In conversation with Dr. Veena Panicker, Head, Bio Monitoring, Merck Life Science India, she delves into Merck’s comprehensive food and beverage testing vertical, key solutions for detecting contaminants and chemical residues, microbiological QA/QC applications, and their food safety management programs.
Q- Can you provide us with an overview of Merck’s food and beverage testing vertical and its significance in ensuring food safety in the Indian market?
Merck Life Science, established in 1668, boasts a rich legacy deeply rooted in technology and innovation. Renowned for producing top-tier products in the biotech sector, Merck holds a position of industry leadership. Within the Food & Beverage sector, Merck offers an extensive platform dedicated to testing food pathogens. This initiative aims to elevate global food safety standards and enhance overall food quality through streamlined laboratory testing and regulatory proficiency.
In a recent milestone, we have forged a strategic collaboration with The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Within our purview lies the Centre for Microbial Analysis Training Lab (CMAT Lab) in Delhi, an avant-garde facility specializing in microbial technology. Equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation, this lab serves as an invaluable resource for food scientists to refine their expertise in this domain.
Merck’s broadened portfolio encompasses a wide array of solutions, featuring a diverse range of innovative technologies tailored for ensuring food safety. These tools and technologies are instrumental in fortifying this critical segment of the industry.
Q- What are the key food safety solutions offered by Merck for reliable food testing?
How do they assist food and beverages businesses in detecting contaminants and chemical residues?
Our food safety solution encompasses a spectrum of elements, ranging from fundamental components like classical reagents, solvents, and high-purity chromatography products. Yet, our strength lies in a robust portfolio dedicated to pathogen testing. Pathogens, pivotal in ensuring food safety, carry the potential to pose significant health risks to consumers. It is imperative that they are absent from the food supply chain.
We offer a diverse array of testing methods, enabled by cutting-edge technologies. These allow us to capture, cultivate, and accurately identify microorganisms. Leveraging techniques such as PCR, ELISA, and culture-based methods, our approach combines traditional enumeration methods with modern advancements, notably accelerated PCR processes.
Achieving food safety demands a comprehensive environmental monitoring strategy. We provide solutions for precisely this purpose. In the realm of microbial considerations, a holistic approach involves scrutinizing not only the food itself but also the air, water, and the entire processing environment.
The implementation of the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) approach is crucial in food production. It involves a meticulous evaluation of every stage in the production process, enabling manufacturers to identify risks and implement targeted controls. From inception to culmination, we offer comprehensive solutions to support our customers throughout their food safety journey.
Q- What are the various microbiological QA/ QC applications employed by Merck in food and beverages testing? How do they contribute in maintaining your high standards?
Our microbial testing procedures encompass both quantitative and qualitative analyses, covering enumeration and identification processes. Our advanced technology enables the effective capture of microorganisms from a variety of sample matrices, including food and water samples. Once obtained, these microorganisms undergo a cultivation process, as they are typically not visible to the naked eye. Our specialized technologies facilitate this growth in the laboratory, employing suitable media.
Following cultivation, microorganisms form colonies, at which point species identification becomes crucial. This task is accomplished through a range of qualitative technologies.
Our solutions span a wide array of applications, from water testing to pathogen, indicator organism, and spoilage organism testing, as well as hygiene monitoring. We are equipped to address diverse testing needs across various domains.
Q- Can you tell us more about Merck’s food safety management programs and how they help organizations maintain a strong commitment to food safety throughout their supply chain?
The food production process, spanning from farm to fork, encompasses multiple crucial stages. These stages encompass procurement, cultivation, and processing. The environment in which food undergoes processing holds paramount importance. Our solutions extend to managing the production area environment, enabling customers to maintain a high level of cleanliness in food manufacturing.
Ensuring the right environment is just one facet; in-process testing at various points along the production chain is equally vital. This testing aids in pinpointing potential contamination sources. Typically, manufacturers conduct in-process testing as a routine activity.
The final phase, release testing, occurs prior to the product’s availability for consumer consumption. This involves comprehensive testing against pre-defined parameters, guided by codex elementaria standards. We offer solutions that encompass media and specialized equipment required to handle microorganisms, providing a comprehensive suite of options for our consumers.
Q. How does Merck India educate and empower microbiologists with the latest technologies and advancements in the sector?
Both our CMAQ lab and our Bangalore lab located at Ajigini Premise are fully equipped and available for training purposes. We organize a variety of training programs, ranging from salinity training to environmental training. These programs offer our customers, which include scientists, students, manufacturers, industry professionals, and QC personnel, the opportunity to engage with us hands-on. Participants gain access to a diverse range of instruments while also learning about the regulatory protocols they must adhere to.
Furthermore, our training programs are open to food inspectors, providing them with valuable insights and practical experience. To enrich the learning experience, we endeavour to involve international and industry leaders, offering our customers a broader perspective in this field.
Q. How does Merck India educate and empower microbiologists with the latest technologies and advancements in the sector?
Both our CMAQ lab and our Bangalore lab located at Ajigini Premise are fully equipped and available for training purposes. We organize a variety of training programs, ranging from salinity training to environmental training. These programs offer our customers, which include scientists, students, manufacturers, industry professionals, and QC personnel, the opportunity to engage with us hands-on. Participants gain access to a diverse range of instruments while also learning about the regulatory protocols they must adhere to.
Furthermore, our training programs are open to food inspectors, providing them with valuable insights and practical experience. To enrich the learning experience, we endeavour to involve international and industry leaders, offering our customers a broader perspective in this field.
