Why Choose Food Research Lab's FRL as Your Food Product Development (FPD) Consultant and Partner?

There are several options in almost every product area in today’s market, and the difficulty is in coming up with unique items that stand out and connect with customers. Food Research Lab's Food Research Lab takes a holistic approach to creating food and beverage products. We define, demographically target, and build effective goods through a sequential process for category selection and comprehension. The client can visit the lab to learn the process. We offer unlimited rounds of revisions to ensure customer satisfaction. The final product prototype, along with the documentation process, including the video (through email), will be shipped to the client, and in case the client is not satisfied with the video, a food technology consultant will visit the place for the product demo at the client’s costs.

What are the different forms that you deliver the Food Product Formulations?

The food industry is witnessing a new form of consumption. Keeping that in mind, we can formulate the products in the form of ready-to-eat, ready-to-drink, ready-to-mix, ready-to-serve, and ready-to-cook food products. We use ingredients that offer an added value to the development and improve its indulgence and sustainability in terms of its functional ingredients, plant-based food dyes, and natural preservatives with a clean label.

What are the sectors Food Research Lab cover?

We cover a wide range of sectors such as soups, sauces and dips, chips, tortillas, dry beverage powder, plant-based products, masalas, puddings, instant mixes and many more.

How is sensory testing been carried out?

Our sensory examination leads to the precise formulation and recipe recommendations. We develop data-driven design models based on sensory research and customer insights. The fact-based design methodology used by Food Research Lab reduces risk and gives our clients market confidence while cutting development time in half. With our dedicated sensory lab facility, our team takes satisfaction in creating and optimizing successful products in the marketplace, generating a favourable return on investment, and developing brand advocates.

The first critical step in developing probiotics for food applications is isolating and identifying potential microorganisms. This involves advanced techniques like 16S rRNA sequencing for species identification, supported by both genotypic and phenotypic tests. The presence of plasmids (extra-chromosomal DNA) can further validate strain-specific properties, offering additional support for their probiotic potential.

Steps to Identify and Validate Probiotic Microorganisms for Food and Beverage Applications

Interesting News . Jan 03, 2025

1. Screening Microorganisms

The first critical step in developing probiotics for food applications is isolating and identifying potential microorganisms. This involves advanced techniques like 16S rRNA sequencing for species identification, supported by both genotypic and phenotypic tests. The presence of plasmids (extra-chromosomal DNA) can further validate strain-specific properties, offering additional support for their probiotic potential.

2. In Vitro Screening of Probiotic Potential

The identified microorganisms must undergo rigorous in vitro testing to confirm their probiotic properties before advancing to further stages. Key evaluation parameters include:

Resistance to Gastric Juices: Ability to survive the acidic environment of the stomach.
Pathogen Reduction: Capacity to inhibit harmful gut pathogens.
Antimicrobial Activity: Effectiveness against specific pathogens.
Adherence to Human Epithelial Cells: Ability to colonize and interact positively with the gut lining.
Safety Assessment: Ensuring no production of toxins, harmful metabolites, or adverse side effects.

Compliance with FAO/WHO guidelines is critical for certifying the probiotic’s safety and efficacy. In vitro studies provide robust data on genomic characteristics, strain viability, and DNA-based identification, laying the groundwork for further testing.

3. In Vivo Studies: Testing in Humans and Animals

After successful in vitro validation, in vivo studies are essential to confirm the safety and effectiveness of probiotics in living organisms.

Safety Evaluation: Identifies potential adverse effects, antibiotic resistance patterns, and toxin production risks.
Efficacy Testing: Examines the functional impact of probiotics on the human microbiome.
Effectiveness Trials: Confirms health claims based on viable probiotic cell counts (CFU/mL) in the food or drink medium.
Surveillance: Continuous monitoring of safety and effectiveness, including post-market assessments.

4. Regulatory and Labeling Requirements

To meet international standards, probiotic products must adhere to stringent labeling and regulatory criteria:

Genus, Species, and Strain Identification: Proper scientific nomenclature is mandatory.
Viability Claims: Minimum viable CFU levels required for efficacy must be clearly indicated.
Health Claims: Clearly define the health benefits supported by scientific evidence.
Serving Size: Recommended serving size for efficacy should be specified.
Storage Conditions: Guidance on optimal storage to maintain viability.

How Food Research Lab Can Help

FRL specializes in guiding manufacturers and suppliers through every stage of probiotic product development, ensuring safety, efficacy, and compliance:

Microbial Screening: Expertise in isolation, identification, and genotypic characterization of probiotic strains.
In Vitro Testing: Comprehensive testing for gastric resistance, pathogen inhibition, and safety assessment.
In Vivo Studies: Access to validated animal models and experienced clinical research teams for human trials.
Regulatory Support: Assistance in meeting FAO/WHO guidelines and international labeling requirements.
Product Formulation: Tailoring probiotic delivery methods to specific food and beverage applications for maximum efficacy and consumer appeal.

Partner with FRL to ensure your probiotic products stand out in the market with validated claims and superior quality. Let us transform your ideas into safe, effective, and compliant products.