PLEASE NOTE: The current version of the Viscgo sticks look a little different to the original version of the sticks used in the images on this page.
How to test if a drink is Level 2 Mildly Thick
Contents
The Viscgo Pink Level 2 Test consists of two different Viscgo Sticks. Both are required to test if a drink is Level 2 Mildly Thick.
The longer, thinner Pink Level 2 MIN Stick WITHOUT a white tip tests if a drink is too thin for Level 2.
The shorter, wider Pink Level 2 MAX Stick WITH a white tip tests if a drink is too thick for Level 2.
Intended use
To test if a drink thickened with xanthan gum-based thickener is Level 2 Mildly Thick. Not intended to test drinks thickened with starch-based thickener.
Intended user
Anyone who uses xanthan gum-based thickener to thicken drinks to Level 2 Mildly Thick.
Preparation
Wash the sticks before first use.
Before each use, check the sticks are clean and not bent or damaged in any way and the white print is clearly visible.
The sticks must be used the right way up:
the blunt end should be at the top;
the pointed end should be at the bottom;
the number should be the right way up;
the Viscgo logo should be above the depth mark.
Make sure the cup containing the drink is on a flat, level surface, not at an angle, and is not vibrated or knocked during testing. It is easier to use a cup with a flat bottom than a curved bottom. We recommend using the Viscgo Cup as it has a flat bottom.
The drink must be between 6.5cm and 7.5cm deep. The Sticks have a depth mark as a guide. We recommend using the Viscgo Cup to ensure that a 200ml drink is the correct depth for testing with the sticks.
How to test if a drink is Level 2 Mildly Thick
Hold the sticks the right way up and use them to give the drink a quick vigorous stir.
After stirring, remove the sticks from the drink and then re-insert them in the drink vertically. This is because it is better to insert the sticks in the drink vertically rather than move them to a vertical position within the drink.
Stand both sticks in the drink, near the middle of the cup at least 1cm apart with the pointed ends touching the bottom of the cup. Hold the sticks in place with your finger tips and make sure they are vertically upright, not at an angle.
To get a correct result, it is very important to release the sticks from a vertical position. Failure to do so can cause an incorrect result as a stick might fall more quickly than it would if starting from a vertical position. You might find it easier to ensure the stick is vertical if you use one stick at a time rather than both sticks together.
Let go of the sticks and wait for ten seconds.
TOO THIN
If both sticks fall to the side of the cup within ten seconds the drink is TOO THIN for Level 2 Mildly Thick.
CORRECT THICKNESS
If the MIN Stick STANDS for 10 seconds, or starts to fall but doesn’t reach the side of the cup within 10 seconds, and the MAX Stick FALLS to the side of the cup within 10 seconds, the drink is the CORRCT THICKNESS.
TOO THICK
If BOTH sticks STAND for 10 seconds, or start to fall but don’t reach the side of the cup within 10 seconds, the drink is TOO THICK.
If the sticks touch during the ten seconds, one may knock the other over, or hold the other up, so restart the test.
If an unexpected result occurs, for instance a stick falls quicker than expected, it is recommended to perform the test again making sure the stick starts from a vertical position. You might find it easier to ensure the stick is vertical if you use one stick at a time rather than both Sticks together.
Remove sticks from the drink after ten seconds as sticks will eventually fall if left in the drink longer, implying an incorrect test result.
As the consistency of thickened drinks can alter over time, for example if a hot drink cools down or a cold drink warms up, you can re-test the drink at any time using this method.
Warnings
Do not use Viscgo Sticks if they are bent or damaged in any way or if the print is not clearly visible.
CHOKING HAZARD: keep the sticks out of reach of young children.
Avoid contact with eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
Do not use the Pink Viscgo Sticks to test if drinks are any Level other than Level 2 Mildly Thick.
The cup containing the drink must be on a flat, level surface, not at an angle.
Avoid vibrating or knocking the cup during testing.
The sticks must be placed vertically upright near the middle of the drink at least 1cm apart, the right way up with the pointed ends touching the bottom of the cup.
Depth of drink to be tested must be between 6.5cm and 7.5cm. There is a depth mark on the sticks as a guide.
Remove the sticks from the drink after ten seconds as they will eventually fall if left in a drink longer, implying an incorrect test result.
Remove the sticks from the cup before serving.
Maintenance
The sticks can be hand washed or washed in a dishwasher. Avoid bending the sticks during washing.
Disposal
If the sticks are bent or damaged in any way, or if the print is not clearly visible, dispose of in general waste.
Summary
Notice
Any serious incident that has occurred in relation to Viscgo sticks should be reported to the manufacturer and the competent authority of the Member State in which the user is established.
Manufacturer
Viscgo Limited Unit 21 Greenheys, Manchester Science Park, Manchester, M15 6JJ, UK, contact