New Multiplex qPCR Assay developed in collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners delivers faster, broader detection to help protect product quality and brand reputation

To support the quality of beverage products, Thermo Fisher Scientific today introduced the Thermo Scientific™ SureTect™ Beverage Spoilage Multiplex qPCR Assay**, an industry-first all-in-one quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based test developed in collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. Now part of the Thermo Scientific SureTect PCR System, the assay offers early and accurate detection of spoilage organisms earlier in the production process and has wide applicability across the beverage testing industry.

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Thermo Scientific™ SureTect™ Beverage Spoilage Multiplex qPCR Assay, part of the Thermo Scientific SureTect PCR System

Product recalls due to microbial spoilage continue to pose a significant risk to beverage makers—affecting quality, brand reputation and revenue. Traditional contamination testing methods can take days and may miss some trouble-causing micro-organisms, putting companies at risk of costly product recalls and lost trust.

The Thermo Scientific™ SureTect™ Beverage Spoilage Multiplex qPCR Assay detects over 100 strains of the most relevant spoilage micro-organisms for beverages – such as preservative-resistant yeasts, molds, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria in a single qPCR reaction—something no other test on the market currently offers. This high-throughput approach helps reduce testing time by up to 50% compared to traditional culture testing methods, giving manufacturers greater confidence when releasing batches, and consumers greater confidence in the quality of the products they drink. By testing for more micro-organisms in one assay, the all-in-one kit also enables cost efficiencies and improved environmental sustainability.

“Product recalls don’t just impact the consumer – brands face both financial and reputational harm, making the true cost of a recall much more expensive than the product lost,” said Chris Armstrong, president of microbiology, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “This qPCR-based assay is part of Thermo Fisher's commitment to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer, and helps brands avoid risk, protect their customers and keep their products on shelves by providing a faster and more accurate result on their batch tests.”

Dr. Raul Mesa, senior manager QESH at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, shared, “Staying ahead of spoilage is key for us. Working with Thermo Fisher lets us use the best science to make sure every bottle that reaches a customer meets our high standards. High-throughput, reliable and secure testing solutions are essential as we look to always ensure the perfect product for our consumers.”

As beverage companies ramp up innovation, especially around limited-edition and seasonal offerings, speed and confidence in quality testing become even more critical. The Thermo Scientific SureTect PCR System is designed to provide both large beverage groups and smaller local brands with access to fast high-quality spoilage detection to help manufacturers act with speed and protect product quality.

Learn more about Thermo Fisher’s full suite of food and beverage quality testing solutions here.

*This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to various factors. Thermo Fisher undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

**All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue over $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, increasing productivity in their laboratories, improving patient health through diagnostics or the development and manufacture of life-changing therapies, we are here to support them. Our global team delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

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