Microbiology Testing
We offer a full consultancy service including microbiological risk assessments on new plans, processes, ingredients and staff training programmes.
We undertake bespoke research projects covering industrial, medical and environmental microbiology. We also provide customer specific and tailored services, such as full shelf life monitoring services and trend analysis in a variety of formats.
Your Personal Laboratory
Our retail and manufacturing clients have diverse requirements, so our philosophy is to provide you with your own personalised laboratory service, tailored to your needs. Whether you require previews of plates, as part of an early warning indicator, or out of hours support, you can be assured SMS will be a trusted partner, working together to assure the safety of your products.
Commitment to Value
SMS are committed to combining quality of service with value and offer competitive and transparent pricing – at SMS there are no hidden add-ons. We regularly review our clients’ actual needs – there is no unnecessary testing.
Food Testing
Food safety and the prevention of microbiological contamination is a priority and legal requirement during any stage of the food production process. Our high degree of microbiological expertise and UKAS accreditation for an extensive range of microbiological tests, provides our clients with cost-effective quality assurance from farm to fork.
Food Microbiology Tests
- TVC – Total Viable Count
- Bacillus cereus
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium perfringens
- Coliforms
- E.coli
- E.coli O157
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Lactic Acid bacteria
- Pseudomonas
- Yeast and Moulds
Water Analysis
Whether you are using water from a borehole, potable water as a raw material, or are a manufacturer, water quality is essential for the environment and public safety.
- Potable Water
- Process Water
Water Microbiological Tests
- TVC at 22°C and 37°C
- Coliforms and E. coli
- Sulphite reducing Clostridium
- Enterococci
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Clostridium perfringens
We can also test
- Bottled Drinking Water
- Swimming Pool Samples
- Legionella Samples
Swab Testing
Food factory environmental hygiene is vital at any stage of the food production process and it forms part of HACCP monitoring and due diligence.
Swabbing is a quick and effective method for monitoring your hygiene procedures:
Testing Swabs
Monitors the effectiveness of the food factory cleaning program and to validate critical control points highlighted through HACCP.
Personalised Swabbing Service
Provides independent verification of your cleaning procedures and assists in meeting your requirements with Food Hygiene Regulations 1991.
Hand Hygiene Swab Testing
Monitors the effectiveness of hand washing awareness policies.
Non-Routine Testing
We can perform a range of non-routine tests to support your specific needs. We regularly undertake:
- sensitive detection tests
- shelf life testing
- trend analysis
Alicyclobacillus
SMS can undertake sensitive detection tests to prevent spoilage by bacteria known as Alicyclobacillus. These bacteria can cause serious problems in fruit-based drinks because some strains are capable of producing a distinctive and powerful chemical taint and they are difficult to control once present in the processing environment.
Compost Testing
In accordance with PAS100, composted material and digestate must be safe, reliable and consistent before being marketed. Where Animal By-Products are used to produce compost and digestates, strict guidelines must be adhered to. The methods used at SMS are in accordance with ABPR Regs and are UKAS accredited (Lab No. 1922).
Testing available
- E.coli
- Salmonella
Animal Feed Testing
The silage making process can create contamination with undesirable bacterial species such as Salmonella and Listeria. Ingestion of contaminated animal feed can result in infection of sheep and cattle, which is why it is crucial to use good quality feed.
Testing Available
- Enterobacteriaeacea
- Salmonella
Pet Food Testing
Multiple outbreaks of Salmonella related to pet food have affected the health of both pets and humans.
Testing Available
- Enterobacteriaeacea
- Salmonella