Microbiology

Food contaminated with bacteria, yeasts, moulds, or viruses poses serious risks to consumers, making the detection of both pathogens and spoilage organisms essential. Microorganisms are ubiquitous, found in water, soil, air, and on food surfaces, and can enter foods naturally or through inadequate hygiene during production. Pathogenic microorganisms must be absent or kept below strict limits depending on the food matrix, with zero tolerance for major pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli in 25 g samples, ensuring that manufacturers consistently meet strict safety requirements.

Microbiological testing includes food testing and hygiene monitoring. In production environments, tests help verify cleaning efficiency by detecting residues and microorganisms on surfaces. Compact Dry plates enable easy colony counting across multiple parameters using chromogenic nutrient media, while protein tests (RIDA®CHECK) and ATP/AMP systems (LuciPac™ and Lumitester SMART) reveal contamination through colour change or bioluminescence, supporting routine sanitation checks and reducing the likelihood of cross-contamination.

In foods, bacterial toxins and pathogens can be identified using ELISA kits, real-time PCR systems, and nutrient or agar plates. ELISA-based RIDASCREEN® assays use sandwich technology to capture and detect bacterial proteins, while toxin-specific assays allow direct or enrichment-based testing. Molecular systems like SureFast® PATHOGEN PCR kits provide rapid, sensitive detection of bacteria and viruses, featuring optimised DNA preparation, TaqMan probe technology, and built-in internal controls. Effective microbiological testing supports food safety, regulatory compliance, and reduced contamination risk throughout production, safeguarding both brand integrity and consumer trust.