SMT LABS

Important Cholera Detection in Vaal and Harts Rivers 🚨 The Department of Water and Sanitation has detected cholera bacteria in the Vaal and Harts Rivers, posing a serious health risk. Communities from Christiana downstream to Barkley West and surrounding areas are advised to avoid using untreated water from these rivers. 🧪 Key points to remember: • Cholera was found at five sampling sites, including Wentzel Dam and Douglas Weir. • Municipalities are taking extra precautions to treat and chlorinate water, ensuring it’s safe for consumption. • Please boil any untreated water before drinking and avoid direct contact with raw river water to prevent infection. 🔍 Cholera is a life-threatening waterborne disease but preventable with proper sanitation and water treatment. Follow-up sampling is in progress to assess the extent of contamination. Stay informed, stay safe, and always prioritize clean, treated water. Have a look at these guidelines provided by the World Health Organization. #CholeraAlert #WaterSafety #HealthWarning

👀➡️ Work Stress and What to Do About It Work-related stress is a pervasive issue that affects employees across various sectors, leading to significant implications for mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. The complexity of work stress arises from multiple factors, including workload, the work environment, and interpersonal relationships. Effectively addressing work stress requires a multifaceted approach, including organisational interventions, individual coping strategies, and the promotion of supportive workplace cultures. Research indicates that stress management interventions can significantly improve mental health outcomes and reduce perceived stress levels among employees. For example, structured stress management training that incorporates techniques like enhancing social support and encouraging psychological detachment from work can lead to long-term improvements in mental health and sleep quality. Mindfulness-based interventions have also been shown to reduce the physiological impacts of workplace stress and enhance resilience among workers. These approaches not only alleviate immediate stress but foster healthier work environments overall. Lifestyle modification programmes targeting high-risk workers have produced positive results in reducing cardiovascular risk factors associated with job stress. Such interventions highlight the importance of addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of stress management. Additionally, the role of social support in mitigating work stress cannot be overstated. Mutual respect, good communication, and supportive relationships among colleagues are crucial for reducing stress levels in the workplace. To effectively address work stress, we should implement comprehensive strategies that promote stress management, cultivate supportive workplace cultures, encourage work-life balance, and promote physical activity. By doing so, companies can enhance employee well-being, boost productivity, and foster a healthier work environment. While work stress can’t always be avoided, we can work towards minimising its impact. #workstress #employeecare #stressmanagement #SMTLabs

How often do you believe gym equipment should be cleaned and maintained? 🏋️ #poll #smtlabs #smtvet #inspectorlab #gymhygiene

🚨 E. coli Outbreak Alert: A Reminder to Stay Vigilant We are closely monitoring a recent outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounder sandwiches in the US, which has raised significant health concerns. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 49 cases across 10 states, with 10 individuals hospitalised and one tragic death. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for vigilance in our own communities. E. coli, while often harmless, can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. It can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. As investigations continue to determine the source of the contamination—potentially linked to slivered onions—this outbreak underscores the need for rigorous safety precautions and testing in the food supply chain. While this outbreak occurred in the United States, it highlights that food-borne illnesses can happen anywhere and at any time. At SMT Labs, we emphasise the importance of regular microbial testing and adherence to food safety protocols to prevent such incidents. Here are a few proactive steps to consider: Regular Testing: Ensure that your food products and environments are regularly tested for harmful microorganisms to mitigate the risk of contamination. Adhere to Safety Protocols: Follow strict hygiene practices, such as proper handwashing and using gloves, especially in food preparation areas. Stay Informed: Keep updated on any food recalls or outbreaks, and educate yourself and your staff about safe food handling practices. Community Engagement: Share knowledge about food safety within your community to help raise awareness and promote healthier practices. Together, we can work towards a safer food environment for everyone. Let’s prioritise food safety and stay vigilant against potential threats like E. coli. For testing and food safety solutions, reach out to us at SMT Labs! #EColi #FoodSafety #SMTLabs #PublicHealth #StayVigilant

🔬 Inspector Lab Results: Hygiene in Your Gym! 🏋️♂️🚿 We have completed our investigation into the microbial presence on gym equipment and showers across three locations—Randburg, Bloemfontein, and Centurion. Our findings reveal significant insights into the hygiene of these frequently used spaces. In Johannesburg, we identified several microorganisms on the gym showers, including Microbacterium radiodurans, known for its resilience to UV radiation, and Citrobacter freundii, a bacterium typically found in soil and sewage. On the treadmill, Citrobacter freundii was also detected, highlighting the need for thorough cleaning practices. In Bloemfontein, the showers showed no microbial growth, but the treadmill revealed the presence of Chryseobacterium profundimaris, Micrococcus luteus, and Brevundimonas albigilva. These findings indicate a mixed bag of microbial presence that can pose health risks, particularly for those with compromised immune systems. Meanwhile, in Centurion, a range of bacteria, including various strains of Staphylococcus and Aerococcus viridans, were identified in both showers and gym equipment. These organisms are part of the skin flora but can lead to infections, underscoring the importance of rigorous cleaning protocols. Conclusion: The diverse array of microorganisms found in these environments highlights the critical need for improved hygiene practices in gyms. Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to mitigate health risks for all gym-goers. As we prioritise public health, our research serves as a reminder of the unseen microbial world that surrounds us. By fostering a culture of cleanliness and accountability in shared spaces, we can better protect the health and well-being of all users, ensuring that gyms remain safe and enjoyable environments for physical activity. Stay tuned for more insights from our Inspector Lab series next month as we wrap up 2024's exploration into the microbial landscape in our everyday environments! #InspectorLab #GymHygiene #MicrobialResearch #PublicHealth

