The food and beverage industry in Australia is subject to strict regulations regarding food safety and hygiene. In order to maintain these standards, it is essential to monitor and control the presence of environmental pathogens that can contaminate food and pose a risk to public health. Traditionally, this has been done through outsourcing to a laboratory for testing, but what if we told you there was a safe and contained way you can perform your environmental testing in house with no experience or training required. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of DIY pathogen tests and highlight how it is more cost-effective and faster than outsourcing to a laboratory.
1. Cost Effective
One of the biggest advantages of DIY environmental pathogen testing is the cost-effectiveness of the process. Outsourcing to a laboratory can be expensive, with costs including sample collection, transport, and analysis fees. In contrast, DIY testing kits are relatively inexpensive and can be used multiple times, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run. Additionally, DIY testing kits require fewer staff hours, as the testing can be done on-site and does not require a third party to collect and transport samples.
2. Faster Results
Another benefit of DIY environmental pathogen testing is the speed at which results can be obtained. Outsourcing to a laboratory can result in a significant delay in receiving results, as samples must be collected and transported to the laboratory, and then analysed. This delay can impact production schedules and result in longer downtimes. In contrast, DIY testing kits can provide results within hours, allowing corrective action to be taken immediately.
3. Increased Control
By using DIY environmental pathogen testing kits, food and beverage companies can have greater control over the testing process. This includes the ability to test more frequently, which can help to identify potential issues earlier and prevent contamination from spreading. Additionally, on-site testing allows for more immediate action to be taken if contamination is detected, such as initiating cleaning and sanitization procedures.
4. Customizable Testing
DIY environmental pathogen testing kits can be customized to suit the specific needs of a food and beverage company. This includes the ability to test for specific pathogens (Listeria, Coliform and Salmonella), as well as the ability to customize the testing process to meet the company’s requirements.
5. Increased Confidence
By using DIY environmental pathogen testing kits, food and beverage companies can increase confidence in their food safety and hygiene protocols. This is because they have greater control over the testing process, can test more frequently, and receive results more quickly. Additionally, by being able to identify potential issues earlier, companies can take steps to prevent contamination and protect their customers.
If you are considering using a DIY environmental pathogen kit, we recommend taking a look at our SwabSURE range. Our SwabSURE kits are capable of detecting Listeria, Salmonella, and Coliform/E.coli within as little as 18 hours. Our detection kits are available in pack sizes of 25 or 100 tests to accommodate your usage requirements. To learn more about our products, please visit our online store for additional information and details.
