Andrzej Benkowski

Andrzej Benkowski

Technical Manager, Probiotics & Dietary Supplements

As the Technical Manager at Eurofins Center of Excellence for Probiotics, Andrzej Benkowski brings over 18 years of expertise in biotics quality management, testing, and technology. With a strong technical background in food microbiology, Andrzej specializes in contract R&D, method development, and pioneering technologies for probiotic evaluation.

Since 2019, Andrzej has chaired the International Probiotic Association (IPA) Technical Committee and has been a member of the IPA Board of Directors since early 2024. He also contributes to the IPA Postbiotics Committee and has served as the IPA expert liaison with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) TC34/SC9 Working Group 11 since 2022, co-convening their Enumeration Subgroup.

Andrzej is dedicated to advancing the biotics industry by setting rigorous standards and driving innovation with a focus on quality.

Outside of his professional and scientific achievements, Andrzej is a member of the Eurofins Madison Site Employee Engagement Team and manages the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program for the site. A founding member of the funk band Steez, he also plays saxophone, synthesizers, and vocals. Andrzej enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his family, and pretending to be a coffee aficionado. Additionally, he has a passion for collecting sneakers and fitted hats.

Below are resources from Andrzej:

Validation of BACGene Salmonella Assay for the Detection of Salmonella in Spice Matrices

Spices are known to have antimicrobial and PCR inhibitory components. This research validates the performance of the BACGene Salmonella spp. realtime PCR assay for detection of Salmonella in seven spice matrices and an additional nine spices via matrix verification.

Keywords: Scientific Research Pathogen Detection Spices Ingredients Salmonella BACGene

Evaluation of a Commercial Real Time PCR Assay Performance with Various Spices

This poster discusses research with the purpose to evaluate the performance of a commercial real-time PCR Salmonella detection method with spice matrices having antimicrobial and PCR inhibitory properties and to determine if any method modifications are required to obtain acceptable results.

Keywords: Scientific Research Microbiology Spices Ingredients

Challenges in Testing for Pathogens in Spices and Seasoning Blends Webinar

In this webinar Dr. Demarco, Associate Scientific Director of Eurofins Microbiology, discusses problems from the perspective of the spice manufacturer, rapid and conventional cultural methods most commonly used when testing for pathogens in spices, issues with testing methods and most commonly used approaches to circumvent them, as well as opportunities for improvements. Original airdate April 27, 2023.

Keywords: Webinar Microbiology Spices Ingredients Food

Organic Spices: Where to Start

This infographic answers questions surrounding becoming certified organic in the spice industry.

Keywords: Infographic Regulatory Food Ingredients Spices