{"id":12337,"date":"2025-02-23T11:57:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-23T10:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fei-online.com\/?p=12337"},"modified":"2025-02-23T11:57:08","modified_gmt":"2025-02-23T10:57:08","slug":"kerry-group-advancing-food-safety-without-compromise-through-innovation-and-expertise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fei-online.com\/kerry-group-advancing-food-safety-without-compromise-through-innovation-and-expertise\/","title":{"rendered":"Kerry Group: Advancing food safety without compromise through innovation and expertise"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Kerry Group: Advancing food safety without compromise through innovation and expertise<\/h1>\/ in Featured Articles<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/header>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Food safety remains a critical concern for manufacturers, with over 1,900 food recalls reported in 2024 alone. In this feature, Emma Cahill<\/strong>, Global Strategic Marketing Director in Food Protection and Preservation at Kerry, explores how state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and innovative testing methodologies are helping companies prevent costly recalls while meeting evolving consumer demands for clean-label products.<\/h3>\n

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Kerry Group has evolved to become a global leader in taste and nutrition, innovating for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Dedicated to research, innovation, and impactful partnerships, we deliver science-backed solutions that enhance food safety, sustainability, and nutrition. Our aim is to reach two billion people every day with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. A key part of this mission and goal is food safety, which remains a top priority for manufacturers and consumers alike.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Emma Cahill<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Kerry\u2019s approach to food safety<\/h3>\n

Our food safety strategy is guided by the mantra, safety first, quality always. This science-backed approach is supported by an extensive network of food safety labs and partnerships, across our global network, ensuring that manufacturers have access to the most effective solutions available.<\/p>\n

We operate multiple state-of-the-art food safety labs, including a newly opened BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2) lab in Beloit, Wisconsin. A BSL-2-certified lab is specifically designed to handle moderate-risk infectious agents such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. Researchers in these labs follow strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), biological safety cabinets, and controlled environments to prevent exposure and contamination. Additional our hubs in the Netherlands and at our Global Innovation Centre in Naas, Ireland, specialise in pathogen testing, preservation technologies, and contamination prevention. Each of these labs plays a critical role in validating food safety measures and preventing costly recalls.<\/p>\n

In addition to our laboratories, we also collaborate with universities and third-party organisations, to advance food safety research. Focus areas include:
\n\u2022 Bacterial growth studies to understand contamination risks in different food categories.
\n\u2022 High-risk food analysis, particularly for products which are prone to contamination and frequent recalls or experiencing unknown causes of early spoilage.
\n\u2022 Predictive modelling to improve contamination prevention strategies and ensure compliance with global safety regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Salmonella bacteria<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
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Key food safety challenges in the industry<\/h3>\n

Food manufacturers today face several complex challenges that impact product safety and consumer trust:<\/p>\n

1. Contamination risks and emerging pathogens<\/strong>
\nPathogens such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli continue to pose significant risks in various food categories. The FDA reported over 1,900 food and cosmetic recalls [1] in 2024, the highest number since 2019, highlighting the urgency of improved safety measures. The CDC also found an increase in foodborne illnesses [2], particularly linked to ready-to-eat and pre-packaged meals.<\/p>\n

Recalls have been increasingly common in less front-of-mind food categories, including plant-based meats, frozen foods, and fresh produce., where new-to-market product types have less available data. Our food safety initiatives focus on mitigating these risks by developing preservation methods tailored to different food groups, leveraging smart algorithms and predictive models to predict bacterial growth and improve contamination prevention.<\/p>\n

2. Supply chain vulnerabilities<\/strong>
\nThe modern supply chain introduces numerous food safety risks. Variations in storage and handling conditions can lead to contamination risks with food changing its texture, nutritional composition, and overall safety profile. The rise of online grocery delivery services has led to potential for inconsistent temperature control, increasing the likelihood of microbial outgrowth. To address this, we assist manufacturers monitor bacterial growth
\nand ensure supply chain safety through predictive analytics and real-time validation.<\/p>\n

3. Consumer trends and clean label challenges<\/strong>
\nConsumers increasingly demand natural, minimally processed foods with fewer preservatives. However, removing preservatives without adequate replacements can lead to increased food safety risks. We can help balance these demands by leveraging alternative preservation technologies such as fail safes and potential replacements for high-pressure processing, modified atmosphere packaging, through natural antimicrobial ingredients to ensure food safety while maintaining clean-label integrity.<\/p>\n

4. Regulatory compliance and compliance shifts<\/strong>
\nGlobal food safety regulations are continuously evolving, requiring manufacturers to stay ahead of new standards to ensure compliance. Many governments across the globe are increasing scrutiny on food safety measures, demanding more transparency in ingredient sourcing, processing conditions, and contamination risk mitigation. We assist in this area by offering food safety flow charts to guide reformulation needs, providing regulatory frameworks, risk assessments, and food safety compliance tracking tools to ensure that businesses meet these evolving requirements across various regions and product categories. Our product recommendations
\nare backed by modelled and in-application validation studies.<\/p>\n

Innovative solutions for food safety<\/h3>\n

We employ cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to address food safety risks, prevent outbreaks, and enhance food safety.<\/p>\n

1. Predictive models and smart algorithms<\/strong>
\nWe integrate predictive modelling, beyond the capabilities of publicly available models such as the Danish FSSP (Food Spoilage and Safety Predictor) [3] model. This allows us to forecast bacterial growth and optimise preservation dosage-efficacy and targeting inhibition strategies. These tools eliminate guesswork and enhance food safety decision-making.<\/p>\n

