Mattrygghetstesting

Mattrygghetstesting is the systematic process of analyzing food products to identify hazards and verify compliance with safety standards. It covers the detection of microbiological, chemical, and physical hazards, as well as allergens and adulterants, throughout the food supply chain from production to point of sale.

Practitioners collect representative samples and perform laboratory analyses using methods such as culture-based microbiology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for pathogen detection, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoassays, and instrumental techniques like liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Rapid field tests and on-site testing are also used for screening.

Results are interpreted against regulatory limits and safety standards set by authorities (for example EFSA, FDA, or national food safety agencies). A typical workflow includes sampling and chain-of-custody, method validation or verification, analysis, result reporting, and corrective actions when hazards are detected.

Quality assurance is central, with accreditation to standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, participation in proficiency testing, and strict QA/QC procedures.

Applications span manufacturers, processors, retailers, import/export, and regulatory compliance. Challenges include complexity of food matrices, low-level contaminants, evolving pathogens, cost, and the need for rapid turnaround.

Emerging trends include high-throughput screening, multiplex assays, metagenomics, on-site test formats, and integrated data management.