Food safety and regulatory compliance are critical for manufacturers, especially when it comes to compounds that can affect consumer health. One of these compounds is histamine—a biogenic amine that naturally forms when certain foods spoil or undergo microbial activity. Too much histamine can cause food...
Functional foods are taking the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry by storm, and adaptogenic mushroom powders are at the forefront of this trend. From beverages and snacks to protein bars and chocolates, these powerhouse ingredients are redefining wellness-focused product formulations. Let’s explore how adaptogenic mushrooms...
1. Moisture Content High Water Activity (Aw): Granola bars should have a low water activity (≤0.60) to prevent mold growth. Ingredients like dried fruit, honey, or syrups can increase water activity if not properly controlled. Improper Drying: If ingredients like oats, nuts, or fruits are...
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...
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...
Testing beverages for microbial contamination is crucial to ensure safety and quality. The best microbes to test for in beverages vary depending on the type of beverage and the potential sources of contamination. However, here are some common and important microbes that should be tested...
Caffeine testing refers to various methods used to detect and measure the presence and concentration of caffeine in different substances, such as beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals, or biological samples. This testing is important for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, quality control, and scientific research. Here are...
A nutrition fact label is a standardized label found on packaged food and beverage products that provides detailed information about the nutritional content of the product. This label helps consumers make informed choices about their diet and manage their nutritional intake. Here’s a comprehensive look...
Understanding Process Authority Letters: A Critical Component of Food Safety When it comes to ensuring the safety and quality of food products, few documents are as essential as Process Authority Letters. These letters serve as crucial endorsements of a product’s safety, playing a pivotal role in...
In today's globalized world, where food products traverse continents before reaching our plates, ensuring food safety has never been more critical. Food safety testing stands as the frontline defense in protecting public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining consumer trust. But what exactly does food...