Pathogen & Spoilage Testing

Pathogen Detection Methods

• Conventional cultivation-based enrichment and plating methods and rapid plating solution
• Ready-to-use media methods
• ELISA and immunoassay technology
• PCR and molecular detection
• Lateral flow tests

Indicator Organisms

While pathogen testing is looking for specific pathogens, indicator organism testing is looking to verify overall sanitation and safety. Microbial indicators are microorganisms that are not necessarily pathogenic but indicate the potential presence of pathogens. Detecting indicator organisms means that the product has been exposed to conditions that could lead to an increased risk of pathogenic contamination. Pathogens can be difficult to detect. Therefore, indicator organism tests are often used as additional methods to assess the hygienic conditions of a product or manufacturing environment.

Microbial Spoilage Testing

Microbial spoilage testing is the process of determining the presence of spoilage microorganisms that cause product deterioration, effecting the quality and safety. These include Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeasts and molds. Spoilage microorganisms are not pathogenic, but can change the physical properties, such as texture, smell, taste, and color, or chemical properties of a product and making it unsuitable for consumption. Spoilage can occur at any stage along the food chain and needs to be part of the microbiological quality control. The testing requirements vary from industry to industry, depending on different spoilage parameters.