Food Testing

International food manufacturer

Use Case: Food Testing

Imagine running a large-scale catering service, preparing tens of thousands of meals every day for industries like airlines, logistics, and international events. Now, think about the immense responsibility of ensuring every meal is safe to eat. This is the world of our international food manufacturer, where food safety is paramount. Let’s dive into their journey to tackle microbial contamination and ensure food integrity.

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Overview

Industry and Client Overview

Our client is a big player in the catering world, serving a diverse clientele across the airline industry, logistics, and international events. Their facilities churn out a staggering number of meals daily, feeding thousands of people in the transportation and business sectors. It’s a massive operation with no room for error regarding food safety.

Importance of Food Safety in Catering

Food safety tests aren’t just about avoiding a bad meal but preventing potentially life-threatening illnesses. In large-scale catering, the stakes are even higher because a single contaminated batch can affect many people. Fast and accurate detection of bacterial and fungal contaminants is crucial to maintaining the food's integrity.


Our Challenge

Compliance Issues in North American Facility

One of our client's North American locations was struggling with compliance with food safety regulations. The challenge was detecting microbial agents promptly and accurately to avoid contamination issues. With thousands of meals being prepared daily, any delay in detection could have serious consequences.


Need for Fast and Accurate Detection

In this high-stakes environment, timely receipt and detection of microbial agents are critical. The goal was clear: ensure that every meal prepared met stringent safety standards to protect consumers' health.

Our Approach

Consultation with SBL Scientists

To tackle this challenge, our client turned to the experts at SBL. They consulted with SBL scientists to develop a robust plan for detecting and identifying microbial contaminants. The collaboration aimed to create a system that could quickly and accurately pinpoint any bacterial or fungal presence.


Establishing Testing Parameters

The first step was agreeing on testing parameters. These parameters were crucial for maximizing the detection and identification of targeted microbes. It was all about setting up the right protocols to catch any potential issues before they became problems.


Monthly Testing Schedule

Once the testing parameters were in place, the next step was to implement a regular testing schedule. Monthly testing ensured continuous monitoring, providing our client with ongoing insights into the microbial status of their prepared food products.

Our Results

Two female doctors are looking at a computer screen.
Three plates of food are sitting on a wooden table.

Comprehensive Testing Reports

Detailed reports from the testing protocols were sent to the client each month. These reports were more than just data—they were comprehensive tools that guided the client in their remediation efforts, helping them take targeted action to address any issues.

Remediation Efforts

Using the insights from the reports, the client could confidently implement effective remediation efforts. This proactive approach significantly reduced the microbial load found in food samples, ensuring a higher food safety standard and instilling a sense of reassurance.

Reduction in Microbial Loads

The impact was clear: the microbial load in the tested food items dropped significantly. This reduction improved compliance with food safety regulations and enhanced the overall safety of the meals being served.

Enhanced Detection Capabilities

With the new system in place, our client could quickly detect any contaminants, enabling swift action to prevent any potential health risks. This capability was a game-changer in maintaining high food safety standards.

Structural Changes

Daily Production Process Improvements

Beyond immediate results, the collaboration with SBL led to lasting changes. There were structural improvements in daily production processes, making them more robust against microbial contamination.


Staff Education and Awareness

Another key outcome was the heightened awareness among staff about food safety. Through education and continuous monitoring, staff became more vigilant, ensuring that food safety remained a top priority at all times.

Conclusion

The journey of our international food manufacturer highlights the critical importance of fast and accurate microbial detection in large-scale catering. By partnering with SBL, they overcame compliance challenges and made significant strides in improving their food safety standards. This case is an important reminder of the ongoing efforts required to maintain food integrity and protect consumer health in the catering industry.


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