Development and demonstration of polymerase chain reaction based methods for process control in breweries

Objective

The quality control methods employed by breweries are too time-consuming and unspecific to allow the brewer to ensure the microbiological quality and safety of beer. The present proposal is a combined R & D- Demonstration project, which aims at providing rapid, specific and thoroughly tested PCR methods for the microbiological monitoring of brewing processes. The aim of the R & D phase is to establish PCR methods which posses a level of sensitivity, simplicity and specificity to warrant their introduction to routine quality control. The PCR technology is expected to allow rapid detection and tractability of contaminants and determination of their harmfulness. The Demonstration phase aims at proving the technical and practical viability of the new methodology on a realistic scale in order to enable successful transfer of the PCR technology from the research phase to appliance. Effective dissemination of the project outcomes using existing organisational framework of the European breweries will facilitate the adoption and acceptance of the new technology.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-1. - Key action Food, Nutrition and Health

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND

Address

Tietotie 2
02044 Espoo
Finland

Participants (9)

BRAUEREI BECK GMBH & CO.

Germany

Address

Am Deich 18/19
28199 Bremen

BREWING RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL

United Kingdom

Address

Lyttel Hall, Coopers Hill Road
RH1 4HY Redhill

C&A VELTINS GMBH UND CO

Germany

Address

An Der Streue
59872 Meschede

OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

United Kingdom

Address

Gipsy Lane
OX3 0BP Oxford/headington

PIKA WEIHENSTEPHAN GMBH

Germany

Address

Alte Akademie 3
85350 Freising

RINGNES A.S.

Norway

Address

Thu. Meyesgt 9-11
0307 Oslo

SCOTTISH COURAGE BREWING LTD

United Kingdom

Address

160 Canongate
EH8 8DD Edinburgh

STERNQUELL BRAUEREI GMBH

Germany

Address

Dobenaustrasse 83
08523 Plauen

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH

Germany

Address

Alte Akademie 3
85350 Freising