Celebrating World Food Day: “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind!”

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 production to consumption. Our company is dedicated to promoting water safety for food safety, and here’s how we are contributing to this important cause:

1. Monitoring Antibiotics in Shrimps
We understand the significance of monitoring antibiotic residues in seafood, particularly in shrimp production. Antibiotics used in aquaculture can lead to antibiotic resistance in consumers, posing a significant threat to public health. R-Biopharm offers test kits specifically designed for the detection of antibiotics in shrimps. Especially nitrofuran antibiotics like nifursol and chloramphenicol are in the focus of testing, because they are forbidden in food production. These test kits help aquaculture producers to ensure that their products meet safety standards and do not contribute to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.

2. Detecting Vibrio spp. in Seafood
Vibrio bacteria are a common concern in seafood safety. The SureFast® Vibrio 4plex is a real-time PCR kit (https://food.r-biopharm.com/products/surefast-vibrio-4plex/) for the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus DNA in seafood. These kits enable seafood processors to identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring that consumers enjoy safe and high-quality seafood products.

3. Parasite Detection in Water

Several species of parasitic protozoa are transmitted through water and can contaminate crops and pose a health risk to consumers. R-Biopharm offers the real-time PCR kit SureFast® Parasitic Water Panel 4plex for the detection of Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica und Cryptosporidium spp., helping agricultural and water management professionals identify and address contamination issues at an early stage. This proactive approach safeguards both food quality and public health.

4. Bacterial pathogens and water

To maintain the safety and quality of water throughout the supply chain, our company offers a range of test kits for the detection of various water bacteria using ready-to-use nutrient plates such as Compact Dry AQ (heterotrophic bacteria). As well as a general hygienic control ATP-based detection system like LuciPac^TM A3 Water and Lumitester SMART for cleanless level testing. Moreover, the test kit Compact Dry PA as well as the real-time PCR kit SureFast® Pseudomonas aeruginosa PLUS can be used for the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is often found in natural waters like lakes and rivers. Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within water distribution systems could be the reason for infections in hospitals. In drinking water it is found in approximately 2 % of the samples. The occurrence in drinking water is more related to the ability to colonize biofilms in sanitary facilities than its presence in the distribution system or treated drinking water.

In conclusion, the R-Biopharm test kits assist water treatment facilities and food production facilities in monitoring and managing bacterial contamination, ensuring the safety of the water used in food production processes.

As we celebrate World Food Day, let us remember that water is a vital component of the food we eat, and safeguarding its quality is essential to leave no one behind in our journey towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Our company remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions that contribute to the safety and integrity of our global food supply. Together, we can ensure that water remains a source of life and sustenance for all.