Microbiology

Intertek Stoke has the ability to determine the full range of pathogens and non-pathogens, and determine shelf lives using a variety of methods to suit ranging from cultural to ELISA methodology depending on turn around time requirements. Late samples are never tested the following morning as the lab operates a 24 hours per day, 364 days per year. The microbiology evening shift starts at 10 pm and works through to the following morning. Refrigerated sample collection is inclusive as well as web based results analysis software NetPortal^tm.

The General Food Regulations 2004 what are they?
These regulations came into force in 2005 and implement regulation (EC) 178/2002. The regulation lay down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishes the European Food Safety Authority and lays down procedures in matters of food safety. The principle aim of the regulations is to protect human health and consumers’ interest in relation to food. The regulation also aims to promote free movement of food within the EU.

Under Article 14 Food Safety requirements are implemented by regulation 4(b) of the General Food Regulations 2004 and replaces the offence under section 8 of the Food Safety Act 1990 of selling food that does not comply with Food Safety requirements.

Article 14

1. Food shall not be placed on the market if it is unsafe
2. Food shall be deemed to be unsafe if it is considered to be:
3. Injurious to health
4. Unfit for human consumption

Using state of the art production facilities we can boast the most modern, largest and thought out routine microbiological laboratory facilities in Europe. The bespoke design incorporates three production lines, several walk in incubators, three walk in refrigeration areas, independent media production, independent pathogen areas and the latest autoclave technology. IT integration is paramount.

Microbiological Examination

The two basic types of indicator organisms are:

a) spoilage, index and indicator organisms which include for example:

Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Yeasts and moulds, Faecal streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae, Coliforms; Clostridium perfringens; Lactobacilli Pseudomonas.

and b) pathogens which include for example:

Salmonella sp, Listeria sp; Campylobacter, E.coli 0157.

For further information on organisms link to the FDA ''Bad Bug Book '.

Water Testing

We carry out testing for POTABLE WATER including piped water supplies, PROCESS WATER, COOLING TOWER WATER.

Environmental Hygiene

Is another service undertaken and full advice can be given from factory swabbing regimes to personnel monitoring. Consumables are supplied as part of the service.

Product specifications

We have analysed the microbiological criteria regulations and by default will apply these microbiological specifications to all product types, unless other specs are required such as (M&S specs). We provide this information to all our customers as part of our advisory service.