WGS, Inline Analysis and Private-Label Pressure

Key developments for food manufacturers, retailers, quality assurance and regulatory affairs as at 7 August 2026

The new EU framework for whole genome sequencing applies from 23 August, a new inline NIR series promises process data directly from live production, and Ahold Delhaize reports a food private-label share above 40 per cent for the first time.

Executive summary:

In an outbreak, WGS data and associated sample information will be pooled more quickly between authorities; food businesses must provide existing isolates and their own sequencing results when requested by the authorities. In manufacturing, quality control continues to shift from spot samples towards continuous process data. Meanwhile, Ahold Delhaize’s private-label share demonstrates how closely retailers integrate price leadership, assortment data and product development.

WGS in outbreaks: the new EU framework applies from 23 August

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/179 applies from 23 August 2026. In a confirmed or suspected foodborne outbreak, competent authorities must collect isolates of Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from suspect foods, animals, feed or the associated environment. At least one isolate per serovar, biotype or molecular type must undergo whole genome sequencing in an official laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 for the method; results and specified metadata are submitted to EFSA. [1]

The primary sequencing obligation therefore falls on the authorities, not on food businesses generally. However, when requested, businesses must provide existing isolates and, where they have performed WGS themselves, the results and associated data. The Commission’s FAQ expressly clarifies that the Regulation introduces no general business obligation to carry out WGS. [2]

For manufacturers, the practical change concerns responsiveness: sample identifiers, batch links, sampling location, date, laboratory findings and traceability data must be brought together seamlessly in an incident. In-house WGS data can accelerate root-cause investigation, but also create a directly comparable dataset. Responsibilities, data quality and communication with the authority and laboratory should therefore be clarified before an incident. The Regulation does not, however, require a new routine of sequencing every positive finding.

Inline NIR: from spot sampling to continuous process control

On 5 August, KPM Analytics announced a new series of non-contact inline NIR sensors for food processes. The MCT700, MCT750 and MCT790 models are intended to measure moisture, fat or oil, and product temperature continuously above conveyors, screws or chutes; the MCT790 also measures colour. Specifications include up to 100 measurements per second and versions rated up to IP69K for wet, hot or fatty production environments. The devices are said to be available to order immediately. All performance and availability statements come from the manufacturer. [3]

The innovation lies less in the measurement principle than in the food-focused combination of high measurement frequency, washdown design and direct feedback to ovens, spray systems or other process stages. For bakery products, snacks, cereals and dry ingredients, this can reduce waste and over-application if deviations are detected early enough. However, reliability depends on representative reference data, product-specific calibration, layer depth and surface homogeneity. Inline NIR therefore replaces neither release testing nor validated reference methods; it adds a rapid process-control signal.

Ahold Delhaize: private labels pass the 40 per cent mark

Ahold Delhaize reports that its group-wide private-label share of food rose by 0.7 percentage points in the second quarter, exceeding 40 per cent for the first time. According to the company, European comparable sales excluding fuel grew by 1.7 per cent. Albert Heijn simultaneously reduced prices on more than 500 items. The retailer is also developing AI-based agentic merchandising, linking loyalty data, assortment management and personalisation more closely. All figures and strategic statements are company information. [4]

For branded manufacturers and private-label producers, the combination matters more than the share alone. A larger private-label presence increases pressure on interchangeable brand propositions; data-driven assortment management also shortens the period for which weak sales velocity, price gaps or unclear product benefits are tolerated. Suppliers must therefore control cost and specification while demonstrating a product’s contribution to category profitability, repeat purchase, differentiation and speed of execution. The group figures do not, however, establish a uniform trend across European retail.

Further industry news

• Livekindly acquires Dalco—Hilton exits loss-making plant-based production On 31 July, Hilton Food Group agreed to sell Dalco Food B.V. to Livekindly Production NL B.V. for £5.4 million. The transaction remains subject to customary completion conditions and consultation with the Dutch works council. Read more...
• Aleph Farms receives clearance in Singapore—commercialisation through external manufacturing partners On 3 August, Aleph Farms CEO Didier Toubia confirmed that the Singapore authorities had approved the company’s cultivated Thin-Cut Beef Steak. Launch is planned for the first half of 2027. Initial production is to take place through Cell Agritech in Singapore or Malaysia, rather than at an Aleph-owned facility. Technology transfer to The Cultured Hub in Kemptthal, Switzerland, is also under way. Read more...
• European WPC80 price reaches a new high—reformulation pressure increases An updated Expana benchmark of €25,875 per tonne for European WPC80 was published on 1 August. In July 2025, the figure was €11,733—an increase of approximately 121%. Drivers include rapidly growing demand for high-protein products, nutrition supporting GLP-1 users, and limited whey availability. Read more...

Ich wünsche Ihnen ein schönes Wochenende, Ihr Andreas Gebhart

Quellen

Alle Quellen zuletzt geprüft und abgerufen am 6. August 2026.

1. Durchführungsverordnung (EU) 2025/179, Art. 1–3.
2. Europäische Kommission: FAQ zur Umsetzung der Verordnung (EU) 2025/179.
3. KPM Analytics: MCT700-Serie für die Inline-NIR-Messung, Unternehmensmitteilung vom 5. August 2026.
4. Ahold Delhaize: Ergebnisse des zweiten Quartals 2026, Unternehmensmitteilung vom 5. August 2026.

Note: This article provides professional information and does not constitute legal advice. The specific product, target market and legislation in force at the time of the decision are decisive. Image: AI-generated.