We are thrilled to announce the addition of rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing methods to the SGS-Laagrima laboratory in Morocco, becoming the first Moroccan laboratory to be awarded the ISO 17025 accreditation for PCR Salmonella testing in food.
We have developed rapid PCR methods to test for Salmonella in food, delivering quick test results to food manufacturers. Our new ISO 17025 accreditation allows us to carry out Salmonella testing across all types of food, and adds to our commitment to helping build better processes for local food producers from our Casablanca base.
Our PCR-based method offers significant advantages over typical Salmonella testing, which takes five days for a result. That gives producers the choice of either releasing their product before the result is returned, or waiting until their result is returned before delivering the product to market.
The first option risks a costly and image-damaging recall or withdrawal, while withholding their product means losing five days of shelf life and having to store five days' worth of production. Instead, with our new 24-hour testing–unique in Morocco–producers can release their products much faster, reducing the amount of stock in storage and lengthening their products' shelf life.
Guy Escarfail, Managing Director of SGS Morocco & Maghreb and the Head of Digital & Innovation in Africa, said: "As part of our commitment to enabling a better, safer and more interconnected world, SGS Morocco has developed rapid (PCR) methods to test for Salmonella in food. We believe these methods can speed up our clients' supply chain flows, while guaranteeing a high level of food safety. At SGS in Morocco we are proud to be the first Moroccan laboratory to be awarded the ISO 17025 accreditation for these methods."
We expect our accreditation scope to be expanded to other pathogens soon, such as Listeria and Staphylococcus, adding to the wide range of services we provide to food producers. Our 100-employee Moroccan laboratory, established in 2018, already offers microbiological testing and swabs for all types of food, as well as microbiological and chemical testing for water. We also deliver food inspection services for both exporters and importers and work with clients to help digitize their quality & assurance (Q&A) processes.
For more information, please contact:
Sadek Cherif
Business Manager, SGS Morocco
m: +212 657 98 12 71
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
