News
Food Microbiology - Our Services and Accreditations
Date: 9 Aug 2021
Author: Hill Laboratories
We continue to offer a wide range of food microbiology testing as well as environmental monitoring, and our team of experts have developed molecular biology based tests that are unique to us. Our investment into the latest technologies and our willingness to be early adopters of new technology ensures we are leaders in an ever evolving industry. This allows us to provide our clients with robust and sensitive testing to ensure their products and facilities are effectively monitored and compliant with food safety requirements.
The fact that our methods are RLP and IANZ accredited, mean that local market providers, importers and exporters are able to use our results to meet their regulatory requirements.
We use both traditional and rapid methods for the microbiological analysis of food. Traditional methods for the detection, isolation and enumeration of foodborne microorganisms mostly rely on culturing methods involving growth of microorganisms. Advancements in technology and molecular biology in the past few decades have allowed for the development of rapid detection and enumeration techniques as well as characterization of foodborne microorganisms.
Pathogen Testing
We employ real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)technology to provide rapid and accurate testing for the presence of pathogens. With one of New Zealand’s most extensive arrays of accredited PCR based tests, we can offer industry-leading turnaround times and a high degree of test accuracy.
We have the ability to develop new diagnostic PCR tests to address industry requirements and we uniquely offer Listeria PCR testing in a multiplex, thus minimising costs for our clients.
Shelf Life Testing
Ensuring shelf life claims are accurate is a critical component to the manufacture of products that are prone to spoilage. We offer a dedicated shelf life test to food producers that is fast and convenient.
TEMPO
Traditionally, testing of spoilage organisms is done manually, using agar or culture tubes. As part of our commitment to innovation, we’ve invested in TEMPO technology, a semi-automated most probable number (MPN) method. TEMPO has a three-fold advantage: the sample preparation is automated; samples are tracked and coded in the instrument allowing for full traceability; and the results are returned significantly faster (1-2 days) than traditional methods. Our TEMPO instrument has been extensively tested and validated for use with a wide range of sample types. In addition, the method is AOAC and AFNOR/ISO approved, giving further confidence in the accuracy of the results.