Microbiological Testing

Microbiological Testing

In modern society where consumers are more cautious and regulations are more strict, food safety has become a core concern for food producers, sellers and suppliers. The ramifications associated with food pathogens, which includes Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, could be detrimental to the global populace alongside a brand’s reputation. The World Health Organization (WHO), for instance, estimates that contaminated food results in over 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually. In addition to endangering people’s health, the final social cost associated with food recalls because of microbial contamination is extremely high, which affect sustainability targets due to economic losses and millions of wasted food products.

Our company seeks to fill the gap between food safety and ecological preservation by utilizing state-of-the-art microbiological testing technologies, which is what makes us a pioneering bio-environmental enterprise. We pledge to develop a better world by protecting food safety and reducing the environmental burdens associated with food production.

Microbiological testingFig 1. Microbiological testing (Meera P.K., 2023)

Service Overview

Our cutting-edge microbiological testing services guarantee a thorough evaluation for the safety and shelf life of food products. We cater to detecting, quantifying and identifying microorganisms that are bacterial, yeast, mold or viral contamination for various food matrices. The outlined tests cover the following food products:

  • Dairies – cheese, yogurt, milk
  • Meats – chicken and beef (fresh and processed)
  • Ready to eat foods – deli salads, meats and various other snacks
  • Beverages – juices, alcoholic drinks, bottled water
  • Infant formula and baby foods
  • Plant-based and functional foods.

Technical Principles

The testing procedures utilize a hit-and-run strategy. This means that these methods are a blend of culture-based techniques and modern molecular diagnostics, ensuring accuracy and speed on a scalable level.

  • Culture-Based Techniques
    Classic techniques are the preferred standard that retains the gold grading for microbial enumeration and isolation. They include the following:
    Total Viable Count agar plated counting (TVC) for coliforms, specific pathogenic and total viable counts.
    Pathogen Listeria enrichment broth low concentration selective Listeria monocytogenes isolation media.
    API strips and VITEK systems Biochemical identification species-level confirmation.
  • Molecular Techniques
    When faced with the difficulties presented in cultured based methods, such as lengthy incubation durations, we utilize:
    Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): For rapid recognition of pathogens such as Salmonella spp and Campylobacter, PCR amplifies the target DNA or RNA sequences.
    Quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR): With high sensitivity, microbial load quantification can be achieved with detection limits less than 1-10 CFU/g.
    Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): Provides the ability to identify unknown contaminants and organisms that cause spoilage through metagenomic profiling.
    MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry: Protein fingerprinting helps us to identify species swiftly.
  • Immunoassays
    Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Recognizes microbial antigens or toxins, for example, staphylococcal enterotoxins.
    Lateral Flow Devices: Screens high-throughput areas on-site.

Technical Features

  • Rapid Turnaround: In just a couple of hours, qRT-PCR and MALDI- TOF enable the reduction of detection times from days.
  • High Sensitivity: Trace level contaminants as low as 1 CFU/25g can be detected by these sensitive techniques.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: More than 30 pathogens and organisms that cause damage can be detected simultaneously.
  • Scalability: For small batches and operations on an industrial scale, these techniques are very helpful.
  • Automation: Since a robotic sample process eliminates human error, it greatly reduces the time taken.
  • Data Integrity: The use of LIMS blockchain enhances the trustworthiness of the data.

Application Areas

  • Dairy Industry
    Detection of L. monocytogenes in soft cheeses.
    Yeast/mold quantification in yogurt to prevent over-acidification.
  • Meat Processing
    Validation of lethality steps for Salmonella in cooked poultry.
    Shelf-life extension studies via spoilage microbe monitoring.
  • Beverage Safety
    Alicyclobacillus testing in acidic juices to prevent off-flavors.
    Verification of pasteurization efficacy in dairy alternatives.
  • Export Compliance
    Certifying compliance with EU microbiological criteria for RTE foods.
    Resolving non-tariff trade barriers through accredited testing reports.

Environmental Benefits

  • Reduced Food Waste: Early detection minimizes recalls and spoilage-related discards.
  • Lower Chemical Usage: Precision diagnostics reduce over-reliance on preservatives.
  • Sustainable Production: Data-driven adjustments optimize energy/water use in manufacturing.
  • Carbon Footprint Mitigation: Faster results shorten cold-chain storage durations.

Our Services

We provide a variety of microbiological testing services, which are described below:

Category Applications
Pathogen Detection Salmonella, L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7 , Cronobacter sakazakii
Spoilage Organism Analysis Yeast, mold, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp.
Indicator Organisms Total plate count, coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae
Viruses & Phages Norovirus, Hepatitis A, bacteriophages in fermentation processes
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Screening for multidrug-resistant strains (e.g., ESBL-producing E. coli)

Company Service Advantages

  • Expertise: PhD-led team with 50+ years of collective experience.
  • Technology: State-of-the-art BSL-2 laboratories and AI-driven data analytics.
  • Sustainability: Carbon-neutral testing processes and biodegradable consumables.
  • Client-Centricity: 24/7 support, multilingual reporting, and audit readiness.

Contact Us

In a landscape where food safety and environmental sustainability are inextricably linked, our microbiological testing services offer a dual advantage: uncompromising protection against microbial hazards and a measurable reduction in ecological impact. By leveraging advanced technologies and eco-conscious practices, we empower clients to meet regulatory demands, enhance consumer trust, and contribute to a healthier planet. Partner with us to transform microbiological testing from a compliance obligation into a strategic asset for your business and the environment.

How to Place an Order

How to place an order

Reference

  1. Meera P.K., Priyanka R.M., et al. "Conventional and advanced detection techniques of foodborne pathogens: A comprehensive review" Heliyon 2023, 9(4):15482.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.

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