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Milk and derivatives

Laboratory testing for safety, quality, and compliance in the dairy sector

 

The dairy sector requires rigorous analytical controls throughout the entire supply chain, from raw milk production to processing into cheeses, yogurt, butter, and other dairy derivatives. The microbiological quality of the raw material, the management of fermentation and ripening processes, and the control of contaminants are fundamental elements to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

A glass of milk being poured from a jug on a tree stump in a meadow, with a cow lying in the background — symbolizing Lifeanalytics’ milk and dairy product food safety serviceAt Lifeanalytics, we support dairies, milk processing plants, and manufacturing companies through accredited laboratory analyses dedicated to:

  • Raw milk quality control: monitoring total bacterial count and somatic cell count in raw milk.
  • Residues and contaminants testing: verification of antibiotics, veterinary drugs, residues, and other contaminants.
  • Process monitoring: tracking fermentation and ripening processes in cheeses and yogurts.
  • Microbiological controls: testing fresh and aged/ripened cheeses.
  • Nutritional analysis: providing analytical data to support labeling and nutrition declarations.
  • Shelf life and stability validation: Evaluating the shelf life and stability of milk, yogurt, and dairy derivatives.
  • Regulatory compliance support: assisting with risk management to mitigate non-compliance and recalls.

Thanks to an integrated approach, we help companies guarantee high quality standards, protect their brand, and meet the strict requirements of retailers (GDO) as well as national and international markets.

 

Regulations and compliance in the dairy sector

The dairy sector is governed by stringent European requirements regarding hygiene, microbiological safety, and contaminants, including:

  • Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 – On the hygiene of foodstuffs
  • Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 – Laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin
  • Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 – On microbiological criteria for foodstuffs
  • Regulation (EU) 2023/915 – On maximum levels for certain contaminants in food
  • Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 – Food information to consumers

Lifeanalytics' analyses support the operational application of these requirements, helping to strengthen supply chain control and product compliance.

 

Laboratory testing for milk, cheese, and dairy products

Our ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited laboratories provide reliable data to support manufacturers of milk, cheese, and dairy products during audits, official controls, and retailer (GDO) verifications in the following areas:

  • A laboratory technician performs chemical, microbiological, and nutritional analyses on food products, including milk and dairy, to ensure HACCP compliance, detect allergens, and evaluate sensory properties through challenge testing — symbolizing Lifeanalytics’ milk and dairy food safety serviceMicrobiological safety: screening for pathogens (Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli), mold and yeast counts, and hygiene indicators (including rapid MALDI-TOF technology) to support HACCP plans.
  • Chemical contaminants and residues: analysis of antibiotics, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, dioxins, pesticides, PFAS, and MOSH-MOAH to ensure legal compliance and prevent market withdrawals.
  • Nutritional analysis and allergens: full proximate analysis (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins) for label generation and allergen control (Reg. EU No 1169/2011).
  • Shelf life and stability: scientific studies on microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic stability to define the correct primary and secondary commercial shelf life of products.

Sensory analysis: Panel tests with trained judges and consumer testing to evaluate texture, flavor, and overall liking, guiding product development and market positioning.

 

Your trusted experts for the dairy sector

Choosing Lifeanalytics means relying on a leading analytical partner for the dairy sector, capable of turning laboratory data into concrete tools for risk management and the protection of brand value and corporate reputation.

At Lifeanalytics, we provide a comprehensive ecosystem of testing, consulting, and training services, backed by constant regulatory updates, to help companies make confident decisions and safeguard their business.

 

Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to request your Personalized Consultancy! 

REQUEST A PERSONALIZED CONSULTANCY

 

You might also be interested in: Training Course – Food Fraud & Food Defense | Training Course – HACCP Course | Field process testing and validation | Implementation of binding regulatory systems