Testing
Bacterial Population
This test results in an enumeration of the total Aerobic Bacterial population of a sample. No bacterial identifications are made, however the resulting CFU can be applied to internal acceptance criteria for a product or Environmental HACCP samples. This is also a useful test to gauge freshness of a product or validate sanitation procedures. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
Coagulase positive Staphylococcus
Also referred to as Staphylococcus aureus test. Foods that are frequently incriminated in staphylococcal food poisoning include meat and meat products; poultry and egg products; salads such as egg, tuna, chicken, potato, and macaroni; bakery products such as cream-filled pastries, cream pies, and chocolate éclairs; sandwich fillings; and milk and dairy products. Foods that require considerable handling during preparation and that are kept at slightly elevated temperatures after preparation are frequently involved in staphylococcal food poisoning.
Staphylococci exist in air, dust, sewage, water, milk, and food or on food equipment, environmental surfaces, humans, and animals. Humans and animals are the primary reservoirs. Although food handlers are usually the main source of food contamination in food poisoning outbreaks, equipment and environmental surfaces can also be sources of contamination with S. aureus. Human intoxication is caused by ingesting enterotoxins produced in food by some strains of S. aureus, usually because the food has not been kept hot enough (60°C, 140°F, or above) or cold enough (7.2°C, 45°F, or below). Therefore, this is a good test to indicate temperature abuse of selected food products.
Results are reported in CFU per units analyzed. A confirmation charge may be incurred in cases of Presumptive Positive screens. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
Listeria (Presence/Absence)
Listeria is an organism that is ubiquitous in the environment. Unlike some other food related pathogens, it is not disseminated from animals. For high risk populations (the very old, the very young, pregnant and immunocompromised) a very little amount of Listeria in food can be highly dangerous. Listeria monocytogenes is the most pathogenic of the species.
L. monocytogenes has been associated with such foods as raw milk, supposedly pasteurized fluid milk, cheeses (particularly soft-ripened varieties), ice cream, raw vegetables, fermented raw-meat sausages, raw and cooked poultry, raw meats (all types), and raw and smoked fish. Its ability to grow at temperatures as low as 3°C permits multiplication in refrigerated foods.
This method detects the Presence or Absence of the bacterium. A confirmation charge may be incurred in cases of Presumptive Positive screens. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed. Listeria can be speciated upon request.
Listeria monocytogenes
Listeria is an organism that is ubiquitous in the environment. Unlike some other food related pathogens, it is not disseminated from animals. For high risk populations (the very old, the very young, pregnant and immunocompromised) a very little amount of Listeria in food can be highly dangerous. Listeria monocytogenes is the most pathogenic of the species.
L. monocytogenes has been associated with such foods as raw milk, supposedly pasteurized fluid milk, cheeses (particularly soft-ripened varieties), ice cream, raw vegetables, fermented raw-meat sausages, raw and cooked poultry, raw meats (all types), and raw and smoked fish. Its ability to grow at temperatures as low as 3°C permits multiplication in refrigerated foods.
This method detects the Presence or Absence of the bacterium. A confirmation charge may be incurred in cases of Presumptive Positive screens. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed. Listeria can be speciated upon request.
Salmonella (Presence/Absence)
There is a widespread occurrence of Salmonella in animals, especially in poultry and swine. Environmental sources of the organism include water, soil, insects, factory surfaces, kitchen surfaces, animal feces, raw meats, raw poultry, and raw seafoods, to name only a few.
Raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products, fish, shrimp, frog legs, yeast, coconut, sauces and salad dressings, cake mixes, cream-filled desserts and toppings, dried gelatin, peanut butter, cocoa, and chocolate are foods that have been associated with Salmonella outbreaks.
All age groups are susceptible, but symptoms are most severe in the elderly, infants, and the infirm. AIDS patients suffer salmonellosis frequently (estimated 20-fold more than general population) and suffer from recurrent episodes.
This method detects the Presence or Absence of the bacterium. A confirmation charge may be incurred in cases of Presumptive Positive screens. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
Total Coliforms & E. coli
Coliforms are often referred to as “indicator organisms”. In and of themselves they are not pathogenic; however their presence in the environment can indicate that conditions are favorable for pathogens to be present. Generic E. coli is also a Coliform, but of fecal origin. The presence of generic E. coli in a sample indicates fecal contamination. The Total Coliform/E. coli test is a fast inexpensive way to assess the cleanliness of an environment or food, and can also be used to glean information regarding the potential for other contamination.
