QTS in the News

Pesticide test prevents wastage

An innovative procedure which cuts the time it takes to test for pesticides has been devised by scientists in Kent.

Fresh produce has to be tested for pesticides before it can go on sale and if the results are borderline then it must be re-tested; it takes 10 days.

Because produce can spoil within this time, fruit and vegetables requiring re-testing often have to be destroyed.

The new test, devised by QTS Analytical Technology in East Malling, cuts the time it takes to test by half.

Quality assurance

In cases which are considered time critical as freshness may be compromised, a same-day service is also available.

Firm founder Steve Gardner said the new procedure would benefit consumers by providing quality assurance.

"Given the concerns expressed by consumers about food safety, a new fast analytical technology that provides top quality results in a very short time could go some way to reinforce customer confidence in the quality of fresh produce," he said.

In addition to fresh produce, the new technology can also be used to determine levels of pesticides in tea, soils and water.

This article was published on Wednesday 7 July 2004 on the news.bbc.co.uk website.

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