Blogs

Food safety risks in fruit and vegetable processing environments can come from many different sources. Agricultural items are inherently dirty products, which can introduce risk- including microbial pathogens- to a facility from the outside environment. If your Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) and sanitation programs are not sufficient to control these risks, these products could be potentially cross contaminating other products that are subsequently processed in the facility. It is therefore imperative that we think about risks from both our incoming products and our processes when designing environmental monitoring programs.

This comprehensive guide dives into the considerations that must be taken when developing a nutritional bar product. Topics Include: • Better for You Bar formulation to meet consumer demands • Cost consideration when formulating a nutritional bar • Fiber, Sugar, and Protein ingredient functionality in a nutritional bar

Pilot-scale and small-batch production play a critical role in food, beverage, and dietary supplement development. These early stage runs allow companies to fine-tune formulations, troubleshoot production challenges, and test market viability before full-scale commercialization. However, without proper planning, pilot production can lead to costly setbacks. This paper outlines key considerations—including food safety, quality control, production troubleshooting, and packaging—to ensure your pilot runs set the stage for a successful market launch.

Non-culturable presumptive (NCP)- samples that yield positive pathogen detection results by PCR screening methods but do not confirm by cultural methods- can be frustrating and disruptive to clients. These situations are not unique to a testing company or the methods that are run, but it is possible to understand the root causes of NCPs, and to identify additional procedures to reduce the frequency with which they occur and minimize the likelihood of these situations impacting your data.

As winter melts away and the promise of spring invites renewal, it's the perfect time to think about new beginnings, especially when it comes to nurturing our bodies. Join us as we embark on a journey exploring plants that promote women’s health and well-being.

Eight percent of children under age 5 and four percent of adults are allergic to food1. Food allergies trigger immune system responses that can have severe consequences, even in the presence of small amounts of an allergen. For individuals with food allergies, avoiding allergens entirely is crucial, making accurate food testing and labeling by manufacturers essential. The correct identification of allergens ensures consumer safety and prevents life-threatening reactions.

The demand for low- and non-alcoholic beverages is booming, driven by evolving consumer preferences for healthier, more mindful drinking options. But behind this innovation lies a complex challenge: without alcohol’s natural antimicrobial properties, these beverages face a higher risk of spoilage and contamination. Ensuring product safety, shelf stability, and regulatory compliance requires more than careful brewing—it calls for the expertise of a qualified process authority. Here is a look at the key risks, essential testing protocols, and proven strategies to keep your low- and no-alcohol products safe, high-quality, and market-ready.

In the evolving landscape of biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) play a significant role in agriculture and food production. In this blog, we’ll explore key insights into GMO screening and testing, with a focus on GMO testing methods and applications.

Here we highlight the best practices in process validation that pet food manufacturers may use to scientifically demonstrate that a given process, or “kill step,” in the manufacture of pet food and pet food products can deliver the required microbial reductions to ensure the safety of their product. 

As a manufacturer of specialty pet food or pet food products, how will Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM) affect your business? In this blog, we help you decipher high-level changes coming with PFLM, including how to prepare for the updated guidelines.