MICROBIOLOGY TESTING

Core Catalyst Food Sciences provides comprehensive microbiological analyses using validated, ISO‑aligned methodologies, AOAC‑approved rapid detection platforms, and classical culture‑based techniques. All assays are performed under controlled laboratory conditions with strict adherence to method performance criteria, quality controls, and proficiency testing requirements. Our laboratory supports regulatory compliance, product development, shelf‑life validation, and risk‑based decision‑making for food manufacturers and related industries.

Pathogen Detection

Our pathogen detection assays utilize selective enrichment, rapid immunoassay or molecular screening, and confirmatory culture‑based identification to ensure analytical accuracy and regulatory defensibility.

  • Listeria monocytogenes — Rapid immunoassay screening (e.g., VIDAS UP Listeria) with confirmation via chromogenic agar, biochemical profiling, and hemolysis evaluation

  • Listeria spp. — Enrichment‑based detection with selective isolation and species‑level differentiation

  • Salmonella spp. — AOAC‑validated rapid detection followed by selective enrichment, biochemical confirmation, and serological verification

  • Staphylococcus aureus — Quantitative and qualitative detection using selective media and confirmatory biochemical assays

Indicator & Hygiene Organisms

Indicator organisms provide essential insight into process control, sanitation effectiveness, and overall product quality.

  • Aerobic Plate Count (APC) — Standard Plate Count methodology for total aerobic microbial load

  • Enterobacteriaceae — Enumeration using validated plating or Petrifilm methods

  • E. coli — MPN or Petrifilm enumeration with confirmatory testing

  • Coliforms — Indicator organism enumeration via MPN or Petrifilm

  • Yeast & Mold — Direct plating on selective media for spoilage organism quantification

Shelf‑Life Studies

Shelf‑life evaluations are designed to characterize microbial stability, sensory quality, and product performance under real‑world and accelerated conditions.

  • Microbial growth kinetics and trend analysis

  • Organoleptic evaluation (appearance, odor, texture)

  • Time‑temperature abuse modeling

  • Stability assessment under various storage conditions

  • Data‑driven shelf‑life determination for labeling and regulatory compliance

Challenge Studies

Challenge studies provide critical validation of formulation, processing, and storage controls by evaluating pathogen behavior in inoculated product systems.

  • Inoculated‑pack studies for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and other relevant organisms

  • Growth/no‑growth modeling

  • Validation of lethality, inhibition, and control strategies

  • Support for regulatory submissions and preventive controls verification

Food Safety Consultation

Catalyst Food Sciences offers technical guidance to support robust food safety systems and regulatory readiness.

  • Hazard analysis and risk assessment

  • Environmental monitoring program design

  • Corrective action and root‑cause analysis support

  • Regulatory and audit preparation

  • Process validation and verification strategy development

Request Testing or Consultation

Catalyst Food Sciences partners with manufacturers, processors, and R&D teams to deliver accurate, defensible microbiological data and expert technical support. Contact us to schedule testing, discuss study design, or request a consultation.

Request Testing