The Detect + Protect Solutions program is a protection service targeting food manufacturers.
The goal is to help companies handle complex microbial challenges in their production facilities and with their products.
Scientific knowledge and testing capability
DuPont said it combines its scientific expertise in food safety microbiology with testing capabilities of Eurofins.
Dr Doug Marshall, Eurofins, chief scientific officer of microbiology, told us it was looking forward to building on this collaboration into the future.
“Because the work effort is project based, outcomes are very specific for client needs. For example, a custom solution for a meat processor will differ from a custom solution for a yogurt manufacturer.”
Eurofins network of food microbiology laboratories are capable of performing initial testing to isolate suspect microorganisms that may be contributing to product performance issues.
The DuPont Detect + Protect program specialists can then screen these isolates and help clients to improve product performance.
It includes the DuPont BAX System and the portfolio of Care4U protective ingredients. The new program is only available in North America.
The food protection program can help manufacturers reduce spoilage and food waste, while keeping their products fresher longer and protecting brand reputation.
By optimizing production processes, companies may be able to decrease rework and reduce waste, said the two companies.
A different perspective
Nathalie Brosse, Detect + Protect business development and marketing leader, DuPont Nutrition & Health, said customers can get a different perspective on the source of their contamination.
“The DuPont Detect + Protect program works on the understanding that each food protection concern, whether spoilage or safety, is specific to the unique situation of each customer. Because the work effort varies based on each project’s needs, outcomes are very specific for client needs,” she told FoodQualityNews.
“A common issue among customers is a need to identify the source of contamination discovered during the manufacturer’s regular testing procedures; the DuPont Detect + Protect program can help resolve such issues by providing targeted analytical testing from Eurofins to determine whether the contamination is from a raw ingredient, processing machinery, packaging materials, etc.
“Other common requests are for assistance improving sanitation practices in the processing environment or for recommendations for effective anti-microbial agents/blends in a specific food type to improve shelf life.”
DuPont did not respond to our questions on how the analytical testing services as part of the DuPont Detect + Protect full service were done before.
The firm also did not say whether there were plans to expand beyond North America, if there was a timeline on the agreement or what, if any, agreements are in place for other countries.
Meanwhile, VWR which signed a distribution agreement with DuPont around the BAX system, has acquired Hichrom.
The firm is a manufacturer and distributor of liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns and consumables.
Hichrom reaches customers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, agrochemical, food, oil and plastic industries in more than 100 countries.