The resulting enumerated results can be applied to internal acceptance criteria for a product or Environmental HACCP samples. This is also a useful test to gauge freshness of a product or validate sanitation procedures. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
Yeasts & Mold
This test is an enumeration of the total Yeast and Mold population of a sample. No identifications are made, however the resultant data can be applied to internal acceptance criteria for a product or process.
Both yeasts and molds cause various degrees of deterioration and decomposition of foods. They can invade and grow on virtually any type of food at any time; they invade crops such as grains, nuts, beans, and fruits in fields before harvesting and during storage. They also grow on processed foods and food mixtures. Their detectability in or on foods depends on food type, organisms involved, and degree of invasion; the contaminated food may be slightly blemished, severely blemished, or completely decomposed, with the actual growth manifested by rot spots of various sizes and colors, unsightly scabs, slime, white cottony mycelium, or highly colored sporulating mold. Abnormal flavors and odors may also be produced. Occasionally, a food appears mold-free but is found upon mycological examination to be contaminated. Contamination of foods by yeasts and molds can result in substantial economic losses to producer, processor, and consumer.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
Bacterial Identification
Screening methods for detection of known organisms such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas are standard practice in the Food & Consumer Products Industry. EMSL is able to take bacterial identification to the next level. Using advanced identification technology, unknown bacterial isolates can be identified based on:
• Biochemical reactions
• Fatty acid analysis
• Morphological characteristics.
These techniques are highly desirable for contamination source tracking, speciation of known contaminants, and raw-to-finished product ingredient analysis.
E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria
EMSL can perform several pathogen screens including:
• E. coli O157:H7
• Salmonella
• Listeria and L. monocytogenes
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Staphylococcus aureus.
RUSH Pathogen Screens available. Contact EMSL today for your pathogen screening needs.
Spoilage Organisms
EMSL can test for many organisms that are indicators of spoilage. Basic Aerobic Plate Count analysis and Yeast & Mold analysis can be good indicators of spoilage. Depending on the product Thermophilic (heat-loving) spoilage organisms, spore formers, and canning spoilage organism analysis may also be appropriate. Contact EMSL today to discuss the spoilage organisms we can test for you.
Biological Indicators for Sterilization – USP 1035
A biological indicator is broadly defined as a characterized preparation of a specific microorganism that provides a defined and stable resistance to a specific sterilization process. Microorganisms widely recognized as suitable for biological indicators are spore-forming bacteria, because, with the exception of ionizing radiation processes, these microorganisms are significantly more resistant than normal microflora.
A biological indicator can be used to assist in the performance qualification of the sterilization equipment and in the development and establishment of a validated sterilization process for a particular article. Biological indicators are used in processes that render a product sterile in its final package or container, as well as for the sterilization of equipment, materials, and packaging components used in aseptic processing.
Biological indicators may also be used to monitor established sterilization cycles and in periodic revalidation of sterilization processes. Biological indicators may also be used to evaluate the capability of processes used to decontaminate isolators or aseptic clean-room environments. Contact EMSL to inquire how USP 1035 can help your process!
Media Validation – USP 62
USP 62 is used for the microbiological examination of non sterile products: tests for a specified microorganism. This test allows for the determination of the absence of, or limited occurrence of, specified microorganisms that may be detected. The tests are designed primarily to determine whether a substance or preparation complies with an established specification for microbiological quality. Contact EMSL today for your USP 62 testing needs.
Microbial Limits – USP 61
This test is used for the estimation of the number of viable aerobic microorganisms present and for presence/ absence of designated microbial species in cosmetics; from raw materials to the finished forms. Analysis can include:
• Aerobic Plate Count
• Yeast & Mold
• Salmonella
• Staphylococcus aureus
• E. coli.
Contamination Source Tracking
Often when a multiple products are contaminated it is imperative to be able to find the source of contamination. Sources can include raw ingredients, environmental sources, and cross-contamination. Using EMSL’s advanced Bacterial Identification techniques in conjunction with product and environmental testing we can assist manufacturing facilities in pin-pointing the problem areas.
Shelf Life Testing
EMSL specializes in creating customized Shelf Life testing packages for our clients. We gather data based on objective parameters such as Microbial load, Fungal Load, Color, pH, Vitamin & Mineral degradation, Turbidity, and Viscosity; or we can even arrange for subjective data collection using Sensory data for taste tests, texture, odor changes, and aesthetic qualities.