Exploring the Hidden World: The Power of Microorganisms Microorganisms might be invisible to the naked eye, but their impact on our world is undeniable. Whether we're talking about food production, health, or environmental sustainability, microorganisms play an essential role in shaping the systems we rely on every day. Why Microorganisms Matter: They are the backbone of ecosystems, ensuring nutrient cycling, decomposition, and soil fertility. In food microbiology, they help in fermentation processes and ensuring food safety through targeted testing for harmful bacteria. Microorganisms are critical in the medical field, playing roles in disease prevention, and they even contribute to scientific advancements in antibiotics and vaccines. Our SMT Labs expert teams work diligently to ensure that every test provides insights that protect consumers and improve products. In the Food Industry, our commitment to safe food begins with microbiological testing. From ensuring proper sanitisation processes to identifying harmful pathogens, our goal is always to keep food safe from farm to table. Understanding microorganisms allows us to track contamination sources and help prevent food-borne illnesses. Did You Know? Certain microorganisms are essential in breaking down complex molecules in the gut, ensuring healthy digestion. Fermentation, powered by microorganisms, is behind many of your favourite foods like cheese, yogurt, and bread. Join us as we continue to explore the fascinating world of microorganisms and their relevance in safeguarding health, food safety, and environmental sustainability. Follow our journey as we bring you more insights from the microscopic world. #MicroorganismsMatter #FoodSafety #MicroBioLab

🌍🍽️ Happy World Food Day! 🌱✨ Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), today we raise awareness about food security and the vital importance of sustainable food practices. Let’s work together to ensure everyone has access to safe, nutritious food while protecting our planet for future generations. With regular testing and vigilance, we can make a difference! 💚🌾 #WorldFoodDay #FoodSecurity #SustainablePractices #FoodSafety #TestToBeSure #SMTLabs #SMTVet

🔍🐔 Why Test for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG)? 🧪🔬 Testing for MG is vital for maintaining the health and productivity of your flock. Here’s why: Prevent Loss: MG can lead to decreased meat and egg production. Monitor Immunity: Serum testing helps determine the immune status of your flock post-vaccination. Maintain Certification: Routine testing is crucial for flocks certified as free from MG to ensure they stay that way. Confirm Symptoms: Testing helps verify any birds showing clinical signs and symptoms. Stay proactive in safeguarding your flock’s health and productivity! 💡🐥 #PoultryHealth #MycoplasmaGallisepticum #VeterinaryTesting

🔍 What Microbes Lurk on Gym Equipment and Showers? 🏋️♀️🚿 At our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited microbiology laboratory, we’re dedicated to ensuring the highest testing standards, and this month, we’re turning our focus to the often-overlooked areas of gym equipment and showers—two hotspots for bacteria and fungi. With frequent contact and moisture, gym environments can become breeding grounds for various microorganisms. Our testing aims to identify and quantify the types of bacteria and fungi present in these spaces, providing valuable insights into cleanliness, safety, and potential health risks for gym-goers. Using standardised sampling techniques, we’ll ensure reliable and accurate results that adhere to our accreditation standards. Procedure: Sampling Locations: We’ll be sampling from one gym in the Randburg area, one in Bloemfontein, and one in Centurion. Sampling Method: Our skilled samplers will use swabs to collect samples from a 100 cm² area on gym equipment and showers after usage. Laboratory Analysis: Samples will undergo total plate count analysis and identification using the MALDI-TOF method at our Veterinary laboratory in Centurion. Data Reporting: The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report detailing the microbial identification results. Stay tuned as we uncover the microbial realities of your fitness space! 🦠💪 Your health and safety matter, and we’re here to shed light on what’s lurking in your gym. #InspectorLab #MicrobialResearch #GymHygiene #PublicHealth #SMTLabs Bianca Heyns (Pr. Sci. Nat.) Odelia Van der Merwe Christine Strydom Vernette Botha Shirleen Theisinger

Get to know our SMT team! Meet Mpho Khorae, our Lab Analyst. With almost a year of experience at SMT Labs, Mpho is already making a notable impact. One of his biggest pet peeves is two-faced people – he values authenticity and honesty in all his interactions. Mpho finds the opportunity to expand his work capacity one of the most interesting aspects of the industry. It’s a field that constantly challenges and pushes you to grow. His personal motto is a wise reminder: "When you're in public, mind your tongue; when you're alone, mind your thoughts; when you are angry, mind your temper." Say hello to Mpho in the comments! 👇 #smtlabs #smtvet #testedtrustedaccurate #labanalyst #meettheSMTteam #mindfulnes