Norovirus facts:￭ Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea￭ Contaminated oysters are a common source of outbreaks￭ Rapid detection is essential to prevent the spread of illness Norovirus remains a significant cause of foodborne illness worldwide, particularly within the food industry, where maintaining safety and quality is paramount. In 2024, there […]
Monitoring and controlling mycotoxins like ochratoxin A (OTA) in food involves not only routine analysis but also identifying the sources of fungal infection. This is crucial for high-value products such as coffee, where OTA can significantly impact market prices for producers. A recent study published by Rodríguez et al. in the journal Postharvest Biology and […]
On August 2nd, 2024, brewers and beer enthusiasts around the world will raise their glasses to celebrate International Beer Day. As we toast to this much-loved beverage, it’s important to highlight the importance of maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in beer production. For brewers and testing laboratories, testing methods, such as qPCR, […]
There are more than two million new cases of hepatitis every year and over a million people lose their lives to hepatitis. As we observe World Hepatitis Day, it’s an important reminder of the crucial role that food safety plays in preventing the spread of hepatitis and other foodborne illnesses. This day, recognized annually on […]
In the complex world of wine making, precision and quality control are paramount to delivering exceptional products. Real-time PCR is a great tool for gaining invaluable insights to the microbial status and thus enhancing quality control measures from grape to bottle. Quality assurance in wine makingqPCR has emerged as a supporting tool for quality assurance […]
In the world of food production, few sectors hold as much significance as the nut industry. With nuts serving as key ingredients in numerous recipes and snacks enjoyed globally, ensuring their safety and quality is paramount. Yet, beneath the surface of seemingly innocuous nuts lies a potential threat: mycotoxins. Mycotoxins pose a considerable risk to […]
The World Allergy Week provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about food allergies, safety, and testing. In this article, we’ll explore food allergies, recent food recalls due to undeclared allergens, the most common allergens involved, and food testing methods options. Food allergies Food allergies remain a global public health issue. Some food allergies, especially […]
On June 7th, 2024, the world comes together to mark World Food Safety Day, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring food safety across the globe. This year’s theme underscores the necessity of being prepared to tackle food safety incidents swiftly and effectively. It targets to draw attention and motivate action to help prevent, detect and […]
With the global importance of rice as a staple food, addressing aflatoxin contamination is crucial for ensuring food safety and public health. R-Biopharm Rhône offers a wide range of analytical solutions tailored for the precise analysis of AFTs. Our immunoaffinity clean-up methods ensure high specificity by isolating and concentrating the mycotoxin of interest from the sample. These products exceed Official Method criteria and have undergone rigorous validation in numerous CEN and AOAC collaborative trials, being widely referenced in scientific publications. For more information on how to test for aflatoxins in rice, please contact us.
In the realm of corporate sustainability in the food industry a distinct trend is emerging – the integration of edible insects. Once considered a novelty or even a taboo, insects are now gaining recognition as a viable and eco-friendly protein source with the potential to revolutionise the way we eat. Why edible insects? With the […]
The RIDA®SMART App Allergen is your little helper in documenting your food allergen testing results with lateral flow-based tests.
Choosing the right food allergen test method for testing food allergens sounds easy. But which allergen testing method to choose? ELISA? Lateral Flow Tests? qPCR? We can offer you different food allergen test methods for most food allergens – but most important is to choose the method that meets your specific requirements. Read here how […]
The new RIDA® SMART BOX connects mycotoxin test results with your quality control data management system. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to integrate data and processes is critical. The RIDA Smart Box goes beyond traditional testing methodologies, offering connectivity features that facilitate real-time data exchange and analysis. The RIDA® SMART BOX integrates the RIDA® […]
Historically analytical methods intended to be used for regulatory purposes, so called ‘Official Methods’ were the result of a full interlaboratory collaborative study being undertaken. Such studies have resulted in fourteen AOAC First Action methods for mycotoxins published since 1999 of which the last one ten years ago was for aflatoxins in edible oils (2013.05). […]
Microbial stability another important parameter to consider. Especially for the wines bottled unfiltered, it is a crucial measurement, in order to e.g. avoid post-fermentation in the bottle as well as off-flavor production. Our new GEN-IAL® QuickGEN PCR Kit Yeast universal is ideal as quality check before bottling. Ensuring microbiological stability of wines throughout winter aging Young red […]
Detecting and mitigating mycotoxins like fumonisins have emerged as pivotal concerns in ensuring food and feed safety. The increased focus on fumonisin testing stems from various critical factors – Health concerns: Fumonisins have been associated with severe health issues in both humans and animals. These toxins, when ingested through contaminated food or feed, can lead […]
