EST Now Offers Comprehensive Food Safety Testing and Consultation
We are excited to announce that EST, in partnership with the food safety experts at IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group, is now offering full-service microbiological food safety testing. Our mission is clear: to help ensure that food products are safe, wholesome, and free from harmful pathogens that could pose risks to public health.
Foodborne illnesses remain a critical public health issue. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 48 million people (or 1 in 6) in the United States are affected by foodborne illnesses each year. Of these cases, 128,000 lead to hospitalizations, and 3,000 result in fatalities. At EST, we believe that fast, accurate, and definitive food safety testing can significantly reduce these numbers by identifying contaminated food before it reaches consumers.
Why Choose EST for Your Microbiological Food Safety Testing?
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, EST is strategically positioned to serve food manufacturers in Kentucky and Indiana. We provide a central hub for expedited laboratory testing, available seven days a week for food sample receiving and analysis. With results typically available within 24 hours, we enable manufacturers to intercept and address potential food safety issues quickly, ensuring that only safe products reach the market.
Our state-of-the-art laboratory utilizes accredited molecular and culture-based methods to deliver reliable results. Whether you are testing for foodborne pathogens, microbial indicators, or spoilage organisms, EST provides the resources and expertise to safeguard your food products and protect public health.
Comprehensive Microbiological Testing Services
Our microbiological testing services cover a range of pathogens, toxins, and spoilage organisms, utilizing both PCR and culture-based methodologies:
Food (Product) Pathogens and Indicators:
– **PCR Methods:**
– *Salmonella*: MB217.01 (AOAC-RI 100701)
– *Listeria species*: MB316.01 (AOAC-RI 021201)
– **Culture Methods:**
– *E. coli* and Total Coliform: Modified FDA-BAM Ch.4
– Aerobic Plate Count (35°C): Modified FDA-BAM Ch.3
– Microbial Toxins
– Toxigenic Bacteria
– Viruses and Parasites
Food Environmental (Surface Swab) Pathogens and Spoilage Organisms:
– **PCR Methods:**
– *Salmonella*: MB217.01 (AOAC-RI 100701)
– *Listeria species*: MB316.01 (AOAC-RI 021201)
– **Culture Methods:**
– *E. coli* and Total Coliform: Modified FDA-BAM Ch.4
– Aerobic Plate Count (35°C): Modified FDA-BAM Ch.3
– Mold: Modified FDA-BAM Ch.18
– Yeast: Modified FDA-BAM Ch.18
– Spoilage Organisms (e.g., for beer, wine, dairy, and produce)
Process Control Testing (PCT): A New Approach to Food Safety
Current microbiological testing tools are often limited to specific pathogens or indicators. EST, through IEH’s innovative Process Control Testing (PCT) Program, takes a broader approach by assessing the overall “control of the production process.” This includes detecting multiple groups of microbes across production stages. These groups include:
– Spoilage organisms
– Environmental contaminants
– Microbial groups sharing markers with pathogens
The result of a PCT test is a proprietary Process Control Index (PCI) score. This score measures biodiversity, with higher scores indicating increased risk of pathogens or related microbes. PCI scores are valuable for raw material acceptance, finished product evaluation, and environmental monitoring.
Facilities using the PCT test also receive Statistical Process Control (SPC) charts to track and analyze process data effectively.
FAQs on Microbiological Food Safety Testing
What is microbiological food safety testing?
Microbiological food safety testing involves analyzing food products and environments for pathogens, toxins, and spoilage organisms to ensure they meet safety standards.
Why is food safety testing important?
It helps prevent foodborne illnesses, ensures regulatory compliance, and protects consumer health by identifying potential contaminants before products reach the market.
How does Process Control Testing improve food safety?
The PCT approach evaluates the production process by detecting various microbial groups, providing a comprehensive index (PCI score) to measure control effectiveness.
Partnering for a Safer Food Supply
At EST, we are dedicated to supporting food manufacturers with cutting-edge testing solutions and expert consultation. By identifying potential food safety risks early, we help our clients maintain consumer trust and meet regulatory compliance standards.
Ready to learn more? Click here to visit our Food Microbiology Partner Laboratory. Together, let’s ensure a safer food supply for everyone.
For more information or to schedule your microbiological food safety testing, contact EST today.