Process authority and process validation services
Your expert resource for thermal and non-thermal processing
The process authority team in the Eurofins Food & Feed network of laboratories is experienced in setting up and executing various food safety and spoilage projects and process validations that can be custom-designed to your process considerations or research objectives.
Our broad range of specialty microbiology services can be tailored to accommodate your process and product, domestic or international. Examples of product categories that we have expertise with are acidified foods, low water activity foods, low acid foods, juices, alcoholic beverages, and many others.
With extensive knowledge on microbial risks, product and packaging characteristics, regulatory requirements, study design, and more, we can support and guide you on any process challenge you might face.
Let us help find your solution
Explore solutions for your product or process.
Our team of recognized process authorities has proven experience in supporting numerous processes across the globe. We are your resource for navigating the complicated regulatory landscape and ensuring your unique product complies with the necessary requirements.
Key services
- FDA filing assistance
- Evaluation of process deviations
- Thermal process recommendations
- Product and process assessments
- Process validations
- Assessment of new processing technologies
Cause of spoilage, root cause investigations
Knowing the “why” to spoilage can be the cure to a broken process or a source of contamination, as well as the key to extending the life of your product. While the complexities of food and beverage spoilage are vast, our team of experts works to sort through them and pinpoint the source.
Key services
- Product and process review
- Packaging evaluation
- Microbiological and analytical evaluation
- Recovery and characterization of viable organisms
- Genetic identification
Microbial challenge studies
A properly implemented challenge study is an integral tool in evaluating the ability of a product formulation to preclude the growth of various microorganisms and/or to achieve reductions of microorganisms. Our team designs challenge studies using the guidelines established by the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) “Parameters for Determining Inoculated Pack/Challenge Study Protocols”, peer reviewed literature, and regulatory requirements. The studies may be further customized based upon your product, process, and overall research objectives.
Key services
- Spoilage organism challenge studies
- Pathogen challenge studies
- Clostridium botulinum challenge studies
- Product/process specific challenge studies
Process validation studies
Our team designs process validation studies customized to your product and process. Studies may be performed as laboratory simulations or as onsite validations to build the representative data needed to validate your unique process and ensure the quality and safety of your product.
Key services
- Surrogate development
- High pressure process (HPP) validation
- Thermal processing validation - thermal death time studies (TDT)
- Novel food processing technologies
Preservation/antimicrobial efficacy testing
Preservatives play an integral role in the shelf life and safety of many processed food products by preventing the growth of undesirable pathogenic and spoilage organisms while maintaining product quality over time. With a wide array of artificial and natural preservatives available and changing market demands, formulation can become a balance of achieving that desirable product while maintaining its safety and stability.
Our team utilizes various testing methods that can be applied to better understand the efficacy of the preservatives you use in your product, with guidance and approach based on the requirements of your study or stage of product formulation.
Key services
- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
- Growth studies
- Die-off studies
- Challenge studies
Why choose Eurofins Food & Feed Testing?
- Comprehensive knowledge of literature and regulation
- Broad experience across products and processes
- Meticulous focus on design and execution
- Vast resources of industry-focused professionals