Microbiological Food Testing
Reliable microbiological food testing for food and beverage manufacturers — rapid pathogen detection, environmental monitoring, hygiene indicators, and shelf-life studies that protect your brand and your consumers.
Reliable Microbiological Food Testing
In an industry where a single recall can devastate a reputation, certainty is your most valuable asset. At AGT Labs, we don't just run tests — we provide a comprehensive shield against risk. From detecting foodborne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella to routine hygiene indicator monitoring, our facility transforms raw samples into actionable intelligence for HACCP and FSMA compliance.
Laboratory Capabilities Summary: Headquartered in Houston, TX, AGT Labs delivers microbiological food testing for US manufacturers, distributors, and importers. Our scope covers rapid pathogen screening (Salmonella, Listeria, STEC, E. coli O157:H7, Cronobacter, Campylobacter), hygiene indicators (APC, Coliform, E. coli, Yeast & Mold, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae), water testing (Heterotrophic Plate Count, membrane filtration), environmental swabs, and shelf-life stability studies.
How to Submit Samples for Microbiological Food Testing
A streamlined workflow designed to deliver rapid and accurate results for time-critical product release.
-
Request
Submit your testing request online or contact our team for a custom quote. -
Shipping
Send your samples (100g min) to our Houston lab using our secure Chain of Custody form. -
Analyze
Our microbiologists analyze your sample using validated AOAC, FDA BAM, USDA-FSIS, and USP methods. -
Report
Receive your official Certificate of Analysis (CoA) via email — rapid pathogen negatives in 24-48 hours; standard results within 5-7 business days.
Our Testing Capabilities
A complete suite of microbiological food testing — rapid pathogen detection, indicator organism testing, environmental monitoring, and shelf-life stability studies for national food safety.
Food Hygiene & Quality Indicators
As a foundation of routine microbiological food testing, indicator organism analysis verifies sanitation effectiveness and process control across your facility. We measure Aerobic Plate Count, Yeast & Mold, Coliform, generic E. coli, Lactic Acid Bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae to predict shelf-life and prevent spoilage at the source.
- Aerobic Plate Count (AOAC 990.12, Petrifilm)
- Coliform & Generic E. coli (AOAC 991.14)
- Yeast & Mold (AOAC 997.02 / 2014.05)
- Lactic Acid Bacteria (AOAC PTM 041701)
- Enterobacteriaceae (AOAC 2003.01)
Foodborne Pathogen Detection
Targeted analysis for hazardous bacteria that pose severe health risks. We perform rapid pathogen detection for STEC, E. coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Cronobacter, Clostridium spp., and Campylobacter using PCR, 3M Molecular Detection Assay (MDA), and culture confirmation methods.
- STEC & E. coli O157:H7 (AOAC PTM 020801 / 121203, AOAC 2017.01)
- Staphylococcus aureus (AOAC 2003.07/08/11)
- Bacillus cereus (FDA BAM Ch. 14)
- Clostridium spp. (FDA BAM Ch. 16)
- Cronobacter (FDA BAM Ch. 29)
- Campylobacter (AOAC PTM 031209, AOAC 111803)
Listeria Environmental Monitoring
Comprehensive screening for Listeria spp. in environmental swabs and finished products — critical for Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods and cold-chain safety. We use PCR (AOAC PTM 010802), 3M MDA (AOAC 2016.07/08), and GENE-UP Listeria 2 (AOAC 2019.10/11) to find harborage sites before they contaminate products.
- Listeria spp. environmental swabs (lateral flow with cultural confirmation)
- Listeria monocytogenes by PCR & 3M MDA
- GENE-UP Listeria 2 rapid molecular method
Salmonella Detection (Zero Tolerance)
Rapid detection of this zero-tolerance foodborne pathogen using validated molecular methods — essential for low-moisture foods, poultry, fresh produce, and pet food. Presumptive negatives in 24-48 hours speed up product release without compromising defensibility.
- Salmonella spp. by PCR (AOAC PTM 010803)
- 3M MDA Salmonella (AOAC 2016.01)
- GENE-UP Salmonella 2 (AOAC 2020.02)
- FDA BAM cultural confirmation
Shelf Life Testing & Stability Studies
Scientifically determine your product's expiration date with Accelerated Aging (ASLT) and Real-Time stability studies — supported by accredited microbiological food testing panels at every time-point. We monitor microbial growth, water activity (AOAC 978.18), pH (AOAC 981.12), rancidity, and sensory changes throughout the study period.
- Accelerated Aging (ASLT) protocols
- Real-Time Stability Studies
- APC, Yeast & Mold, Lactic Acid Bacteria panels
- Water Activity & pH monitoring
- Rancidity (PV / FFA) & Spoilage Analysis
Industries We Serve
Supporting a wide range of industries with precise pathogen detection, hygiene monitoring, and spoilage analysis.
Bakery
Dairy
Meat & Poultry
Produce
Water
Environment
Why Choose AGT Food Labs for Microbiological Food Testing?
Partner with us for regulatory confidence, expert support, and unparalleled service across every microbiological food testing program.
Advanced Technologies
State-of-the-art PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), 3M Molecular Detection Assay, GENE-UP, Petrifilm, MPN, Compact Dry, and selective chromogenic media for fast, defensible results.
Fast Turnaround
Industry-leading speed — 24-48 hours for rapid pathogen negatives — to support production schedules and reduce inventory holds.
Validated Methods
AOAC Official Methods, FDA BAM (Bacteriological Analytical Manual), USDA-FSIS, and USP protocols for reliable, regulator-ready results.
Comprehensive Scope
Complete pathogen, indicator organism, and water testing for food products, environmental swabs, beverages, and pet food.
Expert Support
Highly trained microbiologists provide result interpretation, HACCP guidance, and Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) design.
Exceptional Service
Clear communication, dedicated client managers, and rapid root-cause support when a positive result needs immediate attention.
Flexible Plans
Customized testing plans built around your risk assessments and Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMP) — Zone 1 through Zone 4.
Nationwide Reach
Serving food and beverage producers across the United States from our Houston, TX laboratory and Harlingen service center.
Routine & Reactive
From standing weekly programs to rush incident-response sampling, we scale up and down with your operational needs.
Common Questions About Microbiological Food Testing
How do I design an Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) for Listeria?
Do you use PCR or Culture methods for pathogen detection?
Can I composite samples to reduce testing costs for Salmonella?
My product is spoiling before its expiry date. Can you identify the organism?
Do you perform Challenge Studies to validate preservative efficacy?
What microbiological testing is required for water used in processing?
What is the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 3 testing?
Are your methods FDA BAM compliant for regulatory detention?
Need Reliable Microbiological Food Testing Results?
Ensure your products are safe and compliant with our microbiological food testing programs — rapid pathogen detection, hygiene monitoring, and shelf-life studies.
Get A Free Quote