While in the vineyards, the winter pruning is ongoing, in the cellars the fermentation processes are slowing down or are coming to an end. The young wines either remain on the lees (yeast) for a while or are moved to new tanks or wooden barrels. Some white wines are already prepared for bottling. Before bottling, […]
Well, ELISA RIDASCREEN® Gliadin is the reference method as it detects directly the gluten proteins. Why should you be using PCR? Table 1 Overview of qPCR kits and their application fields R-Biopharm – your expert when it comes to gluten analysis R-Biopharm is the world market leader in gluten testing; we provide the widest range […]
As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Christmas, there’s an opportunity to not only indulge in delicious food but also to make choices that are kind to the planet. In this Christmas food blog, we’ll explore the concept of a sustainable Christmas feast. From locally sourced ingredients to eco-friendly cooking methods and mindful consumption, […]
Mycotoxins are naturally occurring toxic compounds produced by moulds that can contaminate a wide range of agricultural products, including cereals, nuts and animal feeds. These invisible threats pose a significant risk to both human and animal health, making accurate mycotoxin analysis in food and feed a critical component of food safety and quality assurance. In […]
The growing demand for plant-based products for vegan or vegetarian consumers is also a major challenge for food manufacturers. Many manufacturers have expanded their product line to include new plant-based products that replicate burgers and other meat dishes with plant-based ingredients, deceptively imitating the taste and texture of meat. Products range from plant-based burgers to […]
R-Biopharm Rhône is a leading developer of test solutions for food and feed analysis and has been a trusted partner in the industry for over 35 years. As a company, we do everything we can to ensure our staff feel valued and supported. We take pride in being among the 5 % of the companies […]
On this World Food Day, we unite under the theme “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind” to emphasize the crucial relationship between water and food. The quality of water directly impacts the quality of our food, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure its safety throughout the supply chain, from […]
In a groundbreaking achievement for the cannabis industry in Latin America, the Laboratorio Instrumental de Alta Complejidad from Lasalle University in Colombia (https://laboratoriodeanalisis.lasalle.edu.co/) has attained ISO 17025:2017 accreditation (21-LAB-030), marking a significant milestone in the field of cannabis analysis, particularly concerning food pathogens. This accreditation underscores the laboratory’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality […]
The constant surveillance of food safety is becoming more and more critical as it affects human and animal health. During the last decade, considerable attention has been drawn to mycotoxins, secondary metabolites produced by fungi. These toxins are present in food and feed and are responsible for carcinogenic effects and various diseases. Therefore, testing for […]
The 2023 European wheat and barley harvest has captured attention due to its intricate interplay with weather conditions. This year’s season was more than exciting, presenting a blend of opportunities and obstacles for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. From the promising start with minimal Fusarium contamination risk during flowering to the unexpected challenge of mold contamination […]
Whether non-alcoholic beers, sparkling wines or even wines: Drinks without alcohol are becoming increasingly popular. But how much alcohol is actually still in wine that is declared alcohol-free? And how is it ensured that the product meets the legal requirements? In recent years, the range of the range of non-alcoholic wine alternatives has grown strongly […]
Vitamins are organic molecules important for human growth and health. Specifically, the human body requires 13 vitamins to stay healthy, each with a different biochemical function. Vitamins are divided into two groups, based on the way they break down once ingested. Water-soluble vitamins are not easily stored as they break down quickly upon ingestion. Fat-soluble […]
If grapes are attacked by molds, the mold toxin ochratoxin can form. You can find out which products are particularly at risk and how to protect wines here. Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin formed by molds of the Aspergillus and Penicillium genera. The mold toxin is highly harmful to human and animal health even in […]
Whether Pilsner, lager, Hefeweizen, Altbier or the countless craft beer variations: The selection of beer styles is huge and the range continues to grow. However, the microorganisms that get into the beer during the brewing process and can lead to spoilage are just as diverse as the beer styles. They impair the taste and odor […]
Whether vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian: more and more people are reducing their meat consumption or doing without animal foods completely. In order to meet the protein requirement even without animal products, various alternative protein sources are available. Alternative proteins are considered sustainable, healthy and better for the environment and animal welfare. There are numerous protein-rich […]
