New test to measure water activity
Ready-to-eat dried meat products such as pepperoni and jerky can be stored safely at room temperature because the preparation process destroys pathogens and reduces the water activity (aw) to a level at which microorganisms cannot grow. But getting the right level of aw is crucial, claims Labcell.
AquaLab benchtop instruments, from Labcell, measure the water activity of small samples using the chilled mirror dewpoint method. They provide readings in about five minutes to an accuracy of +/-0.003 aw.
Similar, but using the dielectric humidity measurement method, the AquaLab Lite is a smaller benchtop instrument, which measures at ambient temperatures to an accuracy of +/-0.015 aw. The handheld Pawkit water activity meter also uses the dielectric humidity method and has an accuracy of +/-0.02 aw.
Despite the accuracy being less than that recommended for hazard analysis critical control point purposes, the Lite and Pawkit can still be used for routine quality assurance, claims Labcell.
Contact: Labcell
Tel 01420 568 150
