Food Safety Inspection
Zensho provides safe and delicious food
by checking the entire food chain directly.
Food Safety Inspection
Zensho Holdings conducts inspections of the ingredients it uses at its own the Central Research Center and the Central Microbiological Testing Center.
The Central Research Center
The Central Research Center was established in 2006 to verify the safety of the ingredients used in our products. Using state-of-the-art analytical equipment, we conduct highly accurate and sensitive tests for pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, and radiation.
Check the safety of the ingredients
When sourcing ingredients, our employees personally visit the production sites to check the surrounding environment, pesticide use, and other details. Based on the "cultivation history," which details what pesticides were used, when, and in what quantities at the production site, the ingredients are tested at the Central Research Center to ensure that there are no problems with the amount or type of pesticides detected.
Inspection equipment
We use a variety of industry-leading testing equipment for our analyses. This allows us to accurately analyze even very small amounts of substances.
Inspection equipment used
LC-MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole Type, Orbitrap Type)
- GC-MS/MS
- LC-ICP-MS
- Atomic absorption photometer
- mercury analyzer
- Real-time PCR, etc.
LC-MS/MS 7500
Tests conducted at the Central Research Center
Pesticide residue testing
We conduct inspections to determine the residue limits for pesticides and other substances in accordance with the "positive list system" established by the government.
About vegetables
Veterinary drug testing
We conduct tests to ensure that the ingredients we use do not contain veterinary drugs used for treating livestock.
About beef
Heavy metal testing
We conduct tests to ensure that the ingredients we use do not contain harmful heavy metals such as Hg (mercury) and Cd (cadmium).
About rice
Radiation examination
We are continuing to measure the radiation levels in rice, vegetables, and other produce.
Q&A about radiationThe Central Microbiological Testing Center
To provide our customers with safe and delicious food, we conduct our own tests for microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and mold that can cause spoilage and food poisoning.
- Establishment of testing methods
- Setting of reference values
- Set expiration dates for food products.
- Store swab testing
Each factory checks the safety of food products before shipment.
- Raw material inspection
- Inspection of factory products
- Set expiration dates for food products.
- Factory swab testing
Establishment of testing methods and setting of reference values
To ensure safety, we set standard values and verify the testing methods adopted by the group's laboratories.
Shipping inspection
In the factory's inspection laboratory, we conduct bacterial testing on food products manufactured at the factory. If the levels exceed the standard, we take measures such as stopping shipment to ensure safety.
Setting an expiration date
At our the Central Microbiological Testing Center, we consider the environment from the time the product is manufactured at the factory until it is served in the store, and set expiration dates that ensure no waste is generated and that the product is safe and delicious to eat.
Bacterial and viral swab tests
We regularly conduct swab tests on kitchen equipment and other items in our stores.
Microorganisms to be tested
We conduct tests for indicator bacteria, food poisoning bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants using methods such as bacterial isolation by culture and genetic testing using real-time PCR.
Bacteria
- General viable bacteria count
- Coliform bacteria
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Salmonella
- Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (all serotypes)
- Listeria species and others
Virus
- Norovirus
