Sample Submission Guidelines for Food Microbiology and Food Chemistry Analysis

1.Submit sufficient amount of samples
      • Food Microbiology
            i. Quantitative Analysis (Reported as CFU/g or CFU/ml)
                a) 50g minimum food or a single sponge/swab sample (all quantitative tests can be performed from a single sponge/swab).
                b) Examples: Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform/E. coli, Yeast/Mold.
                c) Note: Environmental samples containing Neutralizing buffer or D/E Neutralizing broth are not compatible with Petrifilm analysis; Contact Sales representative to                           inquire about Petrifilm-compatible sponges/swabs.
           ii. Qualitative Analysis (Reported as Present or Absent)
                a) 25g minimum or single sponge/swab for each pathogen testing.
                b) Examples: Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7.
      • Food Allergen
            i. 5g minimum or single swab for each allergen test.
      • Food Chemistry
            i. Required amount depends on specific tests.
            ii. Contact Sales Representative for specific amount required for each test.
2. Fill out a Chain of Custody (COC)
      • Ensure that the sample description on the COC matches the labels on the samples.
      • Ensure that the appropriate test codes are assigned to each sample.
      • Composite sampling – Indicate any requirement for composite testing, if applicable.
      • Dilution requirement – Indicate any requirement for additional dilutions and/or specific limits for each test.
3. Sample packing/shipping
      • Ship samples in an insulated cooler, with ice packs, for overnight delivery; Do not use ice cubes.
      • Ambient samples do not require ice packs; however, exposure to extreme temperature should be avoided.