Osmophilic yeasts, heat-resistant mold, total plate count respectively potential spoilage microorganisms as well as all IFU methods. For identification we use 16S-rRNA-gene sequencing, ITS-sequencing and MALDI-TOF.

For Alicyclobacillus we offer the reference method IFU 12 and also the Soleris® Rapid Microbial Detection System (Neogen Cooperation) in connection with a PCR system from the company Milenia Biotec.

The combination of Soleris® ACB-190 with Milenia® GenLine results in a fast, highly specific detection and at the same time a very low limit of detection.

Rapid PCR detection of pathogens is available for Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, EHEC and Staphylococcus aureus. Immunological methods for detection of enterotoxins or verotoxin (VTEC) and serotyping are on hand as well.

Furthermore we offer access to a database of all microbiological guidance values (mikrobiologische Richt- und Warnwerte). Also very usefull the Lemgo D- and z-value Database.

In processed/pasteurized foods microorganisms are typically not detecable any more. What remains are products of metabolism which can be analysed and allow an assessment of a sample. These may be classical spoilage indicators such as ethanol, lactic and acetic acid, but also ergosterol, glycerol, ethanolamin, ammonia, gluconic and fumaric acid.

A special class of metabolites are mycotoxins. These are metabolic products of different fungi and are produced while they grow on vegetables, food or feeding stuff. Except through spoilage of food, contaminations can appear through processing with contaminated food or even through feeding contaminated products. Since mycotoxines are partly carcinogenic, there are very low threshold values for these substances, especially for food for infants and toddlers.

The analysis of preservatives is also part of our scope. Beside routine additives we can test for Natamycin and Dimethyldicarbonat/DMDC (Velcorin®).