Food Testing
The science of food testing involves identifying principle substances found in foods. Substances like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins require scientist to manipulate known and unknown specimens. Occupational exposure to these specimens can cause less than desirable health effects.
AirClean® Systems PowderSafe™ enclosure can be incorporated into these procedures to protect the scientist during testing for the presence of these compounds in food. These tests use chemical reagents that react in predictable ways in the presence of these nutrients. Typical reagents can include irritants such as: iodine, starch powders, solvents, and various stains. PowderSafe™ protects the operator while the scientist manipulates these reagents.
In research applications, chemists often come up with new ways that ingredients can be used, or create new ingredients altogether. Scientists also test different substances to develop flavors by using various chemicals, potent fragrances, and or concentrated flavorings. AirClean® Systems PowderSafe™ enclosures are beneficial for operator protection in this situation since there could be powdery materials, odorous substances, and chemical fumes present. In addition, since the PowderSafe™ enclosures have been tested and certified for use with a balance, the scientist is assured to get accurate data when measuring out substances.
Food testing analyzes for the major food-related pathogenic microorganisms like: Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. This type of testing is performed where there are major recalls of foods in the marketplace. Microbiology testing allows for the scientist to distinguish what may have prompted the recall. The PowderSafe™ enclosures allow this work to be done safely through HEPA and/or bonded carbon filtration without exposing the scientist to harmful organisms and or chemical fumes.
There is an increased concern on how foods, primarily fruits and vegetables, are treated and how much pesticides actually end up in the finished product. Testing done beforehand with different pesticides can help determine what the regulation should be for food manufacturers. In addition, testing can be done on finished goods to determine how much of certain pesticides are present. Since there is the potential for unknown amounts of liquid and/or powder pesticides, this kind of testing can be done inside a PowderSafe™ enclosure. PowderSafe™ provides a controlled work area for the scientist as well as ensuring protection against any harmful pesticides over the course of the testing.
Some tests may require a clean class 100 laminar flow workstation. If your application requires this class 100 environment, AirClean® Systems also offers a wide range of laminar flow workstations to meet your application needs.
Related AirClean® Systems Products:
PowderSafe™ Type A - Ideal for use with known low-toxicity compounds.
PowderSafe™ Type B - Designed for use with known and unknown toxic or potent compounds.
PowderSafe™ Type C - Designed for use with known and unknown toxic or potent compounds, incorporates chemical fume and vapor control in addition to HEPA filtration
