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28th February 2023  Content supplied by: various sources as indicated

Faster Microbial Product Release for Food and Beverages - a rapidmicrobiology Special Focus


Microbial contamination of food and beverages is an ongoing issue as seen by the number of recalls and outbreaks that continue to be reported across the world. Testing is part of the toolbox for food companies to ensure only safe products are sent to market, but the time it takes to get results can present a problem.

Rapid microbiological testing can help get products released faster instead of waiting for results to come back from a conventional laboratory, which can take days. Benefits are also wider than speed, as the increased role of automation means reduced staff training requirements.

Depending on the specifics of the product and pathogen being testing for and associated regulations, rapid methods can offer a sensitive and reliable solution for companies globally. Getting results in hours keeps the supply chain moving – so products can be sent to market sooner, meaning they are on-hold for less time, saving costs and ensuring that quarantine and inventory space can be used for something else.

Quicker results also aid the decision-making process in a sector dealing with short shelf lives and tight margins. A shorter time to result means more products can be made and sold. However, it is still critical to get things right as false positive results can lead to a recall or destruction of safe products. This is why choosing a rapid method validated by bodies such as AOAC, AFNOR or MicroVal is important.

As long as other procedures are being followed, most of the time the product should be safe for release. If the worst happens and a product is contaminated, the sooner this is known, the better. It means you can take action internally and externally, informing partners in the supply chain, regulators and the public, if product made it to market.

Quick corrective actions will help reduce downtime and protect brand reputation in an era were consumer trust is of growing importance. The exact cost of a recall will depend on many factors but a 2011 study including the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now the Consumer Brands Association) put the price tag at $10 million. There is a higher initial spend and cost per test for rapid methods but put in context of the advantages listed above and the return on investment when a long-term view is taken, these kits are still the best option to ensure faster product release and such methods are likely to only increase in use in the future.

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Date Published: 28th February 2023



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