Handy Contract Labs: Not Just For Testing Anymore

Having a choice of methods also allows for an opportunity to readily compare methods, identify, and then choose the one that best suits the product, process, time restraints, information, and cost needs.

The area perhaps the least explored, but potentially the most valuable, is the technical knowledge that is available to the food manufacturer through the contract lab staff. Contract labs have the educational background and experience within their personnel who can assist in understanding method limitations, identifying the best method for a specific product matrix, or identifying the best method based on testing objectives. They are also a source of information on newly available methods.

The technical knowledge available in the contract lab often goes beyond methodology and may include areas such as product specific knowledge (i.e. quality defects, causes, troubleshooting, and solutions), process experience, and food safety and quality programs. Contract labs may also have access to additional knowledge networks through their external relationships. Their staff are typically exposed to a wide range of products and matrices which adds to their ability to solve analytical challenges.

A Partner in the Quality and Food Safety Management System

As a manufacturer’s relationship with a contract lab matures, it can go beyond transactional and become more consultative. The contract lab can play a more active role in the manufacturer’s food safety system and become an extension of the management system. In this regard, the contract lab is a collaborator. Potential types of management systems include the following.

Test result management. One example of test result management is the contract lab’s direct management of test results and historical data. Online visibility, data trending, and tracking are examples of data management. This could include data compiled from multiple manufacturing locations or from multiple suppliers. The typical contract lab has an advanced data management system that can provide direct communication of results and also communication of results requiring action. For those results requiring further action, the lab may be able to provide resources to assist with those actions.

Supplier management. Contract lab integration may work directly with the food manufacturer’s raw material suppliers to schedule testing and provide direct communication of results prior to release of materials for shipping. As stated above, when combined with the finished product testing, the compiled data can be used to quickly flag potential issues.

Product and process development. Contract labs can support product and process development by providing consulting or onsite resources to design a test regime, collect and test samples, perform a data review, and assist with further actions based on the results.

The contract labs of today offer a wide variety of collaborative options to help ensure the safety and quality of the foods manufacturers produce. They should be viewed as an extension of the manufacturer’s own capabilities. Developing a good working relationship with shared expectations is the key. Knowing all of the capabilities that the contract lab has to offer will help maximize the benefit that a contract lab can bring to a quality and safety management system. The benefit should go well beyond “a place where tests were run and results were generated.”

Dr. Deibel is the director of microbiology, nutritional chemistry and food safety, for Covance Inc. She can be reached at [email protected]. Meyer is the director, microbiology, at Covance. He can be reached at [email protected].