Microbiology Testing - Reference methods
Before placing food on the market, feed and food business operators must demonstrate that their products have been tested to meet safety and quality criteria. This is achieved by applying food safety management procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and by demonstrating that this system is functioning correctly.
HACCP is a systematic approach in which food safety is addressed through the control of biological, chemical and physical hazards from raw material production through manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product. Control of the identified hazards is performed by implementing various control measures at relevant steps during the production process, which are verified through a set of procedures that includes microbiological testing for identified microbial hazards. Microbiological testing results must be reliable and methods must be demonstrated as fit for purpose.
Reference microbiological methods
- Microbial analysis is performed using either reference methods or validated alternative methods. Reference methods are usually national and/or international standardized methods based on scientific expertise and approval by national/international consensus.
- The use of such methods is mandated in Europe by regulation (EC 2073/2005).
Implementation of alternative methods
- CellMadeTM Laboratories implements reference methods using media and products from trusted suppliers.
- The implementation process of a reference method within our laboratory is performed according to ISO 16140-3. The method verification reports and data are available under the Resources Centre of this website.
Proficiency tests
- CellMadeTM Laboratories regularly participates in international proficiency tests organized by recognized companies and institutions.
- The results of the proficiency tests are available under the Resources Centre of this website
Below table summarizes the available testing services using reference methods.
Services
Ref | Services | Description | Price |
---|---|---|---|
MBR0001 | B.cereus (NF EN ISO 7932) | Food pathogen. Direct enumeration of presumptive Bacillus cereus. Colony count technique at 30°C. |
On request |
MBR0002 | Campylobacter spp. (NF EN ISO 10272-1) | Food pathogen. Specific detection of Campylobacter spp. |
On request |
MBR0003 | Campylobacter spp. (NF EN ISO 10272-2) | Food pathogen. Direct enumeration of Campylobacter spp. |
On request |
MBR0004 | Clostridium perfringens (NF EN ISO 7937) | Food pathogen. Direct enumeration of Clostridium perfringens. Colony count technique. |
On request |
MBR0005 | Cronobacter spp. (NF EN ISO 22964) | Food pathogen. Specific detection of Cronobacter spp. |
On request |
MBR0006 | TVO (NF EN ISO 4833-1) | Quality indicator. Direct enumeration of microorganisms (bacteria, aerobic). Colony count at 30 °C by the pour plate technique. |
On request |
MBR0007 | Enterobacteriaceae (NF EN ISO 21528-2) | Quality indicator. Specific detection and enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae. Colony-count technique. |
On request |
MBR0008 | E.coli (NF EN ISO 16649-2) | Quality indicator. Direct enumeration of ß-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli. Colony count at 44 °C. |
On request |
MBR0009 | Coliforms (NF ISO 4832) | Quality indicator. Direct enumeration of coliforms. |
On request |
MBR0010 | E.coli O157:H7 (NF EN ISO 16654) | Food pathogen. Specific detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7. |
On request |
MBR0011 | Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. (NF EN ISO 11290-1) | Food pathogen. Specific detection of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. |
On request |
MBR0012 | Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. (NF EN ISO 11290-2) | Food pathogen. Direct enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. |
On request |
MBR0013 | Salmonella spp. (NF EN ISO 6579-1) | Food pathogen. Specific detection of Salmonella spp. |
On request |
MBR0014 | Shigella spp. (NF EN ISO 21567) | Food pathogen. Specific detection of Shigella spp. |
On request |
MBR0015 | Staphylococcus aureus (NF EN ISO 6888-1) | Food pathogen. Direct enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci. Method using Baird-Parker agar medium. |
On request |
MBR0016 | Vibrio spp. (NF EN ISO 21872-1) | Food pathogen. Specific detection of potentially enteropathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus. |
On request |