Through our team of microbiological experts, bioinformaticians and hygiene specialists, SYNLAB provides a market-leading consultation and advisory service to a wide range of retailers, producers and consultants – on a global basis.
Unique DNA sequencing technology offers the most powerful tool for the rapid and precise identification of all bacteria, yeasts and moulds to sub species level.
Our Total Solution Program combine in-depth investigative DNA capability with a dedicated team of on-site hygiene experts to implement recommendations and findings and to deliver resolution.
- Incident analysis
- Research projects and NPD
- Investigation e.g. supply chain screening
- Challenge testing protocol
- Legislation compliance
- Product authentication
- Labelling declarations
- Horizon scanning
- Bespoke training programs
Method Development & Validation
Our in-depth understanding of ELISA and PCR methodologies, along with proven competency in method development and validation, enables us to be respond to industry requirements quickly and cost-effectively. This technical expertise is available to you quickly and at low cost through our validation services.
Complex Samples
Test methods are validated on a wide range of sample matrices to ensure wide application for most samples we may receive from our clients. Occasionally a client requires validation specific to their sample or wishes to establish analyte recovery for auditing purposes. If this sample is unusual or complex we can carry out bespoke validation with a full report to meet your needs. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
On-site Test Kits
On-site test kits such as lateral flow strips can be incredibly useful in a production or foodservice environment, providing almost instant test results at low cost. These kits are particularly helpful in the analysis of environmental swabs for allergen presence, but are not suited to complex product analysis. If you do plan to use these test kits on finished products or raw materials then validation to ensure the kits are suitable will be necessary. We have an established plan of validation which includes false negative, false positive and LOD determination. Please contact us for a quotation.
Novel Analyte
Off-the- shelf tests are available for most allergens and common meat and fish species, however there are clients who require us to test for the unusual and obscure. Whatever your analytical need, whether kangaroo or an unidentified mould, contact us and we will advise whether it is possible for us to develop a test. We usually use DNA based methods in our bespoke test development.
Cleaning
Retailers and BRC auditors are requesting more and more that manufacturers provide evidence of cleaning validation. Not only are they required to prove cleaning is being carried out thoroughly, but also to prove that the cleaning protocol is sufficient to remove allergen presence from all areas of storage and production. Validation usually comprises a series of pre- and post- clean swabbing with in-laboratory analysis providing data to show that cleaning is effective. For more information on cleaning validation programmes and a quotation please contact us. With a certified validation report routine analysis (verification) can be reduced and hence overall costs reduced.
Consulting Services
There are a number of services available to you, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and general risk assessment consultancy. The British Retail Consortium (BRC), Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Coeliac Society also carry a great deal of advice and offer support. You can find the links here:
- BRC http://www.brcglobalstandards.com/
- FSA https://www.food.gov.uk/
- Coeliac Society https://www.coeliac.org.uk/home/
At SYNLAB we offer an advisory service which will help you to assess risk, identify testing priorities and determine a level of testing which satisfies auditors and shows due diligence while keeping costs to a minimum.
We offer a number of tools to help you ensure product integrity including swab/settle plate analysis, on-site test kits, in-laboratory analysis, risk assessment charts and cleaning validation.
At SYNLAB we are proud to have kept to the original goals that the founders of Genon had when starting the company. We aimed to offer specialist analytical services to the food industry and that’s what we do. By focusing on the tests we are really good at, we have also learned a great deal about the industry, legislation and what clients need and expect. This knowledge is now available to you on a consultancy basis, if required.
Contact us with some background information and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
