Food & Beverage Analysis


Evolving Markets in Raw Milk Consumption Emphasise Need for Routine Testing for E. Coli


Following a periodical review of consumer health risks from unpasteurised milk and cream, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have maintained their recommendation that pasteurisation is an important control measure in reducing the risks from consumption of raw milk. Microbiological data reviewed showed the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in some raw milk samples and indicators of faecal contamination present at varying levels in most samples analysed. Whilst full results of the review are yet to be published, it is clear that the need for routine testing to detect pathogens such as Escherichia coli as quickly and easily as possible will remain as important as ever.


Lab M’s Modified Lauryl Sulphate Tryptose Broth with MUG & Tryptophan (ISO) is designed specifically for the presumptive enumeration of E. coli from milk and milk products. Used in conjunction with the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique and in accordance with ISO 11866-1:2005, Modified Lauryl Sulphate Tryptose Broth with MUG & Tryptophan (ISO) allows presumptive E. coli to be enumerated from presumptive coliforms. The addition of MUG to the Lauryl Tryptose broth formulation allows the


positive discrimination of E. coli strains. The majority of E. coli produce β-glucuronidase enzyme, which enables them to hydrolyse MUG, resulting in the release of a fluorogenic compound. Tubes that fluoresce under UV light are confirmed for E. coli by a positive indole reaction when Kovac’s reagent is added to the tube.


Circle no. 143


Cut It, Spread It, Taste It, Chew It


Economy Series Calibration Sources


Nitrogen Analyser for Food and Feed Analysis


Eurolec Instrumentation Ltd have introduced a new range of compact, cost effective temperature calibration sources.


Brookfield Engineering Laboratories has announced the availability of an extensive library of texture analysis application notes relating to the food industry. In simple terms, texture analysis is the measurement of food mechanical properties as they relate to sensory properties detected by humans, such as the way food feels in the mouth or the experience of chewing.


The application notes discuss easy test methods to capture the sensory properties of food materials with the use of Brookfield’s large selection of texture fixtures.


This collection of application notes is an excellent resource for texture analyser operators, QC technicians, and lab supervisors who are looking for ways of improving quality control of food product and predicting their behaviors at the consumer level.


Some examples in the collection of application notes include: soft cheese – quantifying curd characteristics can predict behavior such as hardness, smoothness and crumbliness; peas – a simple compression test can determine how firm or ‘mushy’ this vegetable will be when served; and margarine – determine how easy margarine will spread on bread or toast with a penetration an easy sample test.


Circle no. 144


Accompanying the existing CS173, 174 & 175 calibration sources, the CSEC1 and CSEC2 offer users a low cost option for in-house probe thermometer accuracy checks.


With a combined range of approximately -20 to +200C, the CSEC1 & CSEC2 still provide the same freely adjustable temperature ranges, choice of probe holes and user friendliness but for those applications that don’t require the infrared ‘black body’ feature or RS232/USB output options.


Compact and weighing 3Kg or less, the CSEC1/CSEC2 represent a very competitively priced introduction to in house thermometer accuracy verification and when used in conjunction with, for example, the Eurolec RT162 precision reference thermometer, a very accurate, easy to use and cost saving alternative to external calibration certification is provided – an ideal system to comply with quality standards such as ISO9001 and HACCP.


The CSEC1 and CSEC2 ‘Economy’ temperature calibration sources complement the existing Eurolec range of portable thermometers, probes, infrared thermometers and manometers.


Circle no. 145


Next Instruments, a manufacturer and marketer of instruments for the food and agriculture markets, now offers the Velp Scientifica range of protein, fat and fibre analysers. The Velp Scientifica NDA 701 Dumas Nitrogen Analyser is a simple to use, rapid and cost effective instrument designed to measure protein in food, grains, animal feeds and soil. The NDA701 measures Nitrogen by combustion and detection using a thermal conductivity detector. A built-in 30 cup autosampler that can stack four carousels allows uninterrupted operation for up to 116 samples. Typical analysis times are 3 minutes per sample and samples up to 1 gram can be measured. The Velp DUMASoft Software is simple to use and provides complete control and data reporting.


The NDA701 uses Helium as a carrier gas to give the greatest sensitivity. The system has two in line moisture traps to prolong the life of the oxidation tube furnace thus reducing the operating costs per test. The NDA701 is priced well below other Dumas based analysers and is intended for use by quality assurance departments of food and feed companies where the volume of tests requires a rapid yet automated system.


Circle no. 146


The Ultimate Antibiotic Milk Testing Platform


Randox Food Diagnostics has developed and manufactured a unique multi-analyte milk testing platform. Unlike many other commercially available milk testing products, the Randox multiplex platform offers limits of detection that are sub maximum residue/tolerance levels globally. Up to 675 test results can be achieved in less than 2 hours using the Antimicrobial I Plus Array that can detect up to 14 sulphonamide compounds and Trimethoprim from a single milk sample.


The Antimicrobial II Array allows detection of multiple classes of antimicrobials including 17 quinolone compounds and 10 tetracycline compounds (including the epimers of oxytetracycline, tetracycline and chlortetracycline). This array also includes tylosin, ceftiofur, streptomycin and florfenicol.


The Beta Lactam Array, soon to be released, will allow detection of all penicillins and cephalosporins including Amoxicillin, Oxacillin, Penicillin G, Cefacetril and Ceftiofur.


Using the Evidence Investigator bench top analyser this testing platform can identify and provide a corresponding concentration for the antimicrobial class present in a sample, considerably reducing the number of confirmatory analyses required. Randox Food Diagnostics offer a cost effective milk testing platform that can considerably increase sample throughput while reducing labour.


Circle no. 147


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