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.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a food safety management system that is widely used by food and beverage companies around the world, including in Australia. HACCP is a preventative approach that aims to identify potential hazards and control them before they become a problem, ensuring the safety and quality of the products produced by the industry.

In Australia, HACCP is a legal requirement for all food and beverage companies. The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has set out the requirements for HACCP in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which outlines the standards for food safety, labelling, and composition.

The HACCP system involves seven principles:

1. Conduct a hazard analysis: This involves identifying potential hazards in the production process, such as biological, chemical, or physical hazards.

2. Determine the critical control points (CCPs): These are the points in the production process where control measures can be applied to prevent or eliminate a hazard.

3. Establish critical limits: These are the limits that must be met to ensure that the CCPs are under control. For example, the temperature of the food must be above a certain level to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.

4. Implement monitoring procedures: These procedures are used to ensure that the critical limits are being met at the CCPs.

5. Establish corrective actions: These are the actions that must be taken if the critical limits are not met, such as stopping the production process and correcting the problem.

6. Implement verification procedures: These procedures are used to ensure that the HACCP system is working effectively, such as regular inspections and audits.

7. Establish documentation and record-keeping: This involves keeping accurate records of the HACCP system, including the hazard analysis, CCPs, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification procedures.

Companies in the food and beverage industry in Australia require HACCP for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps to ensure the safety of the products they produce. This not only protects consumers but also helps to protect the company’s reputation and bottom line. Foodborne illness outbreaks can be costly in terms of lawsuits, recalls, and damage to the brand’s image.

Secondly, HACCP is a legal requirement in Australia. The FSANZ requires all food and beverage companies to implement HACCP to ensure that their products are safe and comply with food safety standards.

Finally, implementing HACCP can also improve the efficiency of the production process. By identifying potential hazards and controlling them before they become a problem, companies can reduce waste and improve overall productivity.

This is where HACCP Plus comes in. HACCP Plus was created to allow our busy customers the chance to purchase their food safety tools online 24/7, to fit in with busy schedules. We specialise in a wide range of DIY diagnostic kits that can help you stick to your HACCP Plan. Browse our range of rapid hygiene, allergen and microbiology tests online today.