Educational Content, Tips and Tricks
Which Microbial Contamination Tests are Needed for Consumables?
Feb
Whether your business sells cannabis, vegetation, or other consumable products, it is important to ensure that it meets regulatory compliance. Most countries, including Canada, require consumables to be tested for microbiological contamination. At PPB, our microbiologists can test for a variety of organisms including the ones listed down below.
Aerobic Bacteria
Aerobic Bacteria are a type of bacteria that grow and survive with oxygen in their environment.
Within an ambient air environment, which is 21% oxygen and 0.03% carbon dioxide, Aerobic Bacteria grow and live very well.
Aerobic Bacteria can be classified in 4 different categories including Obligatory Aerobes, Facultative Aerobes, Microaerophiles, and Aerotolerant Aerobes.
It is important to do accurate testing in order to detect this bacteria in samples. Click here to conduct your Aerobic Bacteria tests.
Aerobic Bacteria
Coliforms
Coliforms
Coliforms are a type of bacteria that is always present in the digestive system of animals and humans and are very commonly found in their feces. The can also be found in the material of plants and soils.
Fecal matter that have coliforms can cause water population when entering a body of water. It has the potential of causing a serious problem when presented in large numbers. In most cases, coliform bacteria can be a reasonable indication of whether other pathogenic bacteria are present.
In most scenarios, Coliform Bacteria is not harmful but in some examples of Coliforms, such as E. Coli, can be very harmful to humans.
It is important to do accurate testing in order to detect this bacteria in water samples. Click here to conduct your Coliforms tests.
E. Coli
E. Coli also known as Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria that is found in the intestines of humans and the guts of some animals.
Some strains of can even cause intestinal issues if found in contaminated food or water. These intestinal issues can cause food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.
Certain strains of this bacteria such as O157:H7 can even cause to become very ill. It can cause abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In worst case scenarios, it can cause life threatening symptoms such as confusion, bleeding, fever, kidney failure, and seizures.
It is crucial to do accurate testing in order to detect this bacteria in food or water samples. Click here to conduct your E. Coli tests.
E. Coli
Total YEAST AND MOLD
Total Yeast and Mold
Total Yeast and Mold also known as TYMC is the number of colony forming units that are present in a gram of product.
This determines the overall cleanliness of the product’s life cycle which includes the growing environment, processing conditions, material handling, and storage facilities.
In most cases, mold and yeast are very harmless to humans. However, certain fungi can cause food spoilage and can cause the production of mycotoxins which is very toxic to humans and animals.
It is crucial to do accurate testing of cleanliness in samples. Click here to conduct your Total Yeast & Yeast tests.
Salmonella
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is found frequently within food. It is difficult to detect as you cannot see, smell, or taste it.
Strains of this bacteria causes diarrhea, fever, pain, and an upset stomach. This common bacteria infection is a mild infection but in severe cases, it can cause a visit to the hospital or even life-threatening circumstances.
The cause of salmonella can come from the intestines and feces of people or animals. The bacteria is commonly found in raw and undercooked meat, raw fruit or vegetables, raw or undercooked eggs, and much more
It is important to do accurate testing in order to detect this bacteria in food samples. Click here to conduct your Salmonella tests.
Salmonella
To test your consumables for microbial contamination, contact PPB Analytical for microbial testing.
