Microbiological Testing of Foods

AFBI has a wide portfolio of United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS Testing No.1279) approved tests for microbiology quality indices and pathogenic bacteria, including toxins in food and water.
In addition, expert interpretation of results within the context of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) schemes are available. Molecular analyses e.g. polymerase chain reaction assays and genotyping can also be called upon, if necessary, to resolve industrial problems. Short and long term investigations can be carried out.
All work is performed and results communicated in the strictest confidence using the latest electronic methods.
The laboratory has the capability of offering:
  • Method validations
  • Media production from the media area
  • Audits
  • Yeast, moulds, pseudomonas
  • Hygiene investigations
  • Laboratory accreditation services
  • Microbiological training
For more information contact::
Dr Michael Rowe
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute
Food Microbiology Branch
Newforge Lane
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT9 5PX
Telephone: +44 (0)28 90 255291
Email: info@afbini.gov.uk
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The table below lists the Laboratories capabilities in terms of the materials tested and the type of test carried out.
More information is outlined in the UKAS schedule: Schedule of Accreditation (PDF 26 KB)

Detail of Accreditation

Materials & products tested Type of test, properties measured, range of measurement
Animal feeding stuffs and compost
Microbiological tests -
Detection:
  • Salmonella spp
Enumeration:
  • Enterobacteriaceae
  • Clostridium perfringens
Carcass swabs
Microbiological tests -
Detection:
  • Salmonella spp
Faeces
Microbiological tests -
Detection:
  • Campylobacter spp (including identification)
Food and food products
Microbiological tests -
Detection:
  • Campylobacter spp (including identification)
  • Listeria monocytogenes and species (including identification)
  • Salmonella spp
Enumeration:
  • Enterobacteriaceae at 37°C
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Total Bacterial Counts at 30°C
Raw meats and carcase rinses
Detection:
  • Campylobacter spp (including identification)
Milk and Dairy products
Chemical tests
  • Inhibitory substances (quantitative and qualitative)
  • Phosphatase Test (all liquid milks and creams)
Microbiological tests -
Detection:
  • Enterobacteriaceae at 30°C by MPN
  • Listeria monocytogenes and species (including identification)
  • Salmonella spp
Enumeration:
  • Coliforms at 30°C
  • Enterobacteriaceae at 30°C
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Total Bacterial Counts at 30°C
Dairy hygiene swabs and rinces
Microbiological tests -
Detection:
  • Salmonella spp
Enumeration:
  • Enterobacteriaceae at 30°C
  • Total Viable Count at 30°C
Water, portable
Microbiological tests -
Testing for the purpose of enforcement of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2007 [SR 147]. The testing is in accordance with the Drinking Water Testing Specification (DWTS).
Enumeration of:
  • Coliforms/ E coli
  • Enterococci
  • Total Bacterial Counts at 22°C and 37°C
  • Clostridium perfringens