Food and Beverage

At Intertox, we help clients assess and reduce risks posed by food and beverages. Microbial spoilage and chemical contamination have become big issues for the food and beverage industry. Intertox helps producers find the cause of their problem and put together a plan to fix it.

We identify, test, assess, and monitor food contaminants. We help clients learn if chemical uptake into crops from soil and water poses a risk to human health. We also assess whether packaging may contribute to risk.

When a client needs to track down the source of off-flavor in food or beverages, we work alongside them to develop protocols that apply scientific rigor to taste-testing under different conditions. For clients that need it, we develop Environmental Health and Safety employee education and training programs designed to control and reduce the chances of contamination

Case Study: When soil is contaminated, the food that grows in it may be, too. At Intertox, we have done more than 30 multi-pathway risk assessments to identify the possible source of contamination. Chemicals of concern have included metals, dioxins, furans, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Depending on the situation, we focus on specific endpoints, such as neuroanatomical effects, and on vulnerable subpopulations, such as the developing fetuses of local pregnant women.

Case Study: A client was concerned that a drinking water dispenser at one of its offices might be contaminated and that its staff put at risk. Intertox conducted a water sampling program to test water for 107 chemicals and 3 biological agents. Based on the results, Intertox identified 27 chemicals of interest (COIs) and performed a toxicological risk assessment on the COIs for cancer and non-cancer endpoints. Our assessment clarified and explained potential risks to staff due to contamination, allowing our client to take mitigating steps.

• Conduct farm-to-table food contaminant risk assessments along with remedial consultation
• Work with risk managers and corporate counsel to develop risk strategies, along with EHS education and training programs
• Conduct chemical safety assessments/audits
• Develop chemical safety programs that meet regulatory requirements