DOST-1 presents R&D study during OneLab Forum
San Fernando City, La Union – The Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) of the Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-I) presented its research and development (R&D) study entitled “Environmental Monitoring of Listeria spp. And Salmonella sp. Meat Processing Industries in Ilocos region with GHP Monitoring to Plant” during the OneLab R&D Forum facilitated by the DOST–Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) on 28-29 March 2022.
The study discussed by DOST-I Science Research Specialist I Hero D. Galamgam provides an increase of awareness of selected Meat Processing Industries in the region with Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Housekeeping (GHK) Practices. It aims to (1) assess the environmental microbiological quality, both for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp., of food contact surfaces in meat processing plants in Region 1; (2) assess personal hygiene of plant personnel; (3) monitor microbial density of the plant production area; and (4) and to increase awareness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with regards to Listeria and Salmonella.
Since the study is still on-going, results from the initial assessment, partial conclusion and some recommendations were the ones discussed.
DOST’s OneLab program is an Information Technology IT-based one stop laboratory platform that allows access to integrated government and private laboratories across the country. It is a network of government and private laboratories throughout the country through an IT-based referral system, linking them to provide convenient access to the public and enabling clients to have their samples referred to laboratories in other regions if the service is not available in their areas. With this infrastructure, MSMEs are able to save on cost and time by having their samples tested by nearby laboratories.
DOST-I RSTL is a member of the OneLab network of other Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories of different DOST Regional Offices. Also, members of the network are the Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) of DOST, non-DOST laboratories or private laboratories and international laboratories.
The OneLab ventures towards a new direction through R&D for smaller projects. (By: Marinique A. Guerrero, DOST-I)
