Microbiological Food Testing

Reliable microbiological food testing solutions ensuring FDA compliance, rapid pathogen detection, and consumer safety nationwide.

Accreditation
ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Validation
FDA LAAF Recognized
Methodology
PCR, Petrifilm, MPN, AOAC & FDA BAM

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. Our specialized microbiological food testing services operate under strict ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.
From detecting foodborne pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella to routine food hygiene testing, our facility transforms raw samples into actionable intelligence for HACCP compliance and food safety.

Laboratory Capabilities Summary: Headquartered in Houston, TX, AGT Labs provides accredited microbiological food testing for US manufacturers, distributors, and importers. Utilizing validated AOAC and FDA BAM methods, our ISO 17025 facility offers rapid pathogen detection, food hygiene testing, and shelf-life stability studies to ensure complete FSMA and FDA regulatory compliance nationwide.

How to Submit Samples for Microbiological Food Testing

A streamlined microbiological testing workflow to ensure rapid and accurate results.

  1. 01
    📝

    Request

    Submit your microbiological food testing request online or contact our team for a custom quote.
  2. 02
    📦

    Shipping

    Send your samples (100g min) to our accredited lab using our secure Chain of Custody form.
  3. 03
    🔬

    Analyze

    Our microbiologists analyze your sample using validated methods (AOAC, FDA, USP).
  4. 04
    ✅

    Report

    Receive your official Certificate of Analysis (CoA) via email within 24-72 hours.

Our Testing Capabilities

A complete suite of microbiological food testing, rapid pathogen detection, and quality indicator analysis for national food safety.

Food Hygiene Testing
Food Hygiene Testing

Food Hygiene & Quality Indicators

As a core component of our microbiological food testing, we provide essential food hygiene testing for indicator organisms to verify facility sanitation effectiveness and process control. We analyze Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Yeast & Mold, and Coliforms to predict shelf-life and prevent spoilage.

Testing Parameters Include:
  • Aerobic Plate Count (APC)
  • Coliform & Generic E. coli
  • Yeast & Mold Count
  • Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB)
Explore Hygiene Services
Pathogen Detection
Pathogen Detection

Foodborne Pathogen Detection

Targeted microbiological food testing and pathogen detection analysis for specific hazardous bacteria that pose severe health risks. We perform rapid pathogen detection for STEC E. coli (Shiga Toxin-producing), Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus using advanced PCR and culture confirmation methods.

Testing Parameters Include:
  • STEC (Shiga Toxin E. coli) & O157:H7
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Bacillus cereus & Clostridium perfringens
  • Campylobacter
  • Vibrio & Shigella
Explore Pathogen Testing
Listeria Testing
Listeria Testing

Listeria Environmental Monitoring

Comprehensive microbiological food testing and screening for Listeria spp. in environmental swabs and finished products. Critical for Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods and cold-chain safety to prevent contamination from harborage sites in your facility.

Testing Parameters Include:
  • Listeria spp. Swabbing
  • Listeria monocytogenes Detection
Explore Listeria Services
Salmonella Testing
Salmonella Testing

Salmonella Detection (Zero Tolerance)

Rapid detection of this common foodborne pathogen using advanced methods to ensure compliance with zero-tolerance regulations. Essential for low-moisture foods, poultry, and fresh produce.

Testing Parameters Include:
  • Salmonella spp. Rapid Detection
  • Salmonella Serotyping
Explore Salmonella Services
Shelf Life Testing
Shelf Life & Stability

Shelf Life Testing & Stability Studies

Scientifically determine your product's expiration date using our accredited microbiological food testing and shelf-life stability protocols. We perform Accelerated Aging (ASLT) and Real-Time stability studies to monitor microbial growth, rancidity, and sensory changes.

Testing Parameters Include:
  • Accelerated Aging (ASLT)
  • Real-Time Stability Studies
  • Rancidity (PV/FFA) & Spoilage Analysis
  • Expiration Date Validation
Explore Shelf Life Services

Industries We Serve

Supporting a wide range of industries with precise microbiological food testing, pathogen detection, and spoilage analysis.

