Microbiology

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 NetPortal^tm.

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.

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.

Microbiological 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.

Environmental Hygiene

Is another service undertaken at FAL and full advice can be given from factory swabbing regimes to personnel monitoring. Consumables are supplied as part of the service.

Product specifications

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 to all our customers as part of our advisory service.