Food Microbiology Testing

FSNS offers a broad range of microbiological food testing assays using validated methods (FDA-BAM, USDA, AOAC, Compendium, APHA, ISO, USP) to help you acquire reliable data about your raw materials and finished products. Our nationwide network of ISO 17025-accredited food microbiology labs offers quantitative and qualitative test methods, including rapid methods, which allow us to cater to your specifications, budget, and turnaround-time needs.

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National Network of Food Microbiology Labs 

We partner with Certified Laboratories our fellow Certified Group company, to operate more than 30 ISO 17025-accredited microbiological food testing labs across North America. Wherever you do business, we likely operate a lab nearby that offers a full range of microbiological tests for food samples to support your safety and quality programs. 

View All Of Our Laboratory Locations

Qualitative
Food Microbiology Testing for Pathogens

We offer a full range of qualitative testing methods for pathogens to support product test-and-hold procedures and environmental monitoring programs for food and beverage manufacturers. These are our standard services; contact us if you don’t see what you need. 

  • Campylobacter spp.
  • Candida albicans
  • Cronobacter sakazakii
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis
  • Escherichia coli O157:H7
  • “Top 6” Non–O157 STEC
  • Hepatatis A
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Listeria spp.
  • Norovirus
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Shigella spp.
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Vibrio spp.
  • Yersinia enterocolitica

Quantitative
Food Microbiology Testing for Pathogens

Our quantitative microbiological food testing services provide valuable insight into the concentration of indicators, pathogens, and spoilage organisms in foods and beverages and their associated production environments. These are our standard services; contact us if you don’t see what you need. 

  • Aerobic/Anaerobic Plate Counts
  • Bacillus cereus
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Coliform Counts (Total, Fecal)
  • Enterobacteriaceae Count
  • Gas Forming Anaerobes
  • Generic Escherichia coli Count
  • Gram Negative Bile Tolerant
  • Heat Resistant Mold Count
  • Heterotrophic Plate Count
  • Heterofermentative Lactic Acid Bacteria Count
  • Lactic Acid Bacteria Count
  • Mesophilic Aerobic/Anaerobic Spore Count
  • Osmophilic Yeast and Mold Count
  • Proteolytic Bacteria Count
  • Pseudomonas spp.
  • Psychrotrophic Plate Count
  • Rapid Aerobic Plate Count
  • Rapid Coliform Count
  • Rapid Yeast and Mold Count
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcus spp. Counts (Total, Fecal)
  • Sulfide Reducing Sporeformers
  • Thermophilic Aerobic/Anaerobic Bacteria Counts
  • Thermophilic Aerobic/Anaerobic Spore Counts
  • Yeast and Mold Counts

Microbial Toxins 

Our microbiology food testing labs offer testing for a variety of microbial toxins, including the following: 

Aflatoxins EIA (Total)

Aflatoxins HPLC

Bacillus cereus Diarrheal Toxin 

Ochratoxin A

Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxins 

Special Microbiology Testing Services Available 

We also offer a wide array of special testing services that go beyond routine methods to support all areas of your food safety program. 

FSNS Lab+, our contract research division, specializes in custom research projects to enhance your Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) and other safety and quality programs. 

  • Antimicrobial Effectiveness Studies (USP 51) 
  • Bacterial and Fungal Identifications 
  • Bacterial and Fungal Strain Typing 
  • Challenge Studies
  • GMO Detection and Quantification
  • Meat Speciation 
  • Microbial Serology 
  • Process Validations 
  • Shelf-Life Studies 
  • USP Suitability and Preparatory Testing 

Full Range of Microbiology Test Methods for Food & Beverage Products 

Our labs use both traditional cultural methods and rapid detection methods for food microbiology testing. Several of the rapid method platforms that we use include (but are not limited to) VIDAS, GDS, BAX, GENE-UP, MDS, and iQ-Check. These rapid methods help you obtain information faster to keep your operations on schedule. 

Our experts can help you determine which methods are ideal for your samples and target organisms. 

Food Sample Types for Microbiology Testing 

We offer food microbiology testing for several matrices, including the following (contact us if you don’t see what you need): 

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Animal Feed
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Bakery & Baked Goods
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Beverages
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Candy & Confectioners
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Condiments/Dressings/Oils
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Dietary Supplement/Ingredients
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Egg Products
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Fruit/Vegetables Grains & Cereals
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Meat & Poultry Milk/Dairy
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Nuts
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Pet Food
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Processed Foods RTE
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Seafood/Shellfish
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Spices/Ingredients

  • Animal Feed 
  • Bakery & Baked Goods 
  • Beverages 
  • Candy & Confectioners 
  • Condiments/Dressings/Oils 
  • Dietary Supplement/Ingredients
  • Egg Products 
  • Fruit/Vegetables
  • Grains & Cereals 
  • Meat & Poultry
  • Milk/Dairy 
  • Nuts 
  • Pet Food 
  • Processed Foods
  • RTE 
  • Seafood/Shellfish 
  • Spices/Ingredients