Food manufacturers need to reduce the risk of E.coli contamination in food products in order to protect consumers and avoid product recalls.
E.coli is a diverse group of bacteria, many of which are harmless. However, certain pathogenic strains, such as Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), can cause severe foodborne illness. STEC, including the well-known strain E.coli O157:H7, can be found in contaminated food such as meat, dairy, raw fruit and vegetable products, contaminated water, on live animals and within their environment, and also in the feces of infected people.
Testing food products for E.coli is essential for food producers, manufacturers, and retailers to ensure both consumer and brand protection and to reduce the risk of costly product recalls. In particular, STEC testing is crucial, as these bacteria can cause severe illness and are subject to strict regulatory controls.
Intertek's network of state-of-the-art microbiology laboratories uses the latest methods and techniques to provide a fast, reliable, and accurate service to test for a full range of potentially harmful hygiene indicators like E.coli, foodborne pathogens such as STEC, Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter, as well as spoilage organisms including Yeasts and Moulds.
Accurate microbiological testing for E.coli and STEC is important to validate and monitor processes, verify Critical Control Points (CCPs), and ensure regulatory compliance. At Intertek, we continuously review and update our microbiology testing methodologies to stay ahead of emerging foodborne threats. This ensures that you consistently deliver safe and high-quality products to your customers.
