Food testing

The Federal Law on Foodstuffs obliges the Swiss army to carry out its own tests on its food supplies:

Schweizerisches Lebensmittelgesetz SLMG, Art. 23 Selbstkontrolle

¹ "Anyone who manufactures, treats, distributes, imports or exports foodstuffs, additives and utensils must ensure the conformity of these goods with the relevant legal requirements. These goods must be subjected to analyses either by the person concerned or by a third party in accordance with good manufacturing practices."

² "Official controls do not release those responsible from their legal obligation to carry out self-controls."

The Swiss army’s veterinary service is responsible for testing army food supplies. As part of a service agreement, the SPIEZ LABORATORY has carried out microbiological examinations of foodstuffs on behalf of the Swiss army since 1999.

Drinking water

: Bacteriological testing of drinking water

The work primarily concerns the regular microbiological monitoring of drinking water in accordance with the legal provisions.

Drinking water is our most important food source. Its supply is more directly dependent on natural and man-made conditions than all other food sources.

Production of drinking water relies on a range of very different factors. Negative influences, such as industry, pollution, agriculture, can be countered by measures such as the introduction of protective zones, improvements to physical structures and water treatment.

: The safe and reliable supply of
drinking water is essential for the
good health of the Swiss army.

An additional factor worthy of mention is seasonal rainfall which can be subject to dramatic seasonal fluctuations and is highly important for replenishing drinking water reserves.

Because of its importance, water supplies are subject to strict legal requirements. Operators are responsible for the quality of the drinking water they supply. Swiss legislation also obliges the Swiss army to carry out self-controls on their drinking water supplies.

In recent years, it has been shown that the physical condition and hygiene of water treatment facilities must be improved. Today, the risk of water pollution is greater than ever before.

: STS 054

Since 2001 the testing laboratory for microbiological food analysis has been accredited according to standard ISO/IEC 17025
(Accreditation number STS 054)

Foodstuffs

Besides drinking water control, foodstuffs presumably containing germs are also analysed as part of the service agreement with the Swiss army's veterinary service.
The following pathogenic germs can be detected:

Bacillus cereus
Clostridium perfringens
Coagulase-positive staphylococci
Salmonella spp.
Thermo-tolerant campylobacter spp.

International Activitities

The SPIEZ LABORATORY provides its expertise in the area of drinking water to international organisations and takes part in missions.