Bord Bia is the key player in Ireland’s food and drink industry. They play a significant role in ensuring quality standards across food production and agriculture.
To do this, Bord Bia audits assess various aspects of operations. One of the most important elements in these audits is ensuring water quality in food production.
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Who Are Bord Bia?
Bord Bia, or the Irish Food Board, was established on December 1, 1994. The organisation promotes and supports the Irish food, drink, and horticulture industries. Its role includes developing quality standards that businesses in these sectors must meet.
Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance (QA) scheme is designed to maintain high food safety and quality standards. Bord Bia perform regular audits to ensure that companies comply with these standards. Included in this audit is water quality testing for food safety.
What Are the Bord Bia Audits?
The Bord Bia Quality Assurance scheme is designed to ensure that food production processes meet the highest standards for quality and safety. It applies to various food sectors, including meat, dairy, horticulture, and more. As part of Bord Bia audits, businesses are required to demonstrate compliance with food and drink safety standards.
Testing water for microbiological contamination is a central aspect of the audit. Failure to comply can result in non-compliance issues, which may harm a business’s reputation and ability to sell its products.
The Role of Water Testing in Bord Bia Audits
While often overlooked, water quality plays a crucial role in food safety. The Bord Bia Quality Assurance standards specify that water used in food production must be free of certain bacteria. Specifically, food producers of any kind must ensure that “Enterococci and E. coli are absent in 100ml and the test must have been conducted within the last 3 years”.
Dairy farmers who use a private water well for dairy washing must have evidence of a water test report for microbiological contamination. This is typically done through a Bord Bia-approved water testing service. This test ensures that any water used in food production meets the stringent requirements for safety and hygiene.
Note: Failure to submit evidence of a water test is the second most common major non-compliance among dairy farmers!
Who Needs Bord Bia Water Testing?
The Bord Bia Water Test is recommended for anyone involved in food production who is part of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance scheme. This includes:
- Food Manufacturers
- Food Business Operators
- Farmers (especially Dairy Farmers)
- Agricultural Consultants
The test is particularly important for those using private wells for water, such as dairy farmers, as these are often at higher risk for contamination.
Why Is Water Testing Important?
The safety of water used in food production cannot be overstated. Contaminated water can lead to serious foodborne illnesses, which could not only harm consumers but also damage your reputation and business operations. Bord Bia’s strict requirements for water quality ensure that only safe, potable water is used in food production.
By conducting regular water tests, you can ensure compliance with Bord Bia audits, avoid costly fines, and maintain your commitment to producing safe, high-quality food products.
How Southern Scientific Can Help
At Southern Scientific Services, we offer a comprehensive Bord Bia Water Test that ensures your water meets the standards set by Bord Bia. Our service is designed to help businesses comply with the Bord Bia Audits.
Crucially, our test is Bord Bia-approved. Once the test is completed, you will receive a report certifying the results by email within 10 working days. This makes it easy to submit as part of your Bord Bia audit.
If you’re unsure whether you need a Bord Bia Water Test, contact us today. Our team is ready to advise you on your needs and help you with testing.
