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The Microbial Clock: Decoding Shelf Life Studies
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What exactly goes into determining if that food in your refrigerator is still safe to eat, or if that medication will remain effective until its expiration date? Our debut episode of the Microbial Mindset podcast pulls back the curtain on shelf life studies – the critical scientific work that protects consumers from potentially dangerous products.
Hosts Rafiq and Tiffany Hagler, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Sure-Biochem Laboratories, guide listeners through the fascinating world of microbiological testing. With Tiffany's extensive background in environmental microbiology and quality control, she explains how laboratories identify bacteria, molds, and yeasts that might compromise product safety or efficacy. The conversation moves beyond theory to real-world application when they dissect the recent McDonald's Quarter Pounder recall, demonstrating how proper testing might have prevented consumers from becoming ill from contaminated onions.
The episode highlights the delicate balance manufacturers face between rushing products to market and ensuring consumer safety. "Time is of the essence," Tiffany notes, describing how companies are constantly "trying to get their products to the market quicker than their competitors." This pressure sometimes leads to skipped steps or inadequate testing, potentially allowing contamination to reach end products. Through SBL's work, the hosts offer a glimpse into how professional laboratories help companies navigate regulatory requirements while protecting public health.
Whether you're a food safety professional, pharmaceutical developer, or simply curious about what keeps your everyday products safe, this episode provides valuable insights into an often-overlooked aspect of consumer protection. Subscribe to Microbial Mindset for more conversations at the intersection of science, safety, and business success.
Chapters
1. The Microbial Clock: Decoding Shelf Life Studies (00:00:00)
2. Welcome to Microbial Mindset (00:00:06)
3. Host Introductions and Backgrounds (00:00:33)
4. Understanding Shelf Life Studies (00:01:58)
5. Microbial Factors and Food Safety (00:03:10)
6. Common Testing Challenges (00:05:13)
7. Testing Process and Methodology (00:06:37)
8. Regulatory Compliance and Final Thoughts (00:09:14)
5 episodes
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