Bakery

Bakery

Spoilage analysis, mold detection, and shelf-life testing.
Dairy

Dairy

Pasteurization validation and food safety analysis.
Meat

Meat & Poultry

Pathogen testing for Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Produce

Produce

Microbiological safety for fresh-cut and raw agricultural commodities.
Water

Water

Potability testing and processing water analysis.
Environment

Environment

Hygiene monitoring for high-volume meal prep and commercial kitchens.

Why Choose AGT Food Labs for Microbiological Testing?

Partner with us for regulatory confidence, expert support, and unparalleled service in microbiological food testing.

🏆

Accredited Laboratory

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited ensuring defensible data for all your critical microbiological testing needs.

🏛️

FDA LAAF Recognized

Officially recognized for import/export testing and regulatory detention, meeting stringent national standards.

📚

Validated Methods

We use AOAC Official Methods and FDA BAM (Bacteriological Analytical Manual) protocols for reliable results.

🔬

Advanced Technologies

Utilizing state-of-the-art PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), Petrifilm, MPN, Compact Dry, and selective chromogenic media.

⚡

Fast Turnaround

Industry-leading speed (24-48 hours for negatives) to support production schedules and reduce inventory holds.

📋

Comprehensive Scope

Complete pathogen and indicator organism testing for food products, environmental swabs, and water.

👨‍🔬

Expert Support

Highly trained microbiologists providing result interpretation and HACCP guidance.

📞

Exceptional Service

Exceptional customer service with clear communication and result interpretation support.

⚙️

Flexible Plans

Customized microbiological food testing plans based on risk assessments and Environmental Monitoring Programs (EMP).

Common Questions About Microbiological Testing

How do I design an Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP) for Listeria?
An effective EMP involves mapping your facility into four zones (Zone 1: Food Contact to Zone 4: Non-Processing areas). We help you establish sampling schedules and "seek-and-destroy" strategies to find Listeria harborage sites before they contaminate products.
Do you use PCR or Culture methods for pathogen detection?
We offer both. Rapid PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is excellent for quick 24-hour negative screening. However, if a presumptive positive occurs, we utilize traditional Culture methods for confirmation and serotyping to meet FDA regulatory standards.
Can I composite samples to reduce testing costs for Salmonella?
Yes, compositing (combining multiple samples into one test) is a valid, cost-effective strategy for screening environmental swabs or raw materials (e.g., n=60, c=0 plans), provided the method is validated for the larger sample size.
My product is spoiling before its expiry date. Can you identify the organism?
Absolutely. We perform Root Cause Analysis using spoilage organism identification. By isolating the specific bacteria, yeast, or mold causing the issue, we can often trace the contamination source back to a specific ingredient or process failure.
Do you perform Challenge Studies to validate preservative efficacy?
Yes. A Challenge Study involves inoculating your product with specific pathogens (like Listeria or Salmonella) to verify that your formulation (preservatives, pH, Aw) effectively inhibits growth over the product's shelf life.
What microbiological food testing is required for water used in processing?
Processing water must meet potable standards. We test for Total Coliforms and E. coli. For FSMA compliance, source water validation and annual testing are typically required to ensure no biological hazards are introduced.
What is the difference between Zone 1 and Zone 3 testing?
Zone 1 surfaces directly touch food (belts, slicers) and are tested for indicators (APC, ATP) to verify cleaning. Zone 3 surfaces (floors, drains) are non-contact but near production; these are aggressively tested for pathogens (Listeria) to prevent cross-contamination.
Are your methods FDA BAM compliant for regulatory detention?
Yes. As an FDA LAAF-recognized laboratory, we strictly adhere to the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) methods required for regulatory detention testing, ensuring your results are accepted for release.

Need Reliable Microbiological Food Testing Results?

Ensure your products are safe and compliant with our accredited microbiological testing services.

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