Food Microbiology Testing

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that the agency, along with public health officials in several states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), were investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to recalled frozen sprouted beans that may be contaminated with Salmonella.

At the time of the CDC posting, there had been at least 11 cases and 4 hospitalizations in 10 states. The agency warns that this outbreak may not be limited to the 10 states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

On July 16, a food importer and distributor with locations in multiple states announced the recall of two different frozen sprouted bean products that were distributed nationwide in retail stores.  It was reported that the potential for contamination of these products was noted after routine testing by the FDA.

“At EMSL Analytical, we have scientists that are dedicated to helping companies that import, distribute, and produce food items to test their products for a wide range of microbial and chemical contaminants,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “With laboratories located across North America, EMSL offers these resources which can be essential for preventing illnesses, pinpointing the source of an outbreak if when one has already occurred, and for helping to prevent these types of costly product recalls.”

To learn more about Salmonella or other microbial and chemical testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com or www.FoodTestingLab.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.