MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING SERVICES

BUSINESS CHALLENGE

In a global marketplace where product safety is a critical component to success, microbiological contamination is a key risk factor for a wide variety of industries including health and beauty, food, textiles, pharmaceuticals and toys. Products that come in contact with the skin or maybe ingested pose the highest risk for consumers.

Along with potential health risks, microbiological contamination can lead to adverse effects on your product including discolouration, clouding, foul odours, degradation or the development of mould. Whether you are a retailer or manufacturer, meeting regulatory compliance standards and consumer demand for safety is crucial.

OUR SOLUTION

As the world’s leading concept-to-consumer quality assurance company, our Microbiology Laboratory provides extensive testing services plus specialized services such as consultation and training that can result in improved product quality, consumer safety and a reduction in complaints, noncompliance and recalls.

Our clients include municipalities, food manufacturers, toy manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, textile mills and more. Services are available for children and adult cosmetics; health and beauty items (lotions, skin care items); food products; nutritional and dietary supplements; pharmaceuticals; toy products (liquids, pastes, powders, putties, gels, and avian feather products); textile and apparel products; treated plastics or non-porous items; sanitizer products; and products making antimicrobial claims.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS

Verify compliance with worldwide regulations and industry standards
Reduce the risk of recalls, returns and complaints
Enhance risk management and brand protection
Consumer safety confidence

OUR APPROACH

From raw materials to finished products, our Microbiology Laboratory is ready to meet your testing needs through all phases of production. Committed to high quality and standards, our laboratory follows rigorous testing practices and maintains various certifications and tests to numerous standards. Our professional technicians prepare all biological media in-house and utilize an extensive quality assurance program for media, supplies and equipment to provide consistent and accurate results. Additionally, our analysts are available to you for technical consultation whenever necessary, delivering the best possible service

Testing capabilities include, but are not limited to:

Cosmetic / Pharmaceutical/Nutritional Supplement Testing

Cleanliness screen
USP 61 – Microbial enumeration test
USP 62 – Tests for Specified Organisms
USP 2021/2022/2023 (Nutritional/Dietary Supplements)

Preservative Efficacy

USP 51 (Pharmaceutical /non-cosmetic toys)
PCPC (cosmetics)

Food Testing

Aerobic and anaerobic plate counts
Total / Fecal Coliforms
Food pathogen screens and spoilage organisms:
E. coli O157:H7, Listeria spp., Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Aflatoxins, Clostridium perfringens, Flat sour spores, Thermophilic anaerobes, rope spores, and many more
Water Activity
Fungal and Bacterial Resistance Testing
Assessment of Antimicrobial Treated Textiles
AATCC 147- Antibacterial activity: parallel streak method
AATCC 100 - Assessment of antibacterial finishes on textile materials
ASTM E2149 – Standard test method for determining the activity of antimicrobial agents under dynamic contact conditions
ISO 20743 & JIS L 1902 – Testing for antibacterial activity and efficacy on textile products
AATCC 174 – Antimicrobial activity assessment of new carpet materials
AATCC 30 - Antifungal assessment and mildew resistance test assessment of antimicrobial treated plastics, and non-porous polymers
ISO 22196 – Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces
ASTM G21 – Standard practice for determining the resistance of synthetic polymeric materials to fungi

Customized Testing

Verify product claims
Able to work with clients to develop specific desired testing conditions
Confirmation of client’s in-house testing results
Isolation and identification of unknown organisms

We are continually widening our scope of practice to add new test methods and capabilities to better suit our client’s needs!

WHY BV?

Brand Reputation: For over 35 years, we have worked successfully with top manufacturers and retailers around the world to help them better manage risk and regulatory compliance.
Global Footprint: With locations close to sourcing areas in over 40 countries, we offer you the convenience of global coverage with local service where you need it.
Technical Leadership: Bureau Veritas participates in the development of international, industry and regulatory standards worldwide like the API (food item testing), as well as AATCC (antimicrobial fabric testing).
Certifications: A2LA accredited (ISO 17025), ISO 9001:2000 accredited, IAC (International Antimicrobial Council) accredited

CONTACT US