Filth Analysis

Filth analysis is a method used to detect and count light solid impurities of mineral, vegetable, or animal origin in food products1. The analysis is conducted to ensure the protection of consumers from harmful or filthy food products. The light filth test is a common method used for filth analysis, which identifies impurities including insect fragments, animal hair, and rubber ^[1].

                        Source: https://cdnmedia.eurofins.com/eurofins-us/media/1713027/white-paper_filth-and-extraneous-material-testing_25nov2020.pdf

Common types of filth found in food ^[2].

The types of filth that can be found in food products can vary depending on the type of food and the conditions under which it was produced, processed, transported, and stored. However, some of the most common types of filth that are typically found in food products include:

What are the health risks of consuming filth in food ⁽³⁾

Consuming filth in food can pose a number of health risks, depending on the type and amount of filth present in the food. Some of the potential health risks of consuming filth in food include:

Foodborne illness: Many types of filth, such as fecal matter, can contain harmful bacteria or other pathogens that can cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter,

Allergic reactions: Some types of filth, such as insect parts and animal hair, can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Physical injury: Consuming filth such as sharp pieces of glass, metal or plastic can cause physical injury to the digestive system.

Psychological stress: The thought of eating filth can be highly disturbing and cause psychological stress in some individuals.

Contamination by toxins: Some types of filth, such as mold and fungal spores, can produce toxins that can contaminate food and cause illness.

Market overview ⁽⁴⁾

The global food safety testing market was valued at USD 20,990.3 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a projected market size of USD 38,778.2 million by 2030. The increasing incidence of foodborne illnesses, rising consumer awareness regarding food safety, and stringent food safety regulations by various governments and regulatory bodies are some of the key factors driving the growth of the food safety testing market.

Recall incidents ^(5,6)

A recent recall of baked goods in Florida was announced due to potential adulteration with insect filth. The recall affects more than 200,000 units of the product, and the manufacturer is based in Spain.

A food company in Sacramento has issued a voluntary recall of all its soy products, including soy sauce, soy milk, and tofu, due to potential contamination with filth

FSSAI standards for filth determination ⁽⁷⁾

 The The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) has provided a method for the determination of extraneous matter and other refractions in whole spices (Method No. FSSAI 10.002:2021). The method covers the visual examination of spices to detect visible filth, such as insect damaged matter, broken or damaged seeds, and unripe or discolored fruits. It also covers the detection of specific types of extraneous matter in different spices, such as tendrils, mother cloves, and light seeds in cardamom. The method is based on the detection of both organic and inorganic extraneous matter, including whole insects or insect fragments, sticks, feathers, and stones. The definitions provided include pinheads (very small berries), broken berries, mother cloves, khoker cloves (fermented cloves), headless cloves, defective rhizomes, and floral waste (unattached parts of Crocus sativus flowers).

Analysis ⁽⁸⁾

The FSSAI's Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods provides guidelines for the analysis of filth in food products

AOAC methods used and matrix.

AOAC International (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) is a non-profit scientific organization that develops and validates analytical methods for food and agricultural products. The methods listed above are used for the detection of filth, which is any extraneous matter, including but not limited to dirt, hair, feathers, and insects, that may be present in food. The methods employ visual examination and gravimetry techniques to detect and quantify filth in various matrices, including pasta, flour, spices, and other food products. These methods are widely accepted by regulatory agencies, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), for food safety and quality control.

Eurofins role in Filth analysis

Eurofins is a global leader in food testing services and offers a wide range of testing and analysis services, including filth testing. Eurofins has extensive experience in testing for a variety of filth contaminants, including insect fragments, rodent hairs, and other extraneous matter. The company has state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology and experienced analysts trained in the latest testing methodologies. Eurofins provides a range of filth testing services, including visual examination, sieve analysis, and microscopy. The company uses various microscopy techniques, such as light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to detect and identify filth contaminants accurately. Eurofins also provides comprehensive testing services for a variety of food products, including spices, herbs, and condiments. The company follows strict quality control measures and adheres to international testing standards to ensure accurate and reliable results. Eurofins' filth testing services can help food manufacturers and suppliers ensure that their products meet the regulatory requirements and quality standards.

References

1. Tilocca, M. G., Caneglias, E., Vodret, B., Mancuso, M. R., Zimmardi, A., Manno, C., & Schiavo, M. R. (2015). Analysis of Foreign Matter in Foodstuffs Using the Light Filth Test: Report 2012-2013. Italian Journal of Food Safety, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2015.4504
2. https://www.livescience.com/55459-fda-acceptable-food-defects.html
3. Gorham JR. Foodborne Filth and Human Disease. J Food Prot. 1989 Sep;52(9):674-677. doi: 10.4315/0362-028X-52.9.674. PMID: 31003284.
4. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/food-safety-testing-industry
5. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2022/06/baked-goods-from-spain-recalled-in-florida-over-adulteration-from-insect-filth/
6. https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/sacramento-food-manufacturer-recalls-soy-products-due-to-filth/
7. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/CEREALS_AND_PRODUCTS.pdf
8. https://www.pfndai.org/Document/Gazette/FSSAI/09Sept2020/13.Draft%20Compendium_Food_Additives_Regulations_13_08_2020.pdf

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