FOOD ANALYSIS

• Microbiological analysis
- Indicator microorganisms and indexes*
- Altering and pathogenic microorganisms*
- Microorganisms identification
- Fast detection of microorganisms by PCR
- Vitamins determination by microbiological methods
- Parasitology
- Environmental and surfaces controls
- Hygienization procedures validation
- Disinfectants evaluation
- Food handlers control
- Drinking water control
• Physical and chemical analysis
- Immediate principles (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, ash, moisture), vitamins, minerals, amino-acids, fibre
- Group 1 Nutrition Labeling (energy value, protein, carbohydrates, fats) and Group 2 (energy value, protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fats, saturated fatty acids, fibre, sodium) under Spanish Royal Order 930/1992 “In accordance to which is approved the Labeling Standard about nutritive properties of food products”
- Determination of allergens
- Mycotoxins: aflatoxins, ochratoxin, DON, zearalenone, T-2, fumonisin
- Functional nutrients
- Oils and fats: acidity index, peroxides index, iodine index, K270 index,K232 index, omega fatty acids, trans fatty acids, sterols, oil polar compounds
- Food additives: preservatives, antioxidants, coloring agents, sweeteners
- Qualitative determination of transgenic foods (GMOs)
- Persistent organic pollutants: dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, other organic pollutants
- Drugs and antibiotic waste
- Volatile nitrogenous bases
- Other toxic waste: metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Sn among others), solvents, pesticides in food products and water
- Materials migration from food contact
- Airborne particles determination
- Drinking water, irrigation, waste water and sewage sludge analysis

• Image analysis
- Identification of foreign bodies in products (organic and inorganic matter)
- Identification of insects and other arthropods
- Identification of excrements
- Determination by computer supported image analysis (raw material and finished product quality control): elements count, analysis of forms, measures, surfaces, densities, textures, structures frequency, etc.; classification and automatic structures recognition from patterns setting ; applications development from image analysis.

• Toxic and biological tests
- Acute toxicity (DL50)
- Abnormal toxicity (Safety Test)
- Local tolerance tests
- Mucosa irritation tests (oral, rectal, vaginal...)

AUDIT AND ADVICE

- Food security management systems design and implementation: APPCC and certificable standards (ISO22000:2005, IFS, BRC, other)
- Control plans design and implementation: traceability, allergens management, suppliers management, water supply management, training, cleansing and disinfection, infrastructure
- Food security management systems verification: sampling plans, audit programs
- Food law
- Food hygiene: good manufacturing practice, hygienic design of facilities, etc.
- Foodstuff life
- Foodstuff labeling
- General technical consultancy
- Consultancy on non-conforming analytical results: remedial and/or preventive actions
- Nutrition studies: nutrition composition and labeling (nutrition facts), food and functional nutrients, customized nutritional studies, diet design and diet therapy
- Negotiation with health competent authorities

AUDIT

- Health and hygiene related audit: manufacturing good practice and facilities
- Verification list design for the development of health and hygiene related audits
- Food security management systems audits: APPCC and certificable standards
- Audits to suppliers
- Product audits

(*) Accredited trials