Using state of the art production facilities FAL can boast the most modern, largest and thought out routine microbiological laboratory facilities in Europe. The bespoke design incorporates three production lines, several walk in incubators, three walk in refrigeration areas, independent media production, independent pathogen areas and the latest Rodwell autoclave technology. IT integration is paramount.

The Food Safety Act 1990 - section 8 in particular states food must be fit for human consumption. Microbiological examination is carried out to ensure product safety for due diligence purposes and as a check of the hygiene during production or after a consumer complaint.

Microbiology Examination

The two basic types of indicator organisms are:

a) spoilage, index and indicator organisms which include for example:

Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Yeasts and moulds, Faecal streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms; Clostridium perfringens; Lactobacilli Pseudomonas.

and b) pathogens which include for example:

Salmonella sp, Listeria sp; Campylobacter, E.coli 0157.

For further information on organisms link to the FDA ''Bad Bug Book '.

Water Testing

FAL has gained UKAS accreditation for POTABLE WATER including piped water supplies, PROCESS WATER, COOLING TOWER WATER.

Shelf Life Analysis

With specialist dedicated environmental storage facilities at 4 and 8 celcius, ambient and Frozen shelf life analysis is a major component of our service. Shelf life reports, inclusive of useful graphs can be generated with ease from NetPortal^tm

Labelling advice:,...
Date Tagging – There are two types of date tagging:
Use by Date – ‘Use by Date’ must be followed by a day or/and month which the product must be consumed by. To be employed on perishable foods that usually would be kept cold, for example, fish, meat, dairy products and ‘ready to eat’ salads.

Shelf life information link

Useful information from the Food Safety Authority - Ireland

Help and advice can be given on determening shelf lives if required, please contact us.

Environmental Hygiene Monitoring.

Is another service undertaken at FAL and full advice can be given.

Product Specifications & what tests to apply

We have analysed the microbiological criteria regulations and by default will apply these microbiological specifications to all product types, unless other specs are required such as (M&S specs). We provide this information in the Service Level Agreements (SLA) to all customers as part of our advisory service.

The following link to the FSA (www.ukmeat.org) gives advice on the microbiolgy test requirements for meat product manufacturers What Tests?.

FAL can advise what tests are required on all product types.