Raw milk testing blog image
| | | | | | |

Raw Milk Testing for the 21st Century: Key Parameters for Achieving High Quality 

ByNicole Martin, PhD

The quality of processed dairy products is inextricably tied to the quality of raw milk at production, and throughout pre-processing storage and handling. Pasteurization, while quite literally a lifesaver, is no magic bullet when it comes to improving quality. As domestic and international markets for US dairy products evolve, expectations of increasing shelf life are…

Fruit juice HACCP plan Blog
| | | | |

The Importance of a Fruit Juice HACCP Plan in Juice Production

ByNeil Bogart

Ensuring the quality and safety of beverages and fruit juices is a top priority for producers, given the risks and hazards associated with contamination. A comprehensive fruit juice Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan is essential for identifying and controlling hazards that could compromise product safety. This blog explores the critical role of a…

Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation Blog Image
| | | | | |

Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Formation: The Impact on Food Safety and Quality

ByClarence Johnson

Quorum sensing and biofilm formation play a critical role in microbial contamination within food and dairy processing environments. Quorum sensing (QS), a bacterial communication system, is at the heart of biofilm formation, enabling bacteria within the biofilm to coordinate their actions and enhance their resistance to environmental threats. With the aid of quorum sensing, bacteria…

Beyond the Dairy Aisle: Safety and Quality in Plant-Based Beverages
| | | | | |

Beyond the Dairy Aisle: Safety and Quality in Plant-Based Beverages

ByMara Herschbach

The plant-based beverage market has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and health-conscious alternatives to traditional dairy products. However, with this rise comes the critical need to address safety and quality concerns unique to these products. Ensuring the safety and quality of plant-based beverages is not only imperative…

Yeast in Cheese Production - Little girl peeking through cheese whole
| | | | | |

Controlling Yeast in Cheese Production: Strategies for Quality Assurance

ByClarence Johnson

Yeast contamination is of minimal concern in fluid milk production, but its impact can be significant in cheese and fermented dairy products where unwanted yeast may alter flavor, texture, and overall product quality. Understanding the growth parameters and spoilage mechanisms of yeast in cheese production is key to developing effective control strategies. Process monitoring strategies…

Combating Beer Spoilage Bacteria
| | | | | | |

NoLo Beer Trends and Issues with Beer Spoilage Bacteria

ByGwen Raddatz

The NoLo beer segment is experiencing significant growth, with a 40% increase in sales in recent years. (Howarth, J., 2024) This trend is part of a broader shift in the beverage industry towards healthier options and diversified product lines. According to Beverage Industry, the low- and no-alcohol category is spearheading market growth, with more consumers seeking…

Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Theme Image
| | | | | | |

Preventive and Predictive Maintenance: What is the Difference?

ByNeil Bogart

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the liquid food industry, maintenance strategies play a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, and safety. Among these strategies, preventive and predictive maintenance stand out as two fundamental approaches, each with its distinct methodology and impact on the production lifecycle. Understanding the nuances of the these maintenance…

Why is Aseptic Inline Sampling Critical to Process Monitoring?
| | | |

Why is Aseptic Inline Sampling Critical to Process Monitoring? 

ByMara Herschbach

The significant food safety recalls that have occurred in the dairy processing industry this past year, ranging from Listeria outbreaks in ice cream to Cronobacter in infant formula, and the Food and Drug Administration’s* (FDA)’s recent publication of its revised Investigations Operations Manual draw attention to the criticality of inline process monitoring of bacterial risks,…