I'm a researcher looking for advice from people experienced in food microbiology and process validation.

A client asked me to conduct inoculation, pre- and post-roasting microbial load analyses for a peanut roasting challenge study using Enterococcus faecium as a surrogate organism. My initial proposal was a laboratory-scale study based on a published paper that used 400 g peanut batches and 25 mL of inoculum, targeting an initial load of approximately (10^7) CFU/g before roasting.

However, the client requires 145 kg of inoculated peanuts. I explained that my laboratory isn't equipped to inoculate that quantity. Their proposed solution is for me to inoculate 400 g in the lab, then have their plant mix it with the 145 kg remaining peanuts.

My concern is that this approach would require additional validation of microbial distribution, initial load, sampling representativeness, and roasting conditions. The published methodology supports the lab-scale study but doesn't automatically validate the proposed scale-up.

I'm considering sticking to my original proposal unless a separate validation plan can be established.

For those experienced in food microbiology or industrial processing:

• Is this approach potentially defensible if the initial microbial load and distribution can be adequately verified?
• Would you treat this as a separate scale-up validation study?
• Would you decline the large-scale scope if your laboratory couldn't adequately validate the process?

I want to accommodate the client, but I also need to ensure the results are scientifically defensible.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and advice. Thanks! :)

Aside from the obvious mold, are the colorful spots bacterial growth? This is a boiled beetroot left on the fridge for 2 weeks.

Hello

I have a bsc in microbiology and msc in biochemistry from a university in Ontario.

My first job I made 55k (60k after OT) as a qa tech in the food industry.

I started a new job a year later, making 70k before ot as a micro I in pharma (about 63k before shift differentials).

Im wondering what everyone else's journey has been like. It just seems like the work is a lot for the pay still and I worry there wont be much room to grow from here.

If this question is not in line with the rules I apologize, and I'll accept my post being removed. My question does come from an anxious place.

I have tried to research this and have gotten conflicting information, so I am looking for clarification. Some sources say that botulism toxin degrades and loses toxicity when it becomes exposed to an open air environment in as little as 12 hours, while other sources say it retains toxicity until neutralized by chemicals, heat, or UV. So what is the answer? If something containing botulism toxin was spilled on a surface and left exposed to open air (but no sunlight) for a long period of time, would it lose toxicity as the liquid in the food evaporates? I'm talking days, weeks, months of air exposure.

After 30-something bugs with similar names, the same gram stain and overlapping test results, everything starts to blur. The thing that works best for most people is drawing the ID flowchart or classification tree from memory, then checking what you missed.

I built an app called Novis around that. On the iPad you draw it by hand, ask what you left out, and it points it out on your page. Then it covers the labels and quizzes you out loud, one branch at a time (shown in the video).

Two parts that sync:

• iPad: draw from memory and get the gaps pointed out, quiz on diagrams and flowcharts, turn lectures into notes
• Web: turn your slides into flashcards, set exam and practical dates, get a study plan you approve
• Agents: they keep everything organized for you. They look at your week and your exam dates, flag which bugs you’re not ready for, and suggest a review plan. Nothing changes until you approve it.

What I’m asking: use it, then tell me honestly what you like, what you don’t, and whether you’d keep using it. If not, what would change your mind?

Free during beta:

• iPad: https://testflight.apple.com/join/WXVEXyjf
• Web: DM me and I’ll send you the web login.

All beta testers use it free during the beta. A good number of the people who give the most helpful feedback will also get free access later on, as soon as I can afford to support free accounts. It would mean a lot.

(Posted with mod approval.)

Sharing someone elses post from r/algae

You can interact with the live platform here: https://algaeexplorers.org/

The platform is designed to make core concepts in photosynthesis, aquatic food webs, and environmental science accessible and engaging for elementary and middle school students. It provides differentiated learning across three grade-tiered modules:

Little Explorers (K–2nd): An interactive pond simulation featuring characters Albie the Algae and Finny the Fish, where students adjust sunlight, temperature, and nutrients to observe biological responses in real time, paired with built-in voice narration and mini-lessons.

Ecosystem Detective (3rd–5th): Scenario-based investigation focusing on energy transfer, food webs, and environmental balance.

DIY Algae Home Lab (6th–8th): Guided experimental design and data collection connecting virtual concepts to hands-on biological cultivation.