Probiotic Testing Services

Quantification for Label Verification

Through proprietary methods as well as customer-specific methodology, Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (Madison, WI) offers quantification for label verification of all major probiotic genera, species, and strains including: 

• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium
• Saccharomyces
• Bacillus
• Pediococcus
• Lactococcus
• Propionibacterium
• Streptococcus
• Enterococcus
• Microencapsulated products (multiple strains)
• Next-generation probiotics

Have a specific method you need to run?

We routinely run client-specific methods for unique products and have experience with method transfers and validations to meet our customer's unique needs – just ask!

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We are ISO 17025 Accredited

Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (Madison, WI) was the first testing laboratory to receive ISO 17025 accreditation for probiotic enumeration by flow cytometry following ISO 19344 Protocol B.

Our methods are fully validated to detect:

Example Flow Cytometry Plot

Why Flow Cytometry?

Flow cytometry as an alternative platform to traditional plate count enumerations:

• Real-time enumeration of living, injured, and dead cells. 
• Approximately one-half the RSD of other enumeration techniques.
• Same-day results possible!

Another tool in your toolbox:

• Out of Specification Investigations – is it dead or not there at all?
• Easily track degradation over time to provide insights on product stability.
• Optimize fermentation to obtain the highest yield.

Experts on hand to help along the way!

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Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (Madison, WI) offers probiotic species and strain level identification for single strains and blends using multiple different technology platforms:

Whole Genome Sequencing – appropriate for identifying multiple strains/species within a single product.  

16s Sequencing – Provides species-level identification of a single species from an isolated colony following enumeration.  

PCR Identification – Strain or species-specific assay that will identify a specific species of interest within a product or raw material.

Additionally, Eurofins offers development services for custom PCR Assays specific to our customer’s strains and products.

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Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (Madison, WI) offers the full suite of USP <2021>/<2022> tests for contaminating organisms in probiotic products as recommended by the new USP <64> chapter on probiotics. Our testing includes upfront suitability testing that provides confirmation that the method used is suitable for the product matrix. This suitability testing sets us apart from many other labs offering contaminant testing without the suitability step.

Organisms included:

• Yeast and Mold
• Enterobacteriaceae
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Clostridium
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Candida albicans
• Burkholderia cepacia (USP <60>)
• Non-Lactic count (using ISO 13559)*

*offered in place of APC due to the potential for some probiotics to grow aerobically

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Additional capabilities

Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (Madison, WI) has the ability to develop and execute special projects related to probiotic potency in foods and dietary supplements.

Examples of commonly performed projects include:

•  Method Development/Optimization

•  Method Validation

•  Matrix Extensions

•  Gastric Simulation

•  Matrix Inhibition Studies

•  Method Fitness Evaluations

•  Out of Specification Troubleshooting Projects

•  GLP Studies

•  Benchtop Customized Studies 

•  Ability to test under Complete Anaerobic Conditions

•  Every type of homogenizer imaginable

Contact us today to discuss your special project!

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The Eurofins network of laboratories recognizes your need to ensure a high-quality product over the entire course of its life. As your partner, we draw on our extensive background in analytical testing and stability studies to deliver reliable shelf-life data. We help you meet consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Crafting your stability study

Together, we design the appropriate study based on the following information:

• Packaging materials used
• Regions for product sales
• Product specifications
• Anticipated shelf-life
• Regulatory requirements

Throughout the process, you’ll receive trend reports to keep you informed and reveal opportunities.

We will work together to determine the best storage conditions for your products and testing intervals for the study.

An example is storing at 25 C, 65% relative humidity, and testing intervals of 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months.

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Eurofins Microbiology Laboratories, Inc. (Madison, WI) offers a complete testing solution to assist yogurt producers in obtaining the Live and Active Cultures (LAC) seal:

• Enumeration of the Live Culture Count in accordance with IDF methodology upon receipt
• Testing the activity of the product at the end of code by conducting a bench-scale fermentation.
• Full report to be used in the application for seal approval.

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Eurofins laboratories have the ability to analyze probiotic products for prebiotics, contaminants, and water activity.

Prebiotics:

• Fructans
• Inulin
• Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)
• Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)
• Resistant starch

Contaminants:

• heavy metals
• pesticides
• and many more

Let's find your solution.