therefore any use of cow's milk is prohibited.