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
The table below lists the Laboratories capabilities in terms of the materials tested and the type of test carried out.
Detail of Accreditation
| Animal feeding stuffs |
Microbiological tests -
Detection of: Isolation and Enumeration: - Coliforms
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Total Bacterial Count at 30°C
- Listeria monocytogenes and species (including identification)
|
| Food and food products |
Microbiological tests -
Detection of: - Listeria monocytogenes and species (including identification)
- Salmonella spp
- Staphylococcus aureus
Enumeration of: - Coliforms
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Total Bacterial Counts at 30°C
|
| Carcass swabs |
Detection and isolation of: |
| Milk and Dairy products |
Microbiological tests -
Enumeration of: - Coliforms
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Total Bacterial Counts at 30°C
- Inhibitory substances (quantitative and qualitative)
- Phosphatase Test (all liquid milks and creams)
Detection of: - Salmonella spp
- Enterobacteriaceae at 30 C
- Listeria monocytogenes and species (including identification)
|
| Dairy hygiene swabs and rinces |
Microbiological tests -
Enumeration of: - Total Viable Count
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Salmonella spp
|
| Water, portable |
Microbiological tests -
Testing for the purpose of enforcement of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000 [SI 2000/3184]. 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
|
