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If you're running a small food business or startup, understanding Process Authority Letters (PALs) is crucial for bringing safe, high-quality products to market. These documents are more than just a regulatory requirement—they’re a roadmap to ensuring your food or beverage meets safety standards, gains market...

What is a Process Authority Letter (PAL)? A Process Authority Letter (PAL) is a document issued by a certified process authority—an expert in food safety and processing. This letter confirms that a food product’s manufacturing process is scientifically validated to ensure safety, specifically by controlling hazards...

"Retard testing" in the context of thermal processing or coffee roasting is not a common term. However, it seems like you might be asking about testing or measuring how thermal processes (like roasting) impact food, especially in terms of slowing down (retarding) chemical reactions, such...

PFAs, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industries since the 1940s. PFAs are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment and can persist for...

A co-packer (short for contract packer) in the food and beverage industry is a company that specializes in manufacturing, packaging, and sometimes distributing products on behalf of other businesses. Co-packers are often used by brands or entrepreneurs who want to scale their production without investing...

A validation or challenge study in food science is a testing method used to determine how long a food product will remain safe and of acceptable quality under specified storage conditions. Specifically, these studies often evaluate how a product reacts to potential microbial contamination or...

A food formulator is a professional who creates and optimizes recipes for food products. They have expertise in food science, culinary arts, chemistry, and regulatory standards, enabling them to develop products that meet both taste and safety requirements. Food formulators play a vital role in...

Testing for glyphosate in food and supplements has become increasingly important due to concerns about the potential health risks associated with exposure to this herbicide. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides, such as Roundup, and is widely used in agriculture to control weeds....

Polyphenol testing in olive oils is a crucial process, especially since polyphenols are one of the key factors contributing to the health benefits, flavor, and stability of high-quality olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Here’s why polyphenol testing is done in olive oil...

Shelf life testing is a process used to determine how long a product can be stored under specified conditions and still remain safe to consume or effective to use. It involves subjecting the product to various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and packaging...