Agri-food Industry
Analysis of foods
Microbiological analyses
- Indicator and index microorganisms
- Altering and pathogenic microorganisms
- Identification of microorganisms
- Rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms by PCR
- Determination of vitamins by microbiological methods
- Parasitology
- Environmental and surface controls
- Validation of sanitation procedures
- Validation of disinfectants
- Control of manipulators
- Control of drinking water
Physical and chemical analysis
- Immediate principles (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, ash, moisture), vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibre
- Nutrition Labelling Group 1 (energy value, protein, carbohydrates, fats) and Group 2 (energy value, protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fats, saturated fatty acids, fibre, sodium) according to Royal Decree 930/1992 “passing the labelling standard regarding the nutritional properties of food products”
- Determination of allergens
- Mycotoxins: aflatoxins, ochratoxin, DON, zearalenone, T-2, fumonisin
- Functional nutrients
- Oils and fats: acidity index, peroxide index, iodine number, K270 index, K232 index, omega fatty acids, trans fatty acids, sterols, polar compounds in oils
- Food additives: preservatives, antioxidants, dyes, sweeteners
- Qualitative determination of transgenics in foods (GMOs)
- Persistent organic pollutants: dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, other organic pollutants
- Residues of medicines and antibiotics
- Volatile nitrogenated bases
- Other toxic waste: metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Sn, among others), solvents, pesticides in food and water
- Migrations of materials in contact with food
- Determination of suspended particles in the air
- Analysis of drinking water, irrigation water, wastewater and sewage sludge
Image analysis
- Identification of foreign bodies in products (organic and inorganic matter)
- Identification of insects and other arthropods
- Identification of excrements
- Determinations by computer-aided image analysis (quality control of raw material and finished product): count of elements, analysis of shapes, measurements, surfaces, densities, textures, periodicity of structures, etc.; classification and automatic recognition of structures from patterns; development of image analysis application
Toxicological/biological tests
- Acute toxicity (DL50)
- Abnormal toxicity (safety test)
- Local tolerance tests
- Mucous membrane irritation tests (oral, rectal, vaginal...)
Consulting and advice
- Design and implementation of food safety management systems: HACCP and certifiable standards (ISO 22000:2005, IFS, BRC, AIB and others)
- Design and implementation of control plans: traceability, management of allergens, supplier management, water supply management, training, cleaning and disinfection, infrastructure
- Verification of food safety management systems: sampling plans, audit programmes
- Food legislation
- Food hygiene: good manufacturing practices, hygienic design of facilities, etc.
- Useful life of food products
- Labelling of food products
- General technical consulting
- Consulting on non-conforming analytical results: corrective and/or preventive actions
- Nutritional studies: nutrition composition and labelling (nutrition facts), functional foods and nutrients, personalised nutritional studies, diet design and diet therapy
- Liaising with the competent health authorities
Audits
- Health and hygiene audits: good manufacturing practices and facilities
- Design of checklists for carrying out health and hygiene audits
- Audits of food safety management systems: HACCP and certifiable standards
- Supplier audits
- Product audits