Recent peer-reviewed research from the University of Georgia (UGA), in collaboration with us, has further validated the importance of predictive modelling in food safety and supported the Kerry Food Waste Estimator [4]. The study confirms that extending food shelf life reduces food waste and conserves resources, providing manufacturers with a sustainable, data-driven approach to improving food safety.<\/p>\n

2. Advanced microbial testing and identification<\/strong>
\nOur laboratories use automated bacterial identification machines that can rapidly pinpoint bacterial strains in food samples under real-world conditions. For example, research has shown that natural antimicrobials like vinegar can effectively inhibit specific bacterial strains, offering a clean-label preservation solution.<\/p>\n

3. Direct industry support<\/strong>
\nWe provide direct support to customers facing food safety challenges, helping them implement real-time food safety solutions, validate new ingredients and processing methods, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Facilities can consult with Kerry\u2019s experts for tailored solutions, ensuring their products meet the highest safety standards. Our commitment extends to encouraging industry-wide collaboration, recognizing that sharing information and data across the food sector is essential. By making food safety more accessible and fostering industry partnerships, we help manufacturers proactively address potential threats, ensuring that new and emerging products can be tested and validated efficiently.<\/p>\n

Proactive measures for manufacturers<\/h3>\n

Recalls are not only costly but can significantly damage a brand\u2019s reputation. To stay ahead of potential threats, manufacturers must take a proactive approach to food safety. Implementing rigorous safety protocols can help prevent contamination and ensure product integrity. Key measures include:<\/p>\n

1. Implementing validated ingredient-based solutions<\/strong>
\nScience-backed ingredients that show an ability to prevent bacterial outgrowth in the event of a contamination offer peace of mind to manufacturers, acting like an insurance policy.
\n2. Regular testing and validation \u2013 <\/strong>Without ingredient hurdles in place, frequent microbial testing ensures early detection of contamination risks.
\n3. Robust supply chain controls<\/strong> \u2013 Implementing strict temperature and handling protocols help mitigate risks associated with transportation and storage.
\n4. Consumer education initiatives<\/strong> \u2013 Informing consumers about proper food handling and storage can prevent safety issues at the household level.
\n5. Utilising predictive models<\/strong> \u2013 Data-driven insights help manufacturers refine formulations to enhance both safety and shelf life. Models also expedite reformulation by reducing the number of studies required to validate dosage response.
\n6. Collaboration with food safety experts<\/strong> \u2013 Partnering with organisations like Kerry provides access to industry-leading research, tools, and best practices to enhance food safety protocols.<\/p>\n

The future of food safety<\/h3>\n

The food industry is constantly evolving, and the coming years will bring new challenges in balancing consumer expectations with essential safety measures, such as:<\/p>\n

1. Consumer education and misinformation<\/strong>
\nAs clean-label trends continue to grow, educating consumers on the critical role of preservatives and food safety practices is more important than ever. Our research [5] highlights a gap between consumer-stated preferences, actual buying behaviours and scientific best practices, reinforcing the need for transparency and education to bridge this divide.<\/p>\n

2. Rising costs and supply chain impacts<\/strong>
\nInflation and labour shortages are reshaping food safety protocols, making efficiency a priority. We work with customers to remove complex steps in their production, reducing the space for devastating human error. Manufacturers must adapt to fluctuating supply chain dynamics while ensuring no food safety risks are created.<\/p>\n

3. Sustainable food safety innovations<\/strong>
\nWe continue to lead in sustainable food safety solutions, focusing on water conservation, CO\u2082 reduction, and waste prevention. Research shows that extending shelf life by just 20% can significantly cut food waste and its environmental impact [6], underscoring the importance of effective preservation strategies.<\/p>\n

Our commitment to a safer food industry<\/h3>\n

We remain committed to advancing food safety through innovation, research, and collaboration. By leveraging state-of-the-art labs, predictive modelling, and our industry expertise, we help manufacturers navigate the complexities of food safety while ensuring their products meet the highest standards. As the food industry evolves, we will continue to lead with science-backed solutions that protect both businesses and consumers, fostering
\na safer and more sustainable food system.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
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About Kerry<\/strong>
\nKerry is the world\u2019s leading taste and nutrition partner for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets. We innovate with our customers to create great-tasting products, with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring a better impact for the planet. Our leading consumer insights, global RD&A team of 1,100+ food scientists and extensive global footprint enable us to solve our customers\u2019 complex challenges with differentiated solutions. At Kerry, we are driven to be our customers\u2019 most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition, and will reach over two billion consumers with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. For more information, visit: www.kerrygroup.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
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References<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

1. https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2024\/12\/17\/food-recalls-2024-increase<\/a> <\/em>
\n2. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/foodnet\/reports\/preliminary-data.html#cdc_research_or_data_summary_findings-key-findings<\/a><\/em>
\n3. http:\/\/fssp.food.dtu.dk<\/a> <\/em>
\n4. https:\/\/explore.kerry.com\/food-waste-estimator<\/a><\/em>
\n5. https:\/\/explore.kerry.com\/food-protection-preservation.html<\/a> <\/em>
\n6. https:\/\/khni.kerry.com\/news\/sustainability\/the-potential-for-reducing-food-waste-through-shelf-life-extension-actionable-insights-from-data-digitization\/<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>
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