Testing Laboratory

FoodFacts uses rapid and sophisticated test methods to ensure that we produce accurate and reliable results within the quickest turnaround time. This enables our customer to make decisions in about their products quicker. The Laboratory enumerates (count) and detects a wide range of microorganisms – from indicator organisms such as Enterobacteriaceae and Coliforms to pathogens (Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes etc.)

Our water test methods use bacterial enzyme detection technology to detect the presence of microorganisms such as Coliforms, E.coli and Fecal Coliforms to name but a few. Our laboratory caters for the testing of various water matrix's such as potable-, ground-, waste- and process water. Through our partner network we offer SANS 241 water testing for private and industrial testing.

The swabs are used for the microbiological testing of any given environment. It may be in the form of working surfaces, the hands of people within the organization, or surfaces and equipment that may harbor harmful bacteria in production plants. This analysis can be used as an indication of the efficacy of cleaning schedules and cleaning methods.

Airplates are used as an indication of the airborne bacteria that may be present within a vicinity. Typical contaminants encountered are bacteria, yeasts and moulds. When the environmental conditions are monitored, the cleanliness of an environment can be determined. This will assist in ensuring that the environmental conditions of the organisation does not negatively affect the operations within that vicinity.

Samples with animal origin are tested as per the regulatory guidelines from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) by our specialist team of Veterinary Technologists

Conformity testing is needed at almost every step in the agricultural value chain. Testing include, but is not limited to microbial screening, mycotoxins, genetically modified organisms and detection of many chemical residues. These factors affect people, their activities, the environment (soil, water, air etc.), seed production, crop outcomes, harvesting and livestock farming, to name but a few.

As a signatory to ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation), and in keeping with the requirements of our local Regulatory Authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), our testing reports are internationally accepted.

Food ingredients can either be natural or artificial. Any substance added to modify compounded food products are referred to as a food ingredient.

Food additives are compounds added to foods for specific functions eg. sensory improvement, shelf life extension etc. FoodFacts tests ingredients for conformity to technical specifications. Shelf-life extension studies can also be performed on expired product.

Preservative efficacy and cleaning effectiveness is also a major offering.

Personal care products such as lotions, hair dyes, lipsticks, cosmetics, creams, deodorants, bath soaps, dental care products, shampoos, toothpaste, perfumes, UV filters, detergents, sunscreens, fragrances, and various household items, form part of our daily lives. FoodFacts assists with stability, shelf life and preservative efficacy testing and follows the US Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines to ensure the highest global standards are maintained.

In South Africa, the National Waste Management Strategy (NWMS) aims to promote waste minimization, re-use, recycling and recovery to ensure the effective and efficient treatment of waste. FoodFacts’ microbial testing platform assists with detecting harmful bacteria that are present at unacceptable high levels. Each industry has appropriate standards that determines acceptable hazard level in terms of parameters such as undesirable contaminants, ignitability, reactivity, and toxicity.

Various consulting services are available to our customers. In instances that FoodFacts Laboratory can not assist with a special request, we reach out to our partner network for assistance.

FoodFacts works closely with other consultants - such as auditors and quality consultants as to provide a sustainable service. FoodFacts also assist in-house testing laboratories to ensure quality of their results.

NPD is a meticulous process that involves creating new, innovative food products or enhancing existing ones to meet the evolving consumer preferences.

Typically, NPD requires multiple tests (sensory, organoleptic, microbial etc.) to ensure a successful launch. FoodFacts assist these projects by offering cost effective testing, and trending over the project's life.

In instances where in-house laboratories do not have the infrastructure to support media preparation (accurate weighing, sterilizing, quality control etc.) FoodFacts can assist with providing ready made microbial growth media from dehydrated customer preference brands or alternatively supply our in house brand.