Microbial Testing:
Food Microbiology testing is important to ensure the safety and quality of raw ingredients, finished product and environmental samples. The LSU AgCenter Food Safety and Microbiology lab helps food processors, laboratories and individuals in microbiological and safety issues related to their food products.
Our lab focus is on Food Processing Validation tests, Shelf-Life studies, and Environmental monitoring. We also provide microbiology testing for support of HACCP and GMP plans. We work closely with our clients to develop the best food microbiology testing procedures needed for their products taking into account the ingredients, pH, water activity, processing and storage conditions (time and temperature).
Our facilities are Biosafety Level 2 so we can work with a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Our lab has trained Food Microbiologists with over 20 years of experience who can handle not only your routine testing needs, but also your special projects, research projects, and product development analytical support.
DOWNLOAD:
1. Protocol for the Delivery of Samples to Food Microbiology And Food Safety Laboratory (PDF). (PDF can be opened with Acrobat and filled-out interactively). Revised: 06-27-2019
2. Price list for Microbial Testing (PDF) [* Prices subject to change] Revised: 06-27-2019
Routine Tests include:
| Food Testing | ||
| Test | Price* | Sample wt (g) |
| Aerobic (Standard) Plate Count (Petrifilm) | $ 25 | 100 |
| Anaerobic Plate Count | $ 80 | 100 |
| Bacillus cereus | $ 40 | 100 |
| Campylobacter | $ 40 | 100 |
| Clostridium perfringens | $ 100 | 100 |
| E. coli - 3 Tube MPN | $ 35 | 100 |
| E. coli - VRB plate (Petrifilm) | $ 35 | 100 |
| E. coli - Q tray | $ 40 | 100 |
| E. coli H7:O157 | $ 80 | 100 |
| E. coli in water (membrane filtration) | $ 40 | 1000 mL |
| Environmental sampling | varies | varies |
| Enterobacteriaceae | $ 35 | 100 |
| Flat Sour Spores | $ 60 | 100 |
| Lactobacillus | $ 40 | 100 |
| Listeria monocytogenes | $ 80 | 100 |
| Listeria spp. (environmental) | $ 65 | 100 |
| Osmophilic Yeast | $ 45 | 100 |
| Pathogen Testing | $ 80 | 100 |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | $ 40 | 100 |
| Psychotropic/Psychrophilic Plate Count | $ 25 | 100 |
| Salmonella spp. Screening | $ 40 | 100 |
| Salmonella spp. Confirmation | $ 80 | 100 |
| Shigella | $ 35 | 100 |
| Standard Panel (APC, Y&M, E. coli/coliforms, S. aureus) | $ 100 | 100 |
| Staphylococcus aureus - MPN | $ 45 | 100 |
| Staphylococcus aureus - Plate (Petrifilm) | $ 30 | 100 |
| Streptococcus spp. | $ 35 | 100 |
| Sulfide Spoilage Bacteria | $ 40 | 100 |
| Sulfide Spoilage Bacteria (Canners) | $ 55 | 100 |
| Thermophilic Anaerobic Spores | $ 55 | 100 |
| Total Coliforms - MPN | $ 30 | 100 |
| Total Coliforms - Petrifilm Plate | $ 25 | 100 |
| Validation process, shelf life studies, and challenge studies | varies | varies |
| Vibrio spp. | $ 150 | 100 |
| Vibrio parahaemoliyticus | $ 260 | 100 |
| Yeast and Mold Count (Petrifilm) | $ 30 | 100 |
| Yersinia enterocolitica | $ 35 | 100 |
| pH | $ 20 | 100 |
| Water activity (Aw) | $ 40 | 100 |
For Further Information, Contact:
Dr. Achyut Adhikari
Associate Professor / Extension Food Safety Specialist
School of Nutrition and Food Sciences
130 Agricultural Chemistry Bldg
Office (225) 578-2529
email: AcAdhikari@agcenter.lsu.edu
