Understand the causes of food spoilage with advanced microbiological analysis
Even with good hygiene and manufacturing practices in place, the sensory qualities of food, such as appearance, odour, texture, and colour, can deteriorate during its shelf life. These changes are often the result of spoilage micro-organisms including Pseudomonas spp., Shewanella spp., Clostridium spp., and Brochothrix spp. This degradation can lead to production losses, batch withdrawals, and customer dissatisfaction.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for spoilage investigation
At Eurofins Food Testing UK, we offer a cutting-edge solution for spoilage investigation based on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) of bacterial DNA. Unlike traditional culture-based techniques, this method does not require enrichment, isolation or purification stages. Instead, it identifies the full bacterial flora of the product, enabling you to compare the relative abundance of micro-organisms in a healthy sample versus a spoiled one.
This approach helps determine the root causes of spoilage and identify process improvements such as critical control points, revised cleaning and disinfection protocols, or optimised storage conditions.
Why choose NGS-based spoilage testing?
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Species-level identification of bacteria without the need for culturing
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More informative than traditional microbiological methods
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Rapid results typically available within 3 to 7 days*
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Effective even for hard-to-culture spoilage organisms
*Note: We are continuously developing new methodologies to meet evolving needs. For details on accreditation status and turnaround times for specialist microbiological testing, please contact your local Eurofins Food Testing UK laboratory as some services are delivered locally, while others may be delivered through our network of Eurofins Laboratories and Competence Centres.
Support from our food microbiology specialists
Our expert food microbiologists will guide you through every step, from test design to interpretation of results. This includes in-depth literature reviews and optional supporting analyses such as enumeration or microscopic examination.
NGS spoilage testing is a powerful tool for maintaining product quality and extending shelf-life by enhancing control of your production processes.
To find out more, access these services or speak with one of our Food Microbiology Consultants; submit an enquiry or call +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
