Protein Testing

FSNS provides protein testing services that support regulatory requirements and food safety decision-making for processors of poultry, beef, pork, plant-based protein, and more. With three decades of experience, we offer a broad menu of protein testing to support product release, environmental monitoring, investigations, and ongoing verification activities within your food safety program.

Why Choose FSNS for Your Protein Testing?

FSNS supports protein companies with protein testing across beef, poultry, and pork programs. Customers rely on our responsive support, fit-for-purpose methods, and turnaround options designed to keep production schedules and release decisions moving for both large national brands and smaller producers.

All Your Protein Testing Needs Covered

Our protein testing options support food safety program goals and regulatory expectations across products and production environments. Standard service categories include qualitative and quantitative pathogen testing, microbial toxin testing, special microbiology services, chemical contaminant testing, nutritional analysis, and more..

Qualitative Protein Testing – Pathogens

  • Campylobacter spp.
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  • “Top 6” Non–O157 STEC
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Listeria spp.
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Shigella spp.
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Yersinia enterocolitica

Quantitative Protein Testing – Indicators, Spoilage Organisms, and Quantitative Pathogens

  • Aerobic/Anaerobic Plate Counts
  • Bacillus cereus
  • BAX System SalQuant™ for Salmonella quantification
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Coliform Counts (Total, Fecal)
  • Escherichia coli O157:H7 MPN
  • Enterobacteriaceae Count
  • Gas Forming Anaerobes
  • Generic Escherichia coli Count
  • Lactobacillus spp. Count
  • Lactic Acid Bacteria Count
  • Listeria monocytogenes MPN
  • Mesophilic Aerobic/Anaerobic Spore Counts
  • Pseudomonas spp.
  • Psychrotrophic Plate Count
  • Rapid Aerobic Plate Count
  • Rapid Coliform Count
  • Rapid Yeast and Mold Count
  • Salmonella spp. MPN
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcus spp. Counts (Total, Fecal)
  • Sulfide Reducing Sporeformers
  • Yeast and Mold Counts
Agar plate for protein testing in FSNS protein testing lab.

Microbial Toxins

Staphylococcus Enterotoxins
Bacillus Enterotoxin

Special Microbial Services Available

Specialized microbial services support investigations, validations, and continuous improvement in protein operations.

Bacterial and fungal speciation

Bacterial and fungal subtyping

Customer complaint sample analyses

Cooling process deviation modeling

Environmental monitoring assessments

Foreign material identification

HACCP Critical Control Point process validation testing

Inoculated pack and challenge studies

Meat speciation

Microbial serology

Microscopic evaluations

Proficiency testing services

Spoilage investigations

Thermal death time (TDT)/cooking instruction validation studies

Thermal process deviation testing (acid phosphatase)

Chemical Contaminants

FSNS performs chemical contaminant testing to support protein product safety and compliance requirements.

Antibiotics and pesticides

Quantification of food additives and preservatives

Chemical residues left behind in production and manufacturing

Identifying foreign objects such as metal, plastic, wood, or glass

Ractopamine Analysis by LC-MS/MS

Import assistance for detained products

Food Safety Certification and Audit Services

FSNS Certification & Audit supports protein operations with facility audits against recognized food safety certification platforms. Our auditors conduct audits for SQF, BRCGS Food Safety, and FSSC 22000, and we also perform GMP audits across industries. We additionally offer animal welfare and on-farm livestock auditing services, including beef, poultry, swine, and customer-specific audit programs.

Beef

Process Verified Programs

Poultry

Livestock Show & Rodeo

Swine

Customer-specific audits

American Humane Certified

Ditch the Spreadsheets and Binders for Good!

emma® is FSNS’ Environmental Monitoring and Mapping Application that streamlines EMP execution and documentation. emma® automates scheduling, supports customizable swabbing plans, and provides real-time data visualization and remediation management for failed sites. Centralized cloud-based recordkeeping reduces manual tracking and simplifies audit readiness. Get more information about emma® here.

Protein Testing FAQs

What types of tests does FSNS offer for protein products?

FSNS offers a full suite of microbiological and analytical chemistry tests for protein products, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, Listeria, moisture, fat, protein, ash, calcium, amino acids analysis, PDCAAS, phosphorus, and ractopamine. We also perform meat speciation and pesticide residue testing to support regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

How do FSNS’ testing protocols ensure the safety of protein products?

Our testing protocols employ cutting-edge technologies and validated methods to identify bacterial pathogens and chemical contaminants. This rigorous approach guarantees that your protein products adhere to food safety standards, safeguarding consumer trust.

What are the common contaminants or hazards in protein processing, and how are they detected?

Protein processing is labor-intensive, increasing the risk of contamination from Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) Listeria, and foreign materials. FSNS uses both rapid and traditional microbiological methods to detect and confirm pathogenic microorganisms.

How does FSNS support traceability and quality control in protein manufacturing?

Our systems integrate with your ERP and our LIMS for seamless data exchange, minimizing transcription errors. With our secure digital portal, you maintain real-time access to results and documentation, supporting robust traceability.