Eurofins Food Testing UK Ltd has published a new guidance document, Food Microbiological Risk Assessment, to support food businesses in taking a structured approach to identifying and appraising microbiological risks associated with specific food products.
Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA) can be used to inform HACCP studies and support shelf-life decisions. The guidance highlights that safe-life cannot be determined solely by laboratory testing; effective assessment also requires microbiological expertise alongside an understanding of product characteristics, ingredients, processing, packaging and intended use. Published scientific literature and historical product data may be considered where available, and in some cases predictive modelling, challenge testing or both may be appropriate.
Our food safety experts can undertake microbiological risk assessments and provide a formal written report. Typical outputs can include identification of relevant microorganisms or metabolites, limits to safe-life, recommendations for laboratory analysis and microbiological criteria, and guidance on the significance of microbiological results.
Download the guidance document
Find out more about our MRA food consultancy services.
Contact us
Our specialists are here to help you with your microbiological risk assessment needs. Please submit an enquiry or call +44 (0) 845 604 6740.
January 2026
