In the food and beverage manufacturing industry keeping high standards of hygiene is vital to stop avoidable food spoilage as well as contamination of products from unwanted and dangerous microorganisms. These microorganisms and pathogens include a large range of species and species genus that can affect products, as well as company reputation.

Common types of micro-organism & pathogens:

• Bacteria: Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens.
• Yeasts: Candida, Saccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, Pichia, Debaryomyces.
• Moulds: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Alternaria, Rhizopus.
• Viruses: Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Rotavirus.

Reasons to switch from external testing to in-house testing

There are several reasons why more companies are choosing to use in-house rapid microbiology test methods instead of using external testing labs. One of the main reasons’ companies are switching to in-house testing, is it allows for increased control and flexibility over the testing process, allowing them to respond quickly to potential issues and make necessary adjustments to cleaning procedures and or ingredient storage or suppliers. This can help to reduce production downtime and increase efficiency. In-house testing also allows companies to have access to the test results immediately, reducing the time associated with sending samples to an external testing lab and then waiting for results. This can be particularly important in industries where time-to-market is critical, such as food and beverage production.

Cost saving

Finally, in-house testing can be more cost-effective in the long run, as companies can avoid the ongoing costs associated with using external testing labs, such as shipping costs and sample preparation fees. In-house testing can provide companies with greater confidentiality and security. The company can maintain control over sensitive information, such as test results, without having to worry about the potential for data breaches. So, reducing the risk of commercial reputational damage and the associated costs, which can include, product recalls costs, remedial damage costs and potentially legally imposed fines. Did you know that 67% of businesses said the recall of a key product would cost them more than £30,000! (Westgate UK – 2018 - https://www.westgateuk.co.uk/news/the-cost-of-recalling-products-in-the-food-industry-infographic/) Ferrero Chocolate Salmonella recall costs – (Lockton -March 2022 - https://global.lockton.com/gb/en/news-insights/a-pricey-salmonella-case-hits-the-product-recall-space) Finally, rapid microorganism testing is not limited to the food & beverage production industry. It can used in most settings where high levels of hygiene are required to be maintained.

How Gem Scientific can help

Our knowledge hub looks at onsite microorganism and pathogen testing, their importance, as well as how they can be implemented into your environmental monitoring plan. Click here to go to the Microorganism Hub. Indicator Organism Tests Rapid Tests:

• Hygiena MicroSnap
• Hygiena InSite

Cultured Growth Tests:

• 3M Petrifilm
• 3M Molecular Detection System (MDS)

Gem Scientific also stock a range of environmental water microbiology testing products:

• Idexx Water Testing
• Hydrosense Legionella Tests

Our experienced and knowledgeable staff are on hand to help with of your questions. You can contact us either by email call 01924 444 577 or via our website.