Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched a new rapid testing solution designed to identify beverage spoilage much earlier in production. Developed with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the test sits within the Thermo Scientific SureTect PCR System and is pitched as an all-in-one method for detecting more than 100 types of spoilage organisms in a single run.
The assay targets yeasts, moulds and bacteria that often slip through slower, culture-based testing. Traditional methods can take several days and may fail to pick up certain contaminants, creating risks for producers managing premium, seasonal or limited-edition drinks.
The new approach uses a high-throughput qPCR process that cuts testing time by up to half, giving manufacturers faster clarity on whether a batch is safe to release. Its creators say the system is designed to help brands reduce recall risks, maintain product consistency and strengthen quality assurance workflows.
With rising pressure on beverage makers to protect both reputation and consumer trust, quicker spoilage detection is becoming a practical tool for companies of all sizes aiming to keep products on shelves with confidence.