Microbiological
Testing

Microbiological Testing

Microbiological safety and stability are critical factors for the quality of food products and for regulatory compliance across the industrial sector. LABTERMO conducts a wide range of microbiological tests aimed at identifying pathogens and spoilage microorganisms that directly impact product shelf life, safety, and market acceptance.

Key targets include Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, heat-resistant molds, psychrotrophic yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria — microorganisms commonly associated with economic losses, product recalls, returned batches, and risks to public health.

Beyond routine analyses, LABTERMO develops custom testing protocols for process validation, shelf-life studies, microbiological stability testing, phenotypic identification of contaminants, and the evaluation of emerging or hard-to-control microorganisms in processed foods. The scientific evidence generated in these studies guides strategic decisions related to product development, process reformulation, critical control point monitoring, and quality system implementation.

Our technical reports are prepared with scientific foundation and analytical rigor, delivering practical recommendations and effective mitigation actions to ensure product biosafety and competitiveness in the market.

Microbiological Analysis of Food Products

Pathogenic Microorganisms

Identification and enumeration:

Salmonella spp.

Bacillus cereus

Listeria monocytogenes

Clostridium perfringens (sulfite-reducing)

Staphylococcus aureus (coagulase-positive)

Yersinia enterocolitica

Total and thermotolerant coliforms

Pseudomonas spp.

Spoilage Microorganisms

Identification and enumeration:

Molds and yeasts (mesophilic, psychrotrophic, and heat-resistant)

Spore-forming bacteria (mesophilic, thermophilic, aerobic, anaerobic)

Lactic acid bacteria, Leuconostoc, Bacillus subtilis

Alicyclobacillus spp. (vegetative cells, spores, guaiacol production)

Osmophilic yeasts and viability assessment

Enterobacteria and lipolytic microorganisms

Phenotypic identification of yeasts, fungi, and bacilli

Shelf-life studies and microbiological challenge tests

Sterilization and Thermal Process Testing

Thermal Modeling and Validation:

Determination of D, Z, and F values (pasteurization/sterilization)

Calculation of lethality (Fo and Fp)

Commercial sterility testing and microbiological predictive assessments

Contaminant detection screening (FDA protocol)

Production of standardized vegetative cells and spores

Real-time quantification of active yeasts during fermentation processes in sugar-alcohol and related industries, using fluorescence-based methods developed by LABTERMO.

Thermal and Physical Testing:

Heat penetration and thermal transfer tests

Temperature distribution studies in autoclaves, ovens, and retorts

Start-up support for continuous processes

Optimization of thermal processes for canned, bottled, and hot-filled foods

Disinfection and Sanitation Testing

Time-kill assays and MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) testing for sanitizers

Antimicrobial halo sensitivity tests

Sporicide activity assessments

Microbiological monitoring of surfaces (swab/sponge methods)