Irish company makes biggest breakthrough for microbiology testing in dairy industry in 100 years
Ballina-based Oculer has revealed a new ground-breaking system that may be the biggest microbiological breakthrough in the dairy industry in 100 years.
The Irish firm has unveiled a ground-breaking system for detecting Thermoduric Bacteria in dairy products that it is hoped could save the dairy industry in Ireland up to €200 million a year, through reduced farmer penalties, superior product shelf-life and enhanced protein concentration.
The Oculer technology will cut detection times for Thermoduric Bacteria from the current global standard of 72 hours to 24 hours, with an alarm to signal potential risk of the presence of the bacteria triggered in as little as six hours.
As well as testing for the presence of this bacteria, Oculer’s technology can also trace where it came from, tipping the farmer off as to any issues he or she can manage.
Rapid detection of the bacteria will significantly reduce spoiling of product and help eradicate shelf-life issues and advance the elimination of the bacteria entirely in other milk related products, such as milk powder destined for the infant formula industry.
News has already spread, too, with New Zealand’s main dairy laboratory having already ordered a system, with Oculer hopeful of further global interest.
Launching the product, Minister for Environment Alan Kelly said :
“It also again proves Ireland is a leading international player for research and development, spinning out some of the smartest technology companies on the planet. At a local level I am immensely proud that one such company is here on our own doorstep and have been delighted to work with the team here over the past two years as they build towards this monumental day that will bring positive change for the industry across the world.”
The company will create at least 20 jobs in sales, R&D and engineering over the next two years.
