Our internationally recognized Microbiology laboratory falls under the auspices