Mérieux NutriSciences teams with QuantiLAB in Mauritius

The firm opened the site in the BioPark Mauritius at the start of June.

It combines Mérieux NutriSciences’ experience in food and nutrition with QuantiLAB being it’s approved, laboratory service partner.

The firm said it will not be opening its own laboratory in the short-term as QuantiLAB will fulfil the role of analytical laboratory.

QuantiLAB is an ISO 17025-accredited, multi-disciplinary laboratory and inspection service provider.

Swift Silliker support​

Prior to the move Swift Silliker, Mérieux NutriSciences’ South African company, would have staff visit the region to attend to client’s needs.

“Certain challenges when it comes to shipping samples for analysis had prevented a full roll-out of all the services available from South Africa to the clients in more remote areas,” ​said Paul Stewart, manager - new business development at Swift Silliker.

“By locating ourselves in Mauritius we are positioned to provide an expanded service portfolio to the region,” ​he told FoodQualityNews.

“​Mérieux NutriSciences elected to locate a suitable partner in the region who had the capability and capacity to provide those services which could not effectively be supplied out of South Africa and still maintain the high technical standards we are known for. ​

“The Service Level Agreement (SLA) that was put in place between the two companies allows us to build capacity and expertise in the region thus strengthening our ability to take care of the regions own and rely less on importing assistance.​

“It also cuts out any unnecessary duplication of services and ensures that each company’s strengths are brought to bear to the benefit of the clients.” ​

QuantiLAB said it entered into the partnership to meet demands for cross-border client recognition and to increase its service offering in the hospitality and production industries.

The firm said it ensures the creation of a “one-stop-shop” for quality assurance in the region.

Rules and enforcement​

One of the difficulties that manufacturing and exporting companies have when operating in Africa is the lack of regulatory enforcement, said Stewart.

“There may well be half decent rules and regulations in place in a given country but the actual policing and enforcement of compliance is where the challenge lies,” ​he said.

“It is not enough to have put regulations in place – it is the sampling and analysis that protects the man on the street.​

“We have begun to notice an improvement in consumer awareness with regards to product safety and the Mauritian Government has already begun clarifying what the current situation is locally in order to effect changes. ​

“All governments are under pressure to reduce spending and whilst not the only place to experience cut-backs in funding, state run laboratories and inspection bodies invariably find their funding shrinking.” ​

Stewart said in the South African scenario, Swift Silliker makes technical staff available to governments to assist with developing and assessing regulations and standards for the local market.

“This allows the specific committee or panel to augment their limited manpower and experience with additional help from the industry,” ​he said.

“It is important however to point out the need to remove commercial pressures and motivations when our staff provide assistance like this and to ensure that the balance between regulatory and commercial needs is maintained. ​

“As Swift Silliker staff are not linked to any commercial manufacturing companies, our input is intended to be good for the country and region rather than aimed at gaining commercial advantages for ourselves.”​

Mérieux NutriSciences’ offering will include on-site technical consulting and problem solving, auditing services (hygiene, GMP, HACCP, etc.), education services (training courses from floor-worker to management level, topics such as hygiene, HACCP, BRC, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, etc.), and Legionella Risk Assessments and sampling.

It employs more than 5,500 employees in about 20 countries, across more than 80 laboratories.

The company is increasing its presence in emerging markets with the purpose of answering these countries’ growing demands, as well as those of global customers. 

Acquisitions in China, Brazil, Turkey, India and South Africa have added to its global network.