The recent STEC outbreaks in Belgian residential care centres, with dozens of people falling ill and several deaths, are a painful reminder of how vulnerable our food chain still is. For producers, commercial kitchens and care institutions, this is not a distant problem, but a stark warning: protection against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, or STEC for short, requires a consistent approach throughout the entire chain, from farm to plate.

The Greenery partnered with Normec to ensure staffing compliance and lead the way in ethical employment — ahead of legislation, and in line with their values.

Challenge tests are often a significant investment. It’s not uncommon for companies to raise eyebrows at the price tag of such a study. “Why does this take so long? Why so many measuring points? Why are multiple strains necessary? And does everything really need to be documented in such detail?” In this article we share the importance of a proper challenge test and how you can save costs by cleverly combining tests, predictive models and product grouping.

During the week of August 12–14, 2025, French authorities recalled dozens of soft cheeses (including Camembert, Brie, and goat cheese) following a listeriosis outbreak that resulted in at least 21 cases and two deaths. The products—sold under multiple brand names in major chains—were distributed in France and internationally until August 9. Shortly thereafter, warnings were issued in countries including Spain and Luxembourg, and Belgium also reported its first linked case.

During the week of August 12–14, 2025, French authorities recalled dozens of soft cheeses (including Camembert, Brie, and goat cheese) following a listeriosis outbreak that resulted in at least 21 cases and two deaths. The products—sold under multiple brand names in major chains—were distributed in France and internationally until August 9. Shortly thereafter, warnings were issued in countries including Spain and Luxembourg, and Belgium also reported its first linked case.

Lörrach, August 2025 – The Untersuchungsinstitut Heppeler trusted by companies in the region of the “Three-country corner” (“Dreiländereck") of Germany, France and Switzerland for high-quality pharmaceutical and water testing, will continue to operate under the new name – Normec Heppeler Institute.

Ordering products online is very popular among consumers. Groceries are also increasingly being sold online. But what information is mandatory in your webshop? And what should you keep in mind?

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - [6 August 2025] - Normec (“the Group”), a leading European provider of Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (“TICC”) services, today announces its entry into the United States (“US”) through the acquisition of three highly specialized companies in the Foodcare, Sustainability, and Healthcare sectors. Normec is backed by Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm, and the majority shareholder in the Group since 2020.