ACS Member Survey: Discounted Testing Programs

50% of survey complete.

The American Cheese Society is researching group purchasing programs that can help members save money. ACS recognizes that the cost of testing milk and cheese can be high, but it is a critical part of cheesemakers' business. Most small dairies and creameries do not have their own in-house testing labs and must rely on contractors to provide testing services. In order to better understand your needs, and identify potential discounted testing programs for members, we need your input. Please respond to the questions below. This survey will take 5 minutes or less to complete.

Thank you for your time!

Question Title

Do you consider a lab testing protocol for pathogens to be a critical part of your business?

Yes

Other (please specify)

Question Title

Do you work consistently with a lab for your testing needs?

Yes

Please explain why your business does, or does not, work consistently with a lab. If you would like to share the name of the lab you currently work with, please do so here.

Question Title

How quickly do you currently receive your test results?

Within 12 hours

Within 24 hours

Within 48 hours

Within 72 hours

Other (please specify)

Question Title

Within your food safety plan, please prioritize points in the process where testing is most important.

Milk Receiving

Facility

Finished Product

Question Title

How much of a cost savings would you require in order to switch your testing to a new service provider?

At least 5%

At least 10%

At least 20%

Other

Question Title

Would you be willing to send your samples out of state rather than using a lab that is local to your cheesemaking operation, assuming that costs were reduced and turnaround time remained the same?

Yes

Unsure

Please share any additional comments below.

Question Title

If you would like to share additional comments or feedback regarding your testing needs, and a possible testing discount for ACS members, please do so here: