An up-to-date quality system is essential in order to produce good and safe food and to satisfy customer expectations. But how do you know whether the quality system of your company is up to date? The answer to this question may seem simple as it is a matter of carrying out validations and verifications. Commonly used terms that in practice, unfortunately, regularly raise questions. High time to provide clarity.
When should a process be validated or verified, how often should this be done and how should you carry it out? These are just some examples of questions that we regularly receive. Our experts at the Normec Foodcare Knowledge Centre explain
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All foods should be safe to consume. We do not want to eat something that is contaminated with pathogens (micro-organisms) or contains harmful substances. When a product meets the food safety criteria, you can assume that you will not get sick. All food manufacturers must therefore ensure that food safety is properly guaranteed, for example by conducting lab research. We are happy to help you with that!
Contact our Commercieel Manager Zaki Al Salihi
Food crops must be protected in order to be able to produce enough food worldwide. In addition, products are needed for the disinfection, storage and preservation of foodstuffs. We can help you with laboratory tests that ascertain whether the products are sufficiently effective in destroying harmful organisms.
Biocides are substances that contain one or more active ingredients that can destroy, repel or render harmless any harmful or unwelcome organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. These biocides may only be sold on the Dutch market if they are safe and effective when used according to the instructions for use. Before a product is allowed on the Dutch market, a manufacturer must submit an application to the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (CTGB). The CTGB assesses whether the product is safe for both human beings and the environment, and also looks at the efficacy; e.g. does the product deliver what it promises? Rules for the use of biocides have also been drawn up on a European level. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued a Biocides Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012) that the CTGB uses as a basis for evaluating authorisation documentation.
An important part for authorisation documentation is to carry out laboratory tests that prove whether the products are sufficiently effective in destroying harmful organisms. We have a great deal of experience with these laboratory tests and often carry them out ourselves in our laboratory in Wijhe. We help you think things through and can advise you which tests should be carried out for the required approval and at which concentration levels and application intervals they can best be carried out. We are at home in all markets, whether it concerns hand disinfection (PT1), surface disinfection (PT2 and PT4), disinfection in the veterinary sector (PT3) or drinking water disinfection (PT5). We are also happy to help with other parts of the documentation required, such as the analysis of the concentrations of active substances and determining the physicochemical properties.
Need any help with biocide efficacy testing? Our specialists are happy to help you. Feel free to contact us for more information.
For advice, support and aftercare of Biocide Efficacy Tests, we work with one point of contact. We guarantee you fast, consistent and effective communication this way.
We offer a wide range of analyses in the field of animal feed through the combination of chemical and microbiological analyses.
Simple feed such as maize, wheat, soy but also wet (by)products are often tested for the potential presence of toxins (DON, ZEA). In addition, these products can be analysed for content material, nutritional value and microbiology.
Compound feed, such as mixed feed or mixtures made by you as an agricultural entrepreneur yourself, can be tested in the same way as single feed.
A new development in animal feed is the fermentation of such feed so that nutrients are released more effectively to the animals and there is a health-enhancing effect. We provide the required analyses in order to properly monitor or adjust the fermentation process. These are mainly analyses on lactic acid, acetic acid, alcohols and bacteriological studies.
Would you like help with carrying out feed analyses? Our specialists are happy to help you. Feel free to contact us for more information.
We offer the option of collecting samples according to a set logistics schedule. Although, of course, it is also possible to deliver the samples yourself.
We offer a wide range of analyses in the field of animal feed through the combination of chemical and microbiological analyses.
Simple feed such as maize, wheat, soy but also wet (by)products are often tested for the potential presence of toxins (DON, ZEA). In addition, these products can be analysed for content material, nutritional value and microbiology.
Compound feed, such as mixed feed or mixtures made by you as an agricultural entrepreneur yourself, can be tested in the same way as single feed.
A new development in animal feed is the fermentation of such feed so that nutrients are released more effectively to the animals and there is a health-enhancing effect. We provide the required analyses in order to properly monitor or adjust the fermentation process. These are mainly analyses on lactic acid, acetic acid, alcohols and bacteriological studies.
Under the terms of the derogation decree of the European Commission, a farm that meets the derogation conditions may apply more animal manure than specified in the Dutch Manure and Fertilisers Act. This requires as a minimum that the soil has samples taken and analysed for the phosphate state (‘P-status’ and/or ‘PAL’) and the nitrogen supply capacity.
In order to qualify for a higher level of phosphate use (phosphate differentiation), it is mandatory to have samples taken from a plot and analysed for phosphate content. If after sampling a plot the phosphate content of the soil is low or neutral, then more phosphate may be applied. We are happy to do this for you.
