UK company Oxoid, in conjunction with the UK Institute and Guild of Brewing (IGB), has launched a new, international, brewing industry award scheme for hygiene and quality standards.

Oxoid, a manufacturer of diagnostic products used in the food and drink industry, has created the Oxoid Award for Beer Quality and Brewery Hygiene "to reward those whose activities are making a real difference to brewing quality and hygiene standards".

The annual award is open to individuals, companies and organisations worldwide. Entrants will be encouraged to describe improvements that they have made to working practices that ensure beer quality and brewery hygiene. For example: improvements to filtration techniques, improved cleaning processes adopted, identification of spoilage organisms or 'new' organisms not previously encountered, the development of a new media or testing method, and the monitoring and usage of disinfectants.

Commenting on the new award, Brian Pegnall, chief executive of the IGB, said: "We are delighted that Oxoid has chosen to provide an Award for improvements in quality and hygiene. This is a very important area of our industry, but one that often gets taken for granted."

The closing date for entries is 28 February 2003.