09 Jul What Is Microbial Testing? And Why It’s Critical for Your Food or Supplement Brand
What Is Microbial Testing? And Why It’s Critical for Your Food or Supplement Brand
Microorganisms are everywhere — but they don’t all belong in your food, supplements, or pet products. Microbial contamination can lead to spoilage, recalls, and serious health risks. That’s why microbial testing is one of the most important quality control steps in your production process.
Whether you’re making a probiotic drink, jerky, trail mix, or kratom capsules, microbial testing ensures your product is safe, compliant, and shelf-stable.
What Does Microbial Testing Look For?
Microbial testing detects harmful pathogens and spoilage organisms, including:
Pathogens:
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Salmonella
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Listeria monocytogenes
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E. coli O157:H7
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Campylobacter
Spoilage Microorganisms:
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Total Plate Count (TPC) – general indicator of bacterial load
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Yeast and Mold Count
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Coliforms – indicator of sanitation
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Aerobic Plate Count (APC)
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Anaerobic organisms (in some products)
Which Products Require Microbial Testing?
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Low-moisture snacks (granola, chips, protein bars)
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Meat and poultry products (especially jerky)
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Plant-based milks and smoothies
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Fermented products (kombucha, kimchi)
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Supplements and capsules
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Pet foods and treats
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Raw and refrigerated products
Even dry products can harbor mold or bacteria if not properly handled or stored.
When to Test for Microbial Contamination
✅ New product development
✅ Post-production quality control
✅ After packaging changes
✅ Shelf life or stability studies
✅ Before launching to retail or e-commerce platforms
✅ Routine batch testing if required by a retailer or certifying body
What Happens If You Fail a Microbial Test?
A failed test can delay your launch, result in a product recall, or require you to reformulate or reprocess. In worst cases, it can harm consumers or your brand’s reputation.
That’s why proactive testing before going to market is the smartest move you can make.
Partner With United Food Labs for Microbial Testing
We offer fast, reliable microbial testing for:
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Food and beverage products
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Dietary supplements
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Pet food and treats
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Kratom and botanical powders
Our testing helps ensure your product is safe, meets FDA or Health Canada standards, and is ready for retail.
📞 818-749-2751 | 📧 info@unitedfoodlabs.com
🌐 unitedfoodlabs.com
Microbial testing protects your product, your customers, and your company. Make it part of your quality assurance process from day one.