Legionella (legionnaires disease causing bacteria) are a species of bacteria that grow and live in water. These bacteria live in low numbers in natural water sources. But when they get into man-made water systems they can grow very quickly in high numbers. Each of the below factors create the opportunity for the Legionella to increase in […]
Read MoreThe Importance of SANS 241
A common question around water safety and the water regulations is: what is the South African National Standard of drinking water and why is it important? We often hear about the South African National Standard (SANS), but are often not exactly sure what it means. In order to understand SANS, we need to understand where […]
Read MoreWhat are Surface Swabs?
Surface Swabs The name ‘surface swab’ is slightly misleading to the layman because these are taken, not only from surfaces like food processing tables, but also crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots and pans, nylon cutting boards, utensils and high risk equipment, like blenders. Surface swabs are tested for the most basic and widespread microbiological test, the […]
Read MoreFood Consulting Services : Legionella
Legionnaires disease (caused by Legionella bacteria) Legionnaires disease is a form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which kills about 13% of those infected. The disease is caught by breathing in aerosols (which are formed from fine water droplets) containing the Legionella bacteria. For information on how Food Consulting Services can help reduce the risk […]
Read MoreFood Poisoning : Salmonella
Salmonella Food Poisoning There are over 2500 serotypes of the bacterium Salmonella, but only 100 will cause any form of food poisoning. Of these 100, it has now been discovered that some of these can cause long lasting negative effects on our DNA. “A person’s damaged DNA from Salmonella could lead to long-term health consequences […]
Read MoreLaboratory Testing, Hygiene Audits And Consulting Services
Food Consulting ServicesFood Consulting Services is an independent, professional hygiene, microbiology and food testing laboratory established in 1977. The FCS Hygiene Audit or Technical Survey is designed to evaluate the hygiene, sanitation, food safety and facilities in kitchens in the food service industry.Microbiological LaboratoryOur microbiology lab boasts 32 SANAS accredited methods in accordance with ISO/IEC […]
Read MoreFood Poisoning : Fungus & Moulds
Fungus & Moulds Good to Know: More than 25% of the world’s crops are contaminated with poisonous moulds and fungi known as mycotoxins. Fungi on crops produce them in the field, during handling, and in storage. These toxic chemical compounds are a serious food safety threat as they cause disease and death in humans and […]
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