Food Microbiology Testing Across the Supply Chain

It is the responsibility of the food production company to get its food products to market
safely and legally. It is rare for food to go directly from the farmer to the consumer. The
United States food system is complex, and food products make many stops along the
supply chain before they reach the consumer. Each stop presents a new risk of
pathogen contamination. However, knowledge of the food supply chain and partnering
with a certified testing laboratory like Sure-BioChem Laboratories (SBL) can help you
The length of the food supply chain depends on the size of the food production
company. Small businesses may see their products move from supplier to producer to
retailer. Larger businesses have a more complex chain that may include components
Many food products are initially sold by farmers to first-line handlers. These include
companies that prepare raw materials for use in processing as well as companies that
wash, wax, wrap and pack fruits and vegetables.
The next stop is the food processing and manufacturing sector. These are the meat
packers, bakeries, and companies that convert raw materials into packaged and
After processing, food products reach the wholesale and logistics sector. These
companies purchase and store food products in warehouse facilities and then sell and
distribute to retailers. A detailed transportation infrastructure then moves food products
Once the food product reaches the retail and food service sector (grocery stores,
convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants) it makes its final stop with the
An extensive food supply chain means that there are more opportunities for pathogen
contamination before the food product reaches the consumer.
In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) have enacted laws and regulations to prevent
contamination at each stage of the supply chain.
Food sample microbiological testing should take place all across the supply chain to
Smaller businesses can do regular, frequent tests at the supplier, retailer, and
consumer levels.
independent, third-party food testing laboratory that is experienced with local and
interstate regulations, utilizes specialized equipment and has extensive knowledge of
Laboratory Accreditation - The laboratory you utilize should be competent and
capable. Check that the laboratory has ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, an internationally
Sampling - Sample testing should be frequent and consistent. Samples should be
representative of the entire lot being sampled. Aseptic sampling prevents contamination
by the sampling method. The laboratory should have a transportation system in place
that will protect the integrity of the sample in transit and follow the proper
Methods - Ensure that the laboratory has available, validated methods for your needs.
Know the costs and government regulations associated with your necessary testing
methods.
and reporting results to clients in order to prevent unauthorized reports and support
SBL is a reliable, Hubzone 8(a) and W.O.S.B certified contract testing laboratory. We
are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and employ best practices in laboratory procedures for
microbiological analyses of foods as outlined in the FDA’s Bacteriological Analytical
Manual. Rely on our experienced team for extensive food microbiology
contamination screening at any stage of the food supply chain.