This paper provides a framework to support investigations related to atypical or frequently occurring particles observed during VI or related to field complaints – which require detailed and systematic assessment of risk to the quality of the batch. The proposal for a standardized risk investigation methodology outlined in this paper may support such risk assessments, where the total risk related to foreign particles is assessed by considering a variety of risk factors (type, frequency, etc.) and applying a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) tool to calculate a total risk-based score.