The importance of following a well-developed sampling plan, prior to mycotoxin analysis of food and feed is well recognised. It is accepted that regardless of the effort that goes into ensuring the accuracy of a mycotoxin test, the result is only as good as the sample that has been taken. Mycotoxins, in particular aflatoxins, are […]
Water is essential for life – but also a frequent source of bacterial infections. If Legionella bacteria grow in the water pipes, it can lead to serious diseases. This article answers the most important questions on the subject of Legionella. How dangerous are Legionella bacteria? Legionella is a genus of waterborne, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that […]
Many people know lupins rather as an ornamental garden plant with colourful blossoms. However, for some years now, the plant has also been increasingly used for food production. Since then, allergies to lupins have become more common. Lupins belong to the family of legumes and are related to peanuts, lentils, peas and soybeans. In recent […]
Coffee production Coffee comes from Coffea, a tree which belongs to the Rubiaceae family, with the largest diversity found in humid environments. Different varieties of coffee, require different environments for the plant to grow. In general, coffee grows from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer. Higher altitudes produce coffee beans with a […]
From yogurt to butter and cheese, milk and dairy products are an essential part of many people’s diets. Regular testing is essential to ensure the high quality of these products. Enzymatic analyses play an important role in this. Enzymatic tests can be used in the manufacturing process and in quality assurance to measure various important […]
Antibiotics have become an indispensable tool in medicine, treating numerous infectious diseases effectively and safely. However, researchers warn that this could change as a result of increasing resistance. Antibiotic resistance is on the rise worldwide. Experts see this as one of the greatest health risks for the human population. If pathogens become resistant to antibiotics, […]
Mycotoxins are a major problem in agriculture, with grains being particularly affected. The extent to which molds and thus mycotoxins form in grains depends largely on the climatic conditions during the flowering period. So what impact does climate change have on this? The prevalence of mycotoxins in grains globally varies from year to year. In […]
Foodborne infections are often caused by listeria. The risk of contamination is particularly high in raw foods of animal origin. Here’s what food processing facilities need to know in order to produce safe food. The human-pathogenic listeria species Listeria monocytogenes can cause the infectious disease listeriosis, which often leads to severe outbreaks. It may cause […]
The determination of parameters such as sugars, acids and alcohol plays an important role in wine production. For this purpose, enzymatic analyses are used – which can easily be automated. Whether for the determination of tartaric acid, acetic acid, sulfite, glucose or ethanol: enzymatic tests are an indispensable part of wine analysis. They are based […]
In January 2023, the EU approved two more insects as food: the house cricket in powder form, and the lesser mealworm. Here is an overview of the most important questions and answers on the topic. Which insects are allowed as food? There are hundreds of edible insect species worldwide. In the EU, only four insects […]
Mycotoxins are a major problem in global agriculture. Besides grains, many other foods can be affected as well. And sometimes they are found in very unexpected places. Molds can grow on a wide variety of agricultural products, forming harmful mycotoxins. Whenever food trends lead to novel foods or raw materials coming onto the market, it […]
Vegan food is popular. People with allergies enjoy vegan alternatives, too. But they should be careful, because hidden allergens can lurk in many vegan foods. Pay attention to allergen labeling Vegan foods are free from animal products, including milk and egg. However, this does not automatically mean that they are suitable for people with egg […]
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a secondary metabolite produced by several fungi which can infect a range of agricultural products after harvest, during drying and during storage. Originally thought to be a problem largely confined to cereals such as wheat, barley, and oats, over the years a wider range of other agricultural products have been found […]
Vegan food is continuing to be one of the biggest dietary trends. For some time now, however, you’ve been hearing more and more about the “plant-based diet”. Is this just a new term for the vegan lifestyle – or is there something else behind it? What does “vegan” mean? People who live vegan avoid (usually […]
Almonds are a healthy snack and a popular ingredient in baked goods and many other foods. But for people with allergies, almonds are a risk – especially if they are present in foods without being labeled accordingly. Food fraud can affect almost any product. Fraudsters make a lot of money with low-quality olive oil, mislabeled […]
For those still looking for a delicious side dish for this year’s Christmas menu, our colleague Claire from R-Biopharm Rhone has just the thing: Christmas red cabbage with apple, orange and raisins. Fruity-sweet and softly cooked in the oven, the side dish will be the secret star of the Christmas dinner. Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter […]
Corn is one of the most cultivated grains in the world and is an important part of the diet for humans and animals. It’s no wonder that the USA honor this versatile grain with their own holiday, National Maize Day. However, corn is also criticized because it is often genetically modified. The grain with the […]