You need to test your food products for microbiology. How can you do it without breaking the bank?

1 Choose the right method

There are different methods to test for microbiology, such as culture, PCR, ELISA, and rapid tests. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of microorganism, the sample matrix, the sensitivity, and the speed. You need to choose the method that suits your needs and budget. For example, culture methods are cheap and reliable, but they take longer and require more equipment and skills. PCR methods are fast and sensitive, but they are more expensive and need specialized instruments and reagents.

2 Do it in-house

If you have the resources and expertise, you can do the microbiology testing in-house. This can save you money and time, as you don't have to pay for shipping, handling, and lab fees. You also have more control over the quality and frequency of the testing. However, you need to invest in the equipment, materials, and training. You also need to follow the standards and regulations for food microbiology testing, and validate your methods and results.

3 Use a service provider

If you don't have the resources or expertise to do the microbiology testing in-house, you can use a service provider. A service provider can offer you a range of microbiology testing options, such as accredited labs, mobile labs, or on-site testing. You can choose the service that fits your needs and budget. For example, you can use a mobile lab that can come to your location and do the testing on the spot, or you can use an on-site testing service that can provide you with rapid test kits and training.

5 Plan ahead

One of the best ways to save money and time on microbiology testing is to plan ahead. You need to know when, how, and what to test, and how to use the results. You need to have a testing schedule that aligns with your production cycle, your shelf life, and your regulatory requirements. You need to have a testing protocol that specifies the methods, the samples, the frequency, and the criteria. You need to have a testing report that records the results, the actions, and the improvements.

6 Keep learning

Microbiology testing is not a one-time thing. It is a continuous process that requires constant learning and improvement. You need to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and standards in food microbiology testing. You need to review your methods, results, and feedback, and look for ways to optimize your testing. You need to seek advice, support, and training from experts, peers, and customers. You need to be proactive, flexible, and innovative in your microbiology testing.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?