Rapid Analysis of Pathogens in Food and Agricultural Products

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At FARE Labs Pvt. Ltd., we are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of food and agricultural products through rigorous pathogen testing. The presence of pathogens in food can lead to severe health risks, including foodborne illnesses and outbreaks. Our comprehensive testing services help manufacturers, producers, and retailers comply with safety standards and protect consumer health.

Importance of Pathogen Testing

Pathogen testing is critical for several reasons:

  1. Consumer Safety: Protecting consumers from foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens is paramount. Effective testing helps to identify and eliminate harmful microorganisms in food products.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with national and international food safety regulations is essential for businesses in the food industry. Testing for pathogens ensures adherence to these standards, avoiding legal repercussions and potential harm to consumers.
  3. Quality Assurance: Regular pathogen testing is a vital component of quality control, ensuring that food and agricultural products meet safety specifications and are fit for consumption.
  4. Market Confidence: Transparent testing practices build trust with consumers, enhancing brand reputation and loyalty. Consumers are more likely to choose products from companies that prioritize food safety.

FARE Labs offers a wide range of pathogen testing services to detect harmful microorganisms in food and agricultural products. We follow RT-PCR technique and AOAC 2014.05 method to test the following pathogens:

 

Pathogen Description
Escherichia coli (E. coli) A common bacterium found in the intestines of humans and animals; certain strains (e.g., E. coli O157) can cause severe illness.
Salmonella spp. A leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide, often associated with contaminated meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) A bacterium that can produce toxins leading to food poisoning; commonly found in improperly handled foods.
Listeria monocytogenes Can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals; often found in ready-to-eat foods and dairy products.
Yeast and Mould Count Indicators of spoilage that can produce mycotoxins posing health risks.
E. coli O157 A particularly dangerous strain of E. coli associated with severe foodborne illness outbreaks.
Clostridium botulinum Produces toxins that can cause botulism, a potentially fatal illness; often associated with improperly canned or preserved foods.

1. United States

In the U.S., food safety is regulated by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Key regulations include:

  • Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): Emphasizes prevention of foodborne illnesses through hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).
  • Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Establishes standards for safe food production, including pathogen testing requirements.

 

2. European Union

The EU has stringent food safety regulations aimed at protecting consumer health. Important regulations include:

  • Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002: Establishes the framework for food safety, including the responsibilities of food businesses to ensure the safety of their products.
  • Regulation (EU) No. 852/2004: Requires food businesses to implement hygiene practices and conduct pathogen testing as part of their food safety management systems.

 

3. Codex Alimentarius

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by the FAO and WHO, sets international food safety standards. Key guidelines include:

  • Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene: Emphasizes the importance of controlling pathogens through HACCP and regular testing.
  • Codex Guidelines for the Microbiological Safety of Foods: Provides specific recommendations for testing and monitoring food products for pathogenic microorganisms.

 

4. ISO Standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed several standards relevant to pathogen testing, including:

  • ISO 22000: Specifies requirements for food safety management systems, including pathogen control.
  • ISO 17025: Outlines the requirements for testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring the competence and reliability of pathogen testing services.

1. Accredited Testing

FARE Labs is accredited by NABL under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards, ensuring our testing processes meet international quality benchmarks.

2. Experienced Team

Our team of experts has extensive experience in pathogen testing and food safety. They are dedicated to delivering accurate results and valuable insights to support your operations.

3. Quick Turnaround Times

We understand the urgency in the food industry. Our efficient testing processes ensure quick turnaround times without compromising on quality.

4. Customized Solutions

Every business has unique needs. We offer tailored testing solutions to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that you receive the most relevant and effective service.

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