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The largest independent routine testing lab in Europe

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MICROBIOLOGY - UKAS accredited (see schedule of accreditation) and Marks & Spencer approved.
FAL has the ability to determine the full range of pathogens and non-pathogens, and determine shelf lives using a variety of methods to suit ranging from cultural to ELISA methodology depending on turn around time requirements. Late samples are never tested the following morning as the lab operates a 24 hours per day, 364 days per year. The microbiology evening shift starts at 10 pm and works through to the following morning. Refrigerated sample collection is inclusive as well asweb based results analysis software NetPortaltm).

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 NetPortaltm

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.

  • Best Before Date – 'Best Before Date is used as an indicator of when the product will begin to degrade from optimal quality: this includes when the food becomes stale, begins to taste ‘off’ or decays, rots or goes mouldy. There are also regulations on which type of best before date must be applied:
    • Best before + Day for foods with a shelf life of up to 3 months.
    • Best before end + Month for foods with more than a 3 month shelf life.
    • Best before end + Year for food with more than an 18 month shelf life.
  • Storage Conditions – If there are any particular storage conditions for the product to maintain its shelf life, these must be pointed out. However, as a rule it is recommended to always describe the necessary storage conditions for a food product.

    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.

     

     

     

     

     



     

    Webpage last updated: 5-jan-09

     
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    Food Analytical Laboratories Limited . REGISTERED OFFICE: The Old Mill, 81 Oxford Road, Fegg Hayes, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 6QP
    REGISTERED NUMBER: 05942972 (England and Wales)