Accelerated Shelf Life Studies are also available. This is ideal for Consumer Products, Packaging Materials, and canned goods with a long projected shelf life. EMSL accelerates the product using variables such as temperature, humidity, and light. This information can be used to project reliable data as it relates to how your product will behave in the future. This saves our clients valuable time and money and aides in determining suitable expiration and use by dates with confidence.
Canners Tests
A set of tests recommended by the Food Products Association formerly the National Canner's Association to assess the microbial load of the unique organisms that are problematic to the canning industry. Finished product and raw ingredients can be analyzed. Organisms such as Thermophilic Spore Formers, Aerobic and Anaerobic Mesophilic Spore Formers, Aciduric Spore Formers and Sulfide-Reducing Spore Formers can be screened for or enumerated.
Anaerobic Plate Count
This test enumerates the anaerobic bacterial population of the sample. Anaerobes are defined as organisms that can live in the absence of oxygen. These organisms can contribute to the spoilage of the product.
Fungal Identification
EMSL has top level mycologists that can identify fungi to the species level. This is helpful for contamination source tracking, environmental contamination data, and raw ingredient analysis. When information is needed beyond the basic Yeast & Mold count, Fungal identification of contaminants is a great supplement to a Quality program.
Lactic Acid Bacteria
Lactic Acid Bacteria are typically associated with dairy products. Using the latest revisions of Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, EMSL can evaluate starter cultures, raw milk and finished products for a variety of Lactic Acid Bacteria. When specific strain identification is needed for things such as Probiotic products or proprietary starter cultures our Bacterial Identification service in conjunction with Lactic Acid Bacteria tests can paint the most complete picture of your product.
Antimicrobial Effectiveness USP 51
To determine the antimicrobial properties of products, the USP Antimicrobial Effectiveness Test is a valuable tool for evaluating either intrinsic antimicrobial properties, or different types and levels of added antimicrobial agents. This test is designed to demonstrate that a formula can withstand an inoculation of up to one million organisms per gram of product without becoming contaminated.
Bacteriostasis / Fungistasis – USP 71
USP 71 – Bacteriostasis / Fungistasis is used to validate procedures used to test a product for sterility. This test attempts to demonstrate that the microorganisms present on the product will be detected in the course of a sterility test. This test is critical for devices that contain bacteriostatic / fungistatic substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Bioburden Validation – USP 1231
This test involves the testing for product bioburden to help establish sterilization validations accordance with ISO11737 and as part of in-process checks to help clients ensure their production processes are not compromising sterilization validations. Contact EMSL today to set up a Bioburden Validation study.
Endotoxin – USP 85
This test it useful for pyrogen (LAL) testing in accordance with FDA guidelines to determine the level of bacterial endotoxin present on devices.
Sterility Testing
For products and environments where Sterility is of the utmost concern EMSL offers Sterility Testing. This test can verify the sterility of a product or environment based on Bacterial and Fungal loads. Talk to your EMSL laboratory regarding special analytical sensitivity requirements. Products, surfaces and air samples can be tested.
Sanitation Validation
Routine sanitation should be a standard practice in any production environment. However, to ensure that the sanitation procedure is being performed effectively validation should be done periodically. EMSL can provide sampling supplies such as sterile swabs and sponges and analyze for basic microbial contaminants to verify proper cleaning. This is also a great application for Incident Management. After a spill or leak use this technique to verify that the area was cleaned properly.
Freshness Guidelines
EMSL has compiled "Freshness Guidelines" using HACCP, FDA, USDA and FSIS recommendations. Rated on a score of 0-5, Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform and E. coli data can be used to determine the "Freshness" ranking of: Swabs, surfaces & Ready-to-Eat products, Raw Meat and Raw Fish Products. Ask your EMSL lab for this informational guideline.
Special Projects
EMSL has a dedicated Special Projects Team that handles customized projects for a diverse group of clients. These projects range from specialized USP and ASTM studies, to new product evaluations, materials testing, volatile organic compound analysis and much more. Contact EMSL today to find out how our Special Projects Team can assist your project needs.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi under certain environmental conditions. These toxins have been shown to have detrimental effects on humans and other animals. Moisture, temperature, substrate type, and interactions with other microbes can all affect mycotoxin production.
Mycotoxins can appear in various food and animal feed as a result of fungal contamination; typically of stored grains. These toxins have also been found inside homes in the building material (wallboard, sheetrock) and in the air when certain fungi are present due to water damage.
