We provide the following analyses related to microbiology ...
Pathogens
Bacillus cereus
Clostridium botulinum A, B & E
Clostridium perfringens
E. coli, O157:H7
Listeria monocytogenes
Salmonella
Shigella
Staphylococcus
Quality Indicators
APC (Standard Plate Count)
Coliforms
Alicyclobacillus
Lactobacillus
Yeast & molds
Mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds)
Aflatoxins, in nuts, corn and cottonseed
Deoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin), in grains and cereals
Dicumerol, in clover hay
Fumonisins, in corn and corn byproducts
Ochratoxin A, in food and feed
Patulin, in apple and pear juice
Zearalenone, in wheat and feeds
Our Capabilities
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
We are able to test for E. coli O157:H7, Listeria, Salmonella and Clostridium botulinum using real-time
PCR. This technique detects a portion of the pathogen's DNA and can be
completed in as little as 24 hours (compared to 4 - 5 days or more for traditional
culture methods).
Mycotoxin Analysis
We use ELISA technology for most mycotoxin analyses, however, we can
use HPLC coupled with either fluorescence or mass spectroscopy
detection as an alternate or confirmatory method, if requested. ELISA
assays are generally less expensive to perform than instrumentation
assays and the quality of current ELISA methods is very good.
Shelf Life Studies
We can help with the determination of shelf life for your food
products. This may involve testing for microbial spoilage,
detection of rancidity, measurement of water activity, etc.
Sanitation Monitoring
We can help with the monitoring of sanitation indicators such as
Listeria, plate counts, yeasts & molds. For example, this might be
done on process lines at critical control points and/or floor drains.
For detailed information regarding food borne pathogenic
microorganisms and natural toxins refer to the US FDA "Bad
Bug Book". Information concerning the illnesses caused by the most
common pathogens may be found in the Foodborne Illness & Disease Fact Sheets.
