Campden BRI has been awarded UKAS accreditation for its vitamin D testing method for food and drink, meaning that the company now holds UKAS accreditation for the analysis of 10 vitamins. Campden BRI says it is the only laboratory in the UK to be accredited methods for vitamins A (retinol), D, E, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B 5(pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B 9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin).

Dr Amanda Foster, principal research officer at Campden BRI said, "We are delighted to have received UKAS accreditation for our vitamin testing methods. UKAS accreditation demonstrates our commitment to provide the best specialist analytical services to the food and drink industry."

Vitamins are important nutrients that bodies need to function correctly and remain healthy, Campden BRI notes, and knowing what vitamins, and in what quantity, are in products and ingredients is advantageous as it can help to:

• Develop new products
• Demonstrate compliance with food labelling legislation
• Demonstrate compliance with retailer specifications
• Anticipate the impact of shelf life on vitamin levels
• Understand the impact of processing on vitamin content
• Fortify products
• Make health claims

UKAS accreditation is a recognised international standard for competence, impartiality and performance capability.