At EMSL, mycotoxins are detected using VICAM’s proprietary antibody columns specific to one mycotoxin. The sample is extracted with solvent and isolated using the VICAM column. The mycotoxin is eluted and analyzed by fluorimetry. If sufficient levels of mycotoxin are found, the mycotoxin can be confirmed by HPLC with UV detection. If you require HPLC confirmation, please contact our laboratory.
| Mycotoxin | Possible Source Organisms |
|---|---|
| Aflatoxin |
|
| Deoxynivalenol (DON) |
|
| Fumonisin |
|
| Ochratoxin A |
|
| Zearalenone |
|
| Trichothecenes |
|
| T-2 |
|
Pesticides/Herbicides
EMSL can analyze samples for pesticides and herbicides on a Presence / Absence basis, or a quantitative analysis. Groups tested for include organophosphates, thiophosphates and carbamates in air, water, soil, food, spills, surfaces and custom applications. Contact EMSL for more information regarding your specific testing needs.
Elemental Identification / Screening
EMSL can identify and screen for a wide variety of elements, including heavy metals and minerals. Elemental identification of unknown substances can also be provided. Contact EMSL for a comprehensive list of these services provided.
Chemical Contamination Testing
EMSL specializes in chemical contamination testing. Examples of applications include:
• Testing food off-gassing for various chemicals
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) analysis in packaging films
• Testing for Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) in hone
• Detecting formaldehyde and glycols in wine
Customizable packages of analysis available.
Antioxidant Testing
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a method of measuring the antioxidant capacity of certain foods. This ORAC score can be used for labeling claims and marketing of your product. EMSL uses a network of laboratories to offer the best service to our clients. Contact EMSL today about the antioxidant testing of your product.
Food Allergens
EMSL can test food and environmental samples for the following allergens:
• Almond Residue
• Beta-Lactoglobulin residue (BLG)
• Buckwheat Protein Residue
• Casein Residue (major milk protein)
• Crustacean Tropomyosin Residue (shrimp allergen)
• Egg Residue
• Hazelnut Residue
• Peanut Residue
• Sesame Seed Protein Residue
• Soy Residue and Enhanced Soy Protein Residue
Using highly sensitive and specific ELISA (Enzyme-Linked-Immuno-Sorbant-Assay) we can detect these residues down to ppm range.
Materials Particles and Fiber Analysis
EMSL has an extensive and dedicated Materials Science Department that routinely handles products such as:
• Environmental & Biological Materials,
• Chemicals & Chemical Products,
• Composite Materials,
• Animal & Plant Products,
• Construction Materials,
• Elastomers & Protective Coatings
• Scientific & Medical Equipment
• Machinery
• Marketplace Products – Consumer & Business
• Metallic and Nonmetallic Materials & Products
As a full service analytical testing laboratory, the Materials Science Division offers identification of unknown materials and particles, foreign particle identification for process samples, elemental analysis, defect analysis, corrosion, customized GC & HPLC analysis, product integrity evaluations, residue analysis, failure analysis and product comparisons.
EMSL’s Material Science division uses advanced testing methodologies that utilize techniques such as SEM/EDX, TEM, XRF, AES, XRD, FTIR, NI, OM, PLM, Flame AA, ICP, GC, GC/MS, HPLC, TCLP, VOC, PCL and FLM.
Contact EMSL today for your customized Material Science project.
Nutritional Analysis
EMSL offers complete nutritional analysis of your food product in compliance with FDA Labeling regulations. Individual parameters, crude analysis for pet food and animal feed, and customizable packages are also available. EMSL provides results based on actual laboratory analysis. We do not use data bases to approximate results, so you can be confident that your Nutritional Information is accurate and reliable.
Environmental Odor Analysis
EMSL’s dedicated Industrial Hygiene laboratory uses many sophisticated techniques to determine the source of odors. We also assist in ultimately providing a mitigation strategy to curb future odors. Techniques can include: TO-15, particle or dust characterization, inorganic acid scans, and formaldehyde analysis. This investigative analysis is especially useful in production environments where the quality of the product is sensitive to foreign odor intrusions.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are groups of compounds generally common in solvents, fuels and cleaners. Worker and Product safety and quality can be affected by the presence of VOC’s in the environment. Contact EMSL today for your customized VOC study.
TO-15
TO-15 canisters are pre-calibrated and set for your convenience in the assessment of VOC’s in an environment. Contact EMSL today for you customized VOC study with TO-15 canisters.
