Choosing appropriate lab testing depends upon which Quality Assurance Standard or customer specifications you are wanting to meet.
Testing for chemical residues or heavy metals enables verification that any detections are below Maximum Residue Limits (MRL’s) which are defined in the Food Standards Code.
Microbial testing verifies that any pathogens detected are below acceptable limits for safe consumption.
Major Retailer Testing Requirements :
The most commonly requested tests for fresh food items to meet the minimum testing requirements of major retailers are –
AT7 - Full Residue Analysis plus Extended Screen
MB3 - E.coli, Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
AM4 - Lead
Additional testing may be required for –
Leafy vegetables
Root and tuber crops.
High Risk items (e.g Berries, Herbs, Mushrooms etc)
Overseas Exports and Imports.
Other chemicals which are currently being used.
Download the list of available tests below.
*** New AT7Mega screen now available (385 analytes)
We can assist you to determine exactly which tests are needed to meet your compliance requirements.
Water Testing :
Water testing enables verification of water hygiene quality in irrigation, washing and cleaning operations –
E.coli and Thermotolerant coliforms
Listeria species
Salmonella
Heterotrophic plate count
Full Mineral Analysis
Environmental Swabs :
Environmental swab testing enables verification of clean surfaces in food handling areas, packing facilities, packaging and transportation –
E.coli
Listeria species
Salmonella
Yeasts and Moulds
Other tests available upon request – Nutritional Profile plus Dietary Fibre, Sensory Evaluation, Single Chemicals, Soils and Growing Medium.