Would you like help with carrying out soil testing? Our specialists are happy to help you. Feel free to contact us for more information.
We work according to a quality system that is based on NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard covering general requirements for the competence of laboratories. Normec Robalab is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) in accordance with this standard.
We offer a wide range of analyses in the field of animal feed through the combination of chemical and microbiological analyses.
Simple feed such as maize, wheat, soy but also wet (by)products are often tested for the potential presence of toxins (DON, ZEA). In addition, these products can be analysed for content material, nutritional value and microbiology.
Compound feed, such as mixed feed or mixtures made by you as an agricultural entrepreneur yourself, can be tested in the same way as single feed.
A new development in animal feed is the fermentation of such feed so that nutrients are released more effectively to the animals and there is a health-enhancing effect. We provide the required analyses in order to properly monitor or adjust the fermentation process. These are mainly analyses on lactic acid, acetic acid, alcohols and bacteriological studies.
Under the terms of the derogation decree of the European Commission, a farm that meets the derogation conditions may apply more animal manure than specified in the Dutch Manure and Fertilisers Act. This requires as a minimum that the soil has samples taken and analysed for the phosphate state (‘P-status’ and/or ‘PAL’) and the nitrogen supply capacity.
In order to qualify for a higher level of phosphate use (phosphate differentiation), it is mandatory to have samples taken from a plot and analysed for phosphate content. If after sampling a plot the phosphate content of the soil is low or neutral, then more phosphate may be applied. We are happy to do this for you.
Would you like help with carrying out soil testing? Our specialists are happy to help you. Feel free to contact us for more information.
We work according to a quality system that is based on NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard covering general requirements for the competence of laboratories. Normec Robalab is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) in accordance with this standard.
We offer a wide range of analyses in the field of animal feed through the combination of chemical and microbiological analyses.
Simple feed such as maize, wheat, soy but also wet (by)products are often tested for the potential presence of toxins (DON, ZEA). In addition, these products can be analysed for content material, nutritional value and microbiology.
Compound feed, such as mixed feed or mixtures made by you as an agricultural entrepreneur yourself, can be tested in the same way as single feed.
A new development in animal feed is the fermentation of such feed so that nutrients are released more effectively to the animals and there is a health-enhancing effect. We provide the required analyses in order to properly monitor or adjust the fermentation process. These are mainly analyses on lactic acid, acetic acid, alcohols and bacteriological studies.
Under the terms of the derogation decree of the European Commission, a farm that meets the derogation conditions may apply more animal manure than specified in the Dutch Manure and Fertilisers Act. This requires as a minimum that the soil has samples taken and analysed for the phosphate state (‘P-status’ and/or ‘PAL’) and the nitrogen supply capacity.
In order to qualify for a higher level of phosphate use (phosphate differentiation), it is mandatory to have samples taken from a plot and analysed for phosphate content. If after sampling a plot the phosphate content of the soil is low or neutral, then more phosphate may be applied. We are happy to do this for you.
In most cases when you want to export manure, it has to be ‘hygienised’. This means that any Salmonella and E. coli present in the manure must be killed off to below the levels stipulated in the 92/118/EEC veterinary directive. We take care of the required microbiological manure analyses for you.
In the case of co-fermentation, animal manure is fermented together with co-fermentation materials. This produces fermentation gas and a residual product, digestate. The resulting digestate may be used as animal-based fertiliser if at least 50% animal manure was used in the process of co-fermentation. Only co-fermentation materials listed in Appendix Aa of the Dutch Input List of the Manure and Fertilisers Act may be used. These materials may not contain excessive amounts of heavy metals and organic micro-pollutants. To establish this, a so-called g-substances (g-stoffen) analysis needs to be carried out. We can perform this mandatory analysis for you and provide you with a complete, clear and correct analysis report. This way, you can easily demonstrate to yourself and to the controlling authorities that the material complies with the applicable regulations.
Would you like help with carrying out soil testing? Our specialists are happy to help you. Feel free to contact us for more information.
We work according to a quality system that is based on NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard covering general requirements for the competence of laboratories. Normec Robalab is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) in accordance with this standard.
We offer a wide range of analyses in the field of animal feed through the combination of chemical and microbiological analyses.
Simple feed such as maize, wheat, soy but also wet (by)products are often tested for the potential presence of toxins (DON, ZEA). In addition, these products can be analysed for content material, nutritional value and microbiology.
Compound feed, such as mixed feed or mixtures made by you as an agricultural entrepreneur yourself, can be tested in the same way as single feed.
A new development in animal feed is the fermentation of such feed so that nutrients are released more effectively to the animals and there is a health-enhancing effect. We provide the required analyses in order to properly monitor or adjust the fermentation process. These are mainly analyses on lactic acid, acetic acid, alcohols and bacteriological studies.
Under the terms of the derogation decree of the European Commission, a farm that meets the derogation conditions may apply more animal manure than specified in the Dutch Manure and Fertilisers Act. This requires as a minimum that the soil has samples taken and analysed for the phosphate state (‘P-status’ and/or ‘PAL’) and the nitrogen supply capacity.
In order to qualify for a higher level of phosphate use (phosphate differentiation), it is mandatory to have samples taken from a plot and analysed for phosphate content. If after sampling a plot the phosphate content of the soil is low or neutral, then more phosphate may be applied. We are happy to do this for you.
Would you like help with carrying out soil testing? Our specialists are happy to help you. Feel free to contact us for more information.
We work according to a quality system that is based on NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard covering general requirements for the competence of laboratories. Normec Robalab is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) in accordance with this standard.
Do you also test your products for micro-organisms such as pathogens? Then the procedures are probably known to you. With traditional methods it takes an average of 3-5 days before you can view the results. On the other hand, the real-time PCR method gives you insight into the results no less than 24 hours earlier. This is very important for the production of fresh products. Read below what this method entails and what the possibilities are for your company.
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. This method is unique because it works with the DNA of a specific micro-organism. Simply put, this method makes the DNA of a micro-organism stand out. This also makes studying that micro-organism a lot easier.
Our researchers use a “kit” to make the DNA stand out. In this kit they figuratively hang a ticket on the DNA. This ticket is called a “label”. Pairing is accomplished by raising and lowering the temperature. Now that a label is attached to it, we see whether or not DNA material can be found. Fortunately, this is not the case in +/- 90% of the cases. If we do find DNA material, we have to test whether it comes from living or dead organisms. But the most important thing is of course that we hope to find no DNA, so that you can continue with the production.
We use the real time PCR method. This is a form of PCR that uses a luminous “label”. In this way it can be measured “real time”. This makes it possible to submit the results of the examination 24 hours earlier. This allows you to sell your products earlier and extend the shelf life by a whole day. The results of the survey can easily be viewed via our online system or you will receive them by email. If we find DNA material, we always call you to provide further explanation and advice.
Would you like to have your products tested using the PCR method to get results as quickly as possible? Or would you like to know more about the PCR method? Contact us.
All microbiological analyzes must be performed in a reliable manner, as described by the NVWA in information sheet 85. This means that as a food company you must use accredited laboratories. Normec Foodlab is an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. The accreditation has been granted by the RvA (Council of Accreditation).
Do you also test your products for micro-organisms such as pathogens? Then the procedures are probably known to you. With traditional methods it takes an average of 3-5 days before you can view the results. On the other hand, the real-time PCR method gives you insight into the results no less than 24 hours earlier. This is very important for the production of fresh products. Read below what this method entails and what the possibilities are for your company.
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. This method is unique because it works with the DNA of a specific micro-organism. Simply put, this method makes the DNA of a micro-organism stand out. This also makes studying that micro-organism a lot easier.
Our researchers use a “kit” to make the DNA stand out. In this kit they figuratively hang a ticket on the DNA. This ticket is called a “label”. Pairing is accomplished by raising and lowering the temperature. Now that a label is attached to it, we see whether or not DNA material can be found. Fortunately, this is not the case in +/- 90% of the cases. If we do find DNA material, we have to test whether it comes from living or dead organisms. But the most important thing is of course that we hope to find no DNA, so that you can continue with the production.
Contact our Commercieel ManagerZaki Al Salihi
We use the real time PCR method. This is a form of PCR that uses a luminous “label”. In this way it can be measured “real time”. This makes it possible to submit the results of the examination 24 hours earlier. This allows you to sell your products earlier and extend the shelf life by a whole day. The results of the survey can easily be viewed via our online system or you will receive them by email. If we find DNA material, we always call you to provide further explanation and advice.
Door bundeling van alle expertises helpt Normec Foodcare met allerhande vraagstukken en oplossingen op het gebied van procesbeheersing, kwaliteit en voedselveiligheid, laboratoriumonderzoek, smaaktesten, QA-automatisering, flexibele inzet van kwaliteitsmanagers en keurmeesters, opleidingen en trainingen, risicomanagement en etiketcontrole.
Wil u meer weten? Neem contact met ons op.
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By bundling all expertise, Normec Foodcare helps with all kinds of issues and solutions in the field of process control, quality and food safety, laboratory research, taste tests, QA automation, flexible deployment of quality managers and inspectors, education and training, risk management and label control.
Do you want to know more? Please contact us.