Eurofins Food Testing UK offers microbiological challenge testing to help you understand how your food products behave under realistic conditions if contaminated. It is a powerful tool to help support microbial safety, validate shelf-life, and strengthen your food safety systems.
What is challenge testing?
Challenge testing involves deliberately inoculating a food product with a microorganism of concern under controlled conditions. The product is then monitored to see if the organism grows, survives, or dies off. The results provide critical insight into whether the food remains safe and within regulatory limits.
These studies are commonly applied to pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as spoilage organisms like lactic acid bacteria, moulds, and yeasts.
Types of challenge testing we offer
We offer two core types of microbiological challenge testing, tailored to your needs
-
Growth potential testing: Determines whether the food supports microbial growth and sets maximum acceptable limits at the end of shelf-life
-
Growth rate testing: Evaluates how environmental conditions (e.g. pH, temperature, water activity) affect microbial growth over time
These tests help manufacturers understand microbial risks specific to their product and production process.
Applications of challenge testing
Challenge tests are particularly useful in
-
Ready-to-eat or chilled foods with short shelf lives
-
High-risk environments or vulnerable supply chains
-
Process validation and food safety management system support
Advanced insight through tailored studies
We can design bespoke challenge tests for your specific product, process, and shelf-life scenario. This includes pathogen survival testing and predictive microbiology where appropriate.
Our experts will also advise when predictive modelling or alternative approaches may be more suitable or cost-effective.
Challenge testing and shelf-life assessment
Challenge testing plays an important role in determining the shelf-life of food products. By simulating contamination and monitoring microbial behaviour, we provide valuable insight into potential spoilage or safety concerns.
These results feed into our broader consultancy-led shelf-life validation service, where shelf-life is determined based on multiple parameters, including sensory, chemical, and microbiological factors.
Why choose Eurofins
-
ISO 17025-accredited microbiological testing
-
Bespoke protocols based on your product and process
-
Support from our experienced microbiology food consultants
-
Comprehensive reports for regulatory or internal use
Ensure your food safety strategy includes robust challenge testing. Contact us to discuss your product and testing needs; submit an enquiry or call +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
See below for our wider microbiological and services or view our shelf-life testing service.
