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Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Research Station facts for kids

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Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Research Station
FVBRS
Chipping Campden station site geograph-3149114-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg
Site next to the former railway station in November 1988
General information
Type Food Research Centre
Address Ebrington, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LD
Coordinates 52°03′18″N 1°45′14″W / 52.055°N 1.754°W / 52.055; -1.754
Elevation 120 m (394 ft)
Completed 1919
Client University of Bristol

The Fruit and Vegetable Preservation Research Station (FVPRS) was a special place in Britain. It started as a government research center. Now, it is a private company that helps keep food fresh for a long time. They made big discoveries, especially about how to can food. Canning helps food last without going bad.

The Story of Food Preservation

This research center began in 1919. It first worked closely with the University of Bristol. Around 1926, the way Britain canned fruit really started to grow.

The scientists at this center found a clever way to can peas. They discovered how to stop peas from turning yellow. This meant the peas could stay green and look fresh. In the 1930s, they worked with Sir Edgar Jones. He was an important person who helped with food canning in the country.

On August 16, 1952, the center became its own private company. It continued to do research for the fruit and vegetable industry. In September 2008, it joined with another research company. That company focused on brewing, which is how drinks like beer are made.

Royal Visitors and Special Events

Many important people visited the research station over the years.

  • On Wednesday, November 16, 1994, the Duke of Kent came to visit. He was there to represent a group that helps with international trade. Sir Henry Elwes was also with him.
  • The Princess of Wales opened a new building. This special event happened on Thursday, June 27, 1996.
  • Anne, Princess Royal attended a special lunch. She was there for an annual lecture on Wednesday, June 9, 2004.

Where the Research Happens

The private company is located in the beautiful Cotswolds. This area is in Gloucestershire, England. It is right next to the Cotswold Line, which is a railway. It's also near a place where the road crosses the railway tracks.

Testing Food Safety

This location is one of the two main places in the UK for checking food safety. The other main testing site is in northern Surrey.

In May 2005, this lab was one of only two in Britain. It could test for illegal dyes in spices. These spices included paprika, chilli powder, and turmeric. Some harmful dyes, like Para red and Rhodamine B, had been found. They were in supermarket brands and also in Old El Paso spice products.

Learning and New Ideas

In recent years, the center has offered training courses. These courses teach people about food safety and preservation. The research company also holds special meetings. They invite groups of customers from the food and drink industry. These groups help test new products and give their opinions. Since 2015, these meetings have taken place in Royal Leamington Spa in Warwickshire.

See also

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