Internal Quality Systems

To provide you with consistent, high quality results across our worldwide network, Silliker follows a strict internal quality systems standard. Our corporate Analytical Services Department develops detailed SOPs for all laboratory processes. They also conduct annual internal audits at all of our labs and administer the industry's most challenging internal proficiency program. Our daily QA tests greatly exceed the specific QC standards set by the AOAC ALACC for food microbiology and chemistry testing.

Silliker went where no food microbiology lab has gone before. We implemented Statistical Process Control (SPC) programs for our microbiology tests over two years ago. While SPC is routine in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and in our chemistry departments, it's new to food microbiology.

As an ISO 17025 accredited chain of laboratories, we have developed a system for calculating an estimation of uncertainty for nearly all quantitative results, both microbiological and chemical. Variants in measurements are typical, and for a particular result we can supply an estimation of variation associated with that number. Due to the thousands of assays we conduct, providing this information for every result would be time consuming. There are, however, times that this information could be critical in making decisions. For example, if a result falls just above or below a specification, the variation - or uncertainty - associated with that number could be critical in making a decision on a product's acceptability.

To discuss this with a Silliker scientist or submit a specific question, please click on the links below to contact:
Dr. Bill Ikins, Silliker, Inc. Corporate Chemistry Director, or
Dr. Michele Smoot, Silliker, Inc. Corporate Microbiology Director

To request a copy of the "Silliker Operating Excellence" information sheet, please click here.

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External Proficiency Programs

In North America, Silliker participates in many external programs, including those run by AOAC, AACC, AOCS and Beta Matrix, to name a few. Silliker laboratories worldwide participate in many external proficiency programs, including both voluntary and regulatory mandated programs. Year after year, Silliker labs significantly outperform the industry average in these programs.

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Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Analysis of lab errors shows that clerical errors like typing, calculation errors, or sample switching are critical factors. Which is why we've configured a state-of-the-art LIMS. The commercial software is also used by many of the world's leading companies.

The LIMS is used to schedule testing, QC activities, and data review. Silliker employs automated detection equipment to allow direct interface of data into LIMS whenever feasible. The LIMS system also performs all calculations. Process verification assures you that each test has been performed as requested and all quality system parameters are acceptable prior to approval of results. Once approved, final test results can be obtained via the Internet (Silliker-eSTAR.com), e-mail or fax. When we find abnormal, unusual or out-of-specification results, our client service staff contacts you by phone to immediately discuss further actions.

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Micro Methods

Silliker uses a wide range of test methodologies, including FDA, USDA, AOAC, APHA, and client-specified methods to verify the safety and quality of your product. Our microbiologists also use the latest rapid methods including Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Antibodies (ELFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). With years of technical experience, Silliker microbiologists are uniquely qualified to assist you in choosing appropriate test methods and interpreting your test results.

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FSIS Release Policy on Non-FSIS Laboratories
In food outbreak and illness investigations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service accepts analytical results from FSIS-approved laboratories. A recently published directive, described the decision-making process it uses when determining whether it is appropriate to accept testing results from non-FSIS laboratories. To read “Policy on Use of Results From Non-FSIS Laboratories,” please click here.

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Accreditations and Certifications    (Updated: July 2008)

[A2LA ISO 17025 Accreditation Listing] [ Return to top ]
* Canada has separate programs for meat, eggs, milk powder and butter.
** Due to flooding in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Accreditations

AACC 

     American Association of Cereal Chemists (MBA is just one of their microbiological series)

AOAC

     Association of Analytical Chemists

AOCS

     American Oil Chemists Society

AAFCO

     Association of American Feed Control Officials

Beta Matrix

     Name of the company. Meat focus.

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