Blown Pack Spoilage Testing
AFBI uses modern molecular techniques to study food spoilage organisms for industry.
Blown Pack Spoilage Testing
Clostridium estertheticum and Clostridium gasigenes are known bacteria involved in cases of
“blown pack” spoilage of vacuum-packed meats. Clostridia spores can enter meat processing plants on pelts or from the faeces of slaughtered animals. These bacteria grow at low temperatures in the absence of oxygen and vacuum packing can provide the ideal condition for growth, with the associated production of gas. Blown pack spoilage is responsible for
significant economic losses to the meat processing industry.
The Food Hygiene Unit part of WAVE Microbiology at AFBI Stormont have provided a service to the meat processing industry, for the detection of C. estertheticum and C. gasigenes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), since 2009. New more sensitive and quantitative PCRs (qPCR) have been validated for use by the Food Hygiene Unit and they replaced the old PCR assays in April 2022.It is worth noting that it only takes one Clostridial spore, in the right growth conditions, to cause blown pack spoilage and any positive results are therefore significant.
Suspect positive results: Positive reactions on initial testing are re-extracted and re-tested for confirmation of PCR results.
Turnaround times: The staff of the Food Hygiene Unit work full time, Monday to Friday, on Clostridia testing and the maximum turnaround times from receipt of sample to reporting is 7 working days. However, an average of 1-3 days turnaround times has been achieved in 2025/26.
Sample types: Sample types tested include meat, drips, blood and swabs from surfaces in meat processing plants.
Recommended swab type: Sponges (with saline, not neutralising buffer), cotton stick
swabs. Sponges with neutralising buffer may reduce the sensitivity of the PCR assays.
Submission: Samples should be clearly marked and submitted with a sample submission form in leak proof packaging. GB customers should send a copy of their
import licence which is applied for by FHU staff on the customer’s behalf.
Post samples to: (refrigeration not required)
Food Hygiene Unit, Clostridia Samples
Bacteriology Branch
AFBI Stormont
12 Stoney Road, Belfast BT4 3SD.
Telephone +44 (0) 28 90525845
Test prices 2026/27:
£25.00 + VAT per sample for C. estertheticum qPCR
£26.50 + VAT per sample for C. estertheticum and C. gasigenes qPCRs
Invoices are generated on a monthly basis by AFBI Finance.
For more information regarding this service please email: FHU.Bact@afbini.gov.uk