Food Safety

Key Takeaways This article is a deep, technical dive, but these key takeaways give you a quick overview of the most important concepts and conclusions on contamination, detection, and dairy product sampling strategies. Small Numbers, Big Consequences In dairy processing, persistent quality problems such as off-flavors, textural changes, and visible spoilage begin with imperceptibly small…

Coconut milk spoilage poses an ongoing challenge for manufacturers, even as coconut-based products gain popularity worldwide. For centuries, coconuts, coconut water, and coconut milk have been wholesome protein rich staples in many tropical countries, and coconut oil has been used in culinary and personal care routines for about as long. The significant health benefits, including anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial,…

Why Is Inline Sampling Important for Water Quality? Water is a critical component in the food and beverage industry—yet it also poses one of the most significant contamination risks. Whether used for washing, rinsing, or as a product ingredient, water can harbor pathogens like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella if not monitored properly. Effective water quality verification is essential to detect…

Whey processing during cheesemaking is a balance of biological precision, equipment design, and time-sensitive process control. While modern production facilities have mastered the major threats to quality and efficiency, even in the most advanced plants, one subtle but insidious threat continues to compromise extended production runs: biofilms in the whey processing line. These resilient microbial…

In juice processing, microbial contamination remains a leading cause of product spoilage and shelf life failure. Much of the scientific attention in juice quality has centered on Alicyclobacillus (ACB), a heat-resistant, acidophilic bacterium that produces off-odors reminiscent of medicinal or smoky taint. ACB is a legitimate concern, especially for shelf-stable juices subjected to pasteurization, but it is…

Biofilms, resilient bacterial communities encased in a self-produced matrix, pose a significant threat to dairy farming. These microbial formations develop on surfaces that are frequently exposed to moisture and organic material, making milking equipment an ideal breeding ground. Once established, biofilms are notoriously difficult to remove, resisting standard cleaning protocols and allowing pathogenic bacteria to…

In industrial microbiology and biotechnology, precise bioreactor sampling plays a critical role in ensuring product quality, optimizing processes, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Sampling provides vital insights into microbial growth, nutrient consumption, and metabolite production, allowing producers to fine-tune operations for maximum efficiency and consistent results. Sampling bioreactors also needs to be done in a way that…

The production of no and low-alcohol (NoLo) beers has gained significant traction as consumers increasingly seek healthier, lifestyle-friendly beverage options. In the evolving world of NoLo beer production, maintaining strict microbiological control is essential to ensuring quality, consistency, and safety. However, this segment presents unique microbiological challenges compared to traditional beers. The absence of alcohol, higher residual…