Food Testing

“Old age and sickness bring out the essential characteristics of a man.” - Felix Frankfurter (American Jurist, 1882-1965)

In many of life’s events there is a supreme decision maker from whom we expect fair and accurate judgments. This includes referees of sports games, court judges, parents, bosses, etc. However, experience teaches that arbiters can lie, cheat, be biased, or just plain wrong.
When it comes to food safety, we assume that product-testing laboratory results are likewise fair and accurate. But the reality is much scarier as discussed in the article, How Unscrupulous Food Manufacturers Manipulate Lab Tests. Ways to cheat include:

1. Test different sample until one passes
2. Mix failing batches with passing batches
3. Test a good sample with the label of a bad batch. This gives the bad batch number a passing report.
4. Change laboratories
5. Use a “fake” laboratory that gives passing tests for money
6. Pressure the laboratory for better results by threatening to change laboratories

Bottom Line

“The vast majority of manufacturers and microbiology laboratories are honest and work hard to do the right things. However, money is a powerful motivator. With product batches that can be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, some rogue companies will do whatever they can to prevent product loss. Some are even willing to put the health and well-being of the public at risk.” – industrial food worker, microguy07828