Foodcare

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 Full Product Scan revealed clear differences between product claims and consumer perception in this breakfast cereal study, especially regarding nut content and texture. By combining technical analysis with consumer research, you discover which factors truly impact appreciation. This gives you concrete insights to improve your product and strengthen its market position.

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.

Our Full Product Scan of branded and private label fish sticks shows that claimed and measured fish content can differ significantly, affecting consumer perception. Combining technical measurements with consumer research provides concrete insights for product improvement and marketing claims.

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?

For food producers, it is very important to prevent cross-contamination with allergen-containing substances during production in foods that do not contain these allergens. In this article, you can read about which methods are suitable for testing for the presence of allergens. And above all: how to apply them in a smart and practical way.

Creating a good label for a food product is often trickier than it seems. With all the rules and exceptions, it quickly feels like you have to find your way through a maze of legislation. The basis lies in Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 - which tells what all you have to mention on your packaging if you sell your product in Europe. But it doesn't stop there. Depending on the product you are marketing, all sorts of additional rules may apply.

Salmonella: for many, a name associated with raw chicken and food poisoning. But did you know that this bacterium exists in over 2,500 variants? Behind the well-known culprits like Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis lies a world of lesser-known serotypes that are increasingly appearing. What does this mean for our health, and what can we do about it?

The final version of IFS Wholesale 3 was published on 27 November 2024. Audits according to IFS Wholesale version 3 can take place from 1 May 2025. In this article, read explanations on how to interpret the standard and discover the main changes compared to version 2.3. This standard is not GFSI recognised.

Are you a QA manager looking to develop your skills in quality management and food quality? Our lecture series offers the knowledge and insights of five university lecturers and practical experts to help you grow. From food safety to chain collaboration, economic considerations and digitisation, we cover many essential aspects. Increase your influence within your organisation and the food chain. Register today for this inspiring course and build a strong foundation for your success!

On 1 July 2025, new European legislation will come into force that will regulate the presence of nickel in food more strictly. This step is part of a broader approach by the European Union to limit exposure to heavy metals through food and thus protect public health.

The fruit and vegetable and greenhouse horticulture sectors are developing rapidly. Stricter customer requirements, technological innovations, and increasing focus on sustainability and product quality place high demands on laboratory services. In such a dynamic environment, it is important to work with a laboratory that is strong in terms of content and thinks along with you about the long term. At Normec Groen Agro Control, the customer always comes first. With our strengthened commercial team, we are committed to providing personal and professional support. We would like to introduce the team to you.

Normec Foodcare is proud to introduce its new Commercial Manager AGF: Robert Schut. Robert recently joined the commercial team, where he focuses on strengthening existing customer relationships as well as expanding the customer base in the dynamic AGF sector. His ambition? To build a lasting partnership with every customer - big or small.

Normec QC One has developed the QC One Specification Manager - the tool that makes your specification management easier, faster and more reliable. As a supplier or retailer in the AGF sector, you probably recognise the frustrations of error-prone processes, loss of time and a lack of overview. This innovative tool gives you full control over your specifications and supply chain.

On 20 and 21 November 2025, Normec Foodcare, in collaboration with Wageningen Academy, will once again be organising the two-day Food Legislation course. This practical course teaches you how European and national food regulations are structured, from labelling to food safety.