Donnington Laboratories Ltd logo

Food Microbiology Testing

Microbial Enumeration & Detection

Food Microbiology Testing

Submit Enquiry

All food testing methods are based on standard methods and are included in our scope of testing under the Campden Laboratory Approval Scheme (CLAS) and include:

  • Aerobic Plate Count (mesophilic aerobic bacteria)
  • Total Fungal Count
  • Enumeration of specific micro-organisms, including:
    • Enterobacteriaceae
    • Coliforms
    • E coli
    • Pseudomonas and related species
    • Staphylococcus aureus
    • Faecal streptococci
    • Bacillus cereus
    • Mesophilic bacterial spores
    • Presumptive Lactobacillus sp
    • Clostridium perfringens
    • Presumptive Listeria / L monocytogenes
  • Detection of specific micro-organisms, including:
    • Salmonella (in 25g)
    • Presumptive Listeria / L monocytogenes (in 25g)
    Where appropriate, includes confirmatory testing at no additional charge.

Food Microbiology Testing

Food microbiology testing involves the systematic examination of food products to detect and quantify various microorganisms present, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards for consumption. Through methods like Aerobic Plate Count and Total Fungal Count, specific microorganisms such as Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms, E coli, and others are enumerated or detected.

Food microbiology testing is vital as it safeguards against the presence of harmful pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria, which can cause foodborne illnesses if consumed. Laboratory food testing ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and helps maintain product shelf-life.

Food testing methods like shelf-life confirmation and batch release, along with pathogen detection and quantification, play key roles in this process. Food microbiology testing guarantees the safety and quality of the foods we consume by identifying and mitigating potential risks posed by microorganisms.

food bottles

Shelf-life Confirmation

At Donnington Laboratories, we conduct food microbiology testing by offering shelf-life trials and various other testing services, essential for ensuring food safety and quality in the industry. 

By assessing factors like microbial growth and chemical changes during storage, these food testing trials help establish expiration dates and storage recommendations for products, ultimately ensuring consumer safety and satisfaction. 

Regular updates during longer-term trials enable manufacturers to track progress, address any issues promptly, and comply with regulatory standards

test tubes

Laboratory Food Testing Services

Established in 2000 in Chichester, West Sussex, we offer a wide range of food testing and consultancy services to clients in the UK and overseas. Our food analysis tests range from batch release assessments to pathogen detection and quantification. 
 
  • Batch release
  • Detection of pathogens
  • Quantification and characterisation included free of charge
  • Identification of organisms by request
  • Microbiological shelf-life determination
dairy conveyor

Dietary and Nutritional Supplement Testing

Nutritional and dietary supplements marketed in tablet or capsule form can lie in the grey area between foods and medicines, particularly when marketed outside the EU. In addition to the standard food tests listed above, Donnington Laboratories are happy to apply the testing methods described in the British and European Pharmacopoeias to these products. These techniques also appear in our CLAS scope.

test tubes

Address

Unit 3
Donnington Park
Birdham Road
Chichester
West Sussex
PO20 7DU

© Copyright 2024 Donnington Laboratories LtdWeb Design By Toolkit Websites