Andrzej Benkowski
Technical Manager, Probiotics & Dietary Supplements
As the Technical Manager at Eurofins Center of Excellence for Probiotics, Andrzej Benkowski brings over 18 years of expertise in biotics quality management, testing, and technology. With a strong technical background in food microbiology, Andrzej specializes in contract R&D, method development, and pioneering technologies for probiotic evaluation.
Since 2019, Andrzej has chaired the International Probiotic Association (IPA) Technical Committee and has been a member of the IPA Board of Directors since early 2024. He also contributes to the IPA Postbiotics Committee and has served as the IPA expert liaison with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) TC34/SC9 Working Group 11 since 2022, co-convening their Enumeration Subgroup.
Andrzej is dedicated to advancing the biotics industry by setting rigorous standards and driving innovation with a focus on quality.
Outside of his professional and scientific achievements, Andrzej is a member of the Eurofins Madison Site Employee Engagement Team and manages the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program for the site. A founding member of the funk band Steez, he also plays saxophone, synthesizers, and vocals. Andrzej enjoys the outdoors, spending time with his family, and pretending to be a coffee aficionado. Additionally, he has a passion for collecting sneakers and fitted hats.
Below are resources from Andrzej:
The botanical industry’s unprecedented surge in popularity brings exciting possibilities, but it also invites a serious challenge: adulteration. This blog explains how to identify adulterated botanicals and the role of third-party testing in protecting consumer health and trust.
The world of wellness is experiencing a “gummification” wave, which includes using gummies to deliver APIs as a replacement for traditional forms like pills and syrups. But this matrix doesn't come without challenges. Click to read how you can ensure the effectiveness of alternative forms like gummies, chews, drink mixes, and lozenges.
Consumer demand for clean label, natural, and plant-based products continues to drive reformulation efforts across the food and beverage industry. One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the move away from artificial colors (FD&C dyes) in favor of natural colorants derived from fruits, vegetables, plants, and minerals. This paper outlines the common challenges when removing artificial colorants, and shares best practices for creating stable, visually appealing, and cost-effective products using natural alternatives.
Contaminants like ochratoxin A in botanicals and aflatoxins in raw materials pose serious risks to product quality and consumer health. Targeted mycotoxin testing for supplements is critical to meet global compliance standards and protect your brand from costly recalls or regulatory action. Click to learn more.
Pesticide testing is a vital part of maintaining the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of food products. For QA and food safety managers, understanding the right time to test for pesticides and how to navigate the complex regulatory landscape is crucial for keeping consumers safe and avoiding costly compliance issues. Click to read our guide on pesticide testing to learn more.
When it comes to raw material testing, choosing the right method isn't just a box to check. It's the foundation of your quality control program. So, when should monograph tests be used? And why do they matter? Read our blog to learn more.
Dietary fiber testing in supplements is a highly complex process, requiring careful selection of testing methods customized to specific fiber sources. Many companies may struggle with choosing the right dietary fiber testing methodology, often defaulting to the most convenient or cost-effective option without realizing the implications. This blog will review common types of dietary fiber sources used in supplements along with strategies to ensure accurate and timely results.
In today’s food, dietary supplement, and beverage industry, ensuring accurate sugar content in products is more important than ever. With increasing consumer awareness about nutrition and stricter regulatory requirements, companies must verify and control the levels of sugars present in their products. Sugar testing plays a vital role in maintaining product quality, meeting labeling regulations, and supporting claims such as “low sugar,” “no added sugar,” and “zero sugar.” This blog explores the different types of sugars and sweetener alternatives and considerations when submitting products for testing.
Ensuring the safety and quality of dietary supplements is a cornerstone of regulatory compliance. Among the most critical steps in this process is establishing specifications for chemical contaminants. These contaminants, which can arise from raw materials, manufacturing processes, or environmental exposure, must be controlled to meet the standards outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This guide is designed to assist manufacturers in establishing strong chemical contaminant specifications while ensuring regulatory compliance.
The demand for shelf-stable beverages continues to grow across categories, from juices and ready-to-drink teas to dairy-based and plant-based protein drinks. However, ensuring both safety and product integrity requires a clear understanding of processing methods, particularly as they relate to high-acid vs. low-acid beverages. This white paper outlines best practices for processing high-acid and low-acid beverages, common formulation challenges, and key factors for ensuring a safe, high-quality final product.