Food microbiology

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Microbiological food spoilage and food poisoning are two of the major concerns of most food companies. Preventing food poisoning and reducing or delaying spoilage are priorities for all manufacturers and retailers. At Campden BRI, we offer microbiology testing. As well as routine microbiological analysis to determine levels of microorganisms in foods, we can identify what the organisms are, and whether they will affect the shelf-life of the food, as well as investigating the source of any contamination problems. We can evaluate real factory scenarios in our newly commissioned Microbiology Process Hall, and can also offer advice if you have a problem with virus contamination.

We also have expertise in the response of microorganisms to food processing regimes (e.g. washing, heating, high pressure), and can advise on how changes to ingredients, packaging and processing as part of product development might affect microbial shelf-life - identifying the hazards and risks of each situation.

For those companies with in-house microbiological, and chemistry, testing facilities, we can offer advice on which methods to use, as well as on laboratory design, with laboratory approval/certification available through CLAS, the Campden Laboratory Approval Scheme. And our relaunched Campden Microbiology Proficiency Scheme will help you assess how good your laboratory analyses are.

Does your laboratory undertake pathogen tests for M&S plc and/or Tesco plc? It will need to participate in the Campden BRI Retailer supplementary audit (RSA) scheme to meet these retailers' requirements

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Key services

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

Environmental testing and prevention to help the food industry control SARS-CoV-2.

Microbiological analysis and testing

Covering pathogens, spoilage organisms, and indicator organisms

Microbiological specifications

Pre-set criteria that are used to verify HACCP and good practices.

Contamination incidents

Situation analysis and establish why it occurred.

Microbiological shelf-life

Product safety, retaining sensory, microbiological and chemical characteristics.

Challenge testing

A practical study to determine the behaviour of relevant organisms.

Predictive microbiology

Computer simulation of the growth of microorganisms.

Shelf-life testing

A complete service which can incorporate sensory and chemical analysis.

Microorganism identification

A key part of the management of food safety and quality

Rapid microbiological methods

Advice on most suitable methods for use.

Microbiological methods evaluation

Evaluating microbiological methods, validation and interpretation.

Microbiological risk assessment

Helping to guide clients through the complex evaluation process.

Laboratory design

Expertise in issues relating to microbiology laboratories.

Processing to remove microorganisms

Advice on different heating regimes.

Heat resistance

Determine whether the process you are using will be sufficient to achieve your aims.

Detection and control of foodborne viruses

Foodborne viruses are a safety challenge for a range of foods.

How good is your microbiology laboratory?

Our newly upgraded Proficiency Scheme.

Retailer supplementary audit scheme

Independent laboratory audit required by M&S/Tesco.