In the realm of food safety, the discourse surrounding Rapid Microbiological Methods (RMM) has been both progressive and contentious. The debate centers on whether these methods, once hailed for their efficiency in pathogen detection, remain indispensable. The landscape has transformed significantly over the years, with an increasing reliance on outsourcing pathogen samples due to safety concerns inherent in in-plant food laboratories.
The growth of RMM has been remarkable, evolving over the past two decades to offer quicker turnaround times, enhancing production efficiency. As highlighted in a recent survey of 250+ global food processors, the adoption of RMM has surged, with PCR, immunoassays, and automated bioburden testing becoming commonplace. This paradigm shift allowed microbiology tests, once taking several days, to be completed in mere hours, reducing holding times and enhancing logistics.
However, despite this growth, there’s been a substantial move towards outsourcing pathogen samples, stemming from the inherent risks associated with in-house analysis. This trend, particularly pronounced in North America and Europe, cites both the availability of qualified labs and risk mitigation as driving factors. The cost differential between in-house and outsourced analysis, although higher, underscores the prioritization of risk reduction over expense.
Notably, this shift has led to a decline in the number of in-plant laboratories, with many companies choosing to outsource non-pathogen microbiology testing as well. The survey data revealed that a majority of U.S. companies no longer operate in-house labs, and those that do often outsource their pathogen samples to meet customer demands for third-party results. In contrast, international companies with in-house labs often outsource fewer samples, primarily for verification purposes or when encountering uncommon pathogens beyond their analytical capabilities.
The ever-evolving technology of RMM continues to shape the narrative of food safety practices. Contact PJLA today to get started on your journey to accreditation. Email us at [email protected] or call (248) 519-2603 to speak to a Program Manager in your area.
Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) joyfully welcomed assessors back to Troy, Michigan, for our first in-person Annual Training since December 2019. The gathering, held on December 7th and 8th, marked a pivotal moment, fostering an atmosphere for teamwork and professional growth.
In the constantly evolving landscape of the laboratory industry, staying attuned to current trends and foreseeing future developments is paramount for success. Today, we’ll explore five prominent shifts shaping the industry and how they impact the dynamics of hospital-based laboratories.
Call For Presenters: TNI Hosting PFAS Virtual Workshop
The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, delicious meals shared with loved ones. As you embark on creating culinary delights, it is crucial to prioritize safety in the kitchen. Here are some tips to keep in mind for a safe and stress-free cooking experience during the season.
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) held their much-anticipated IAF-ILAC Annual Joint Meetings in Montreal, Canada, from November 6th to 15th, 2023. This event brought together key industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss and strategize on matters pivotal to accreditation and conformity assessment. Among the attendees was Tracy Szerszen, President and Matthew Sica, Technical Program Manager. Their presence marked PJLA’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards and best practices.
As we celebrate World Quality Week from November 6-10, 2023, the spotlight is on a theme that resonates across industries: “Quality: realizing your competitive potential.” World Quality Week serves as an annual reminder to organizations worldwide about the importance of quality in their operations.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, ensuring product safety and quality has become vital. Cannabis testing laboratories play a critical role in this process by analyzing samples for potency, contaminants, and other crucial parameters. To meet the highest standards of quality assurance and compliance, laboratories can pursue ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. This internationally recognized standard outlines the requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent performance of testing and calibration laboratories. Here are 9 ways ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation can impact a cannabis testing laboratory.
The 5th biennial Quality Show held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, from October 24-26, 2023, brought together industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the field of quality technology and equipment. Among the attendees was Sean Donnellan, Regional Sales Manager representing Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA). With a keen eye for the latest trends in dimensional inspection, calibration, and testing, his presence at the event marked a significant return for PJLA to a show that has previously been a staple for the PJLA team. After a hiatus, Sean expressed his delight in being back at the show, highlighting its importance in the growth and development of their team.
The ACIL 2023 Annual Meeting, held from October 10th to 12th at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, California, was a pivotal event for members of the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.’s (PJLA) President, Tracy Szerszen, was able to attend this year, participating and cultivating relationships with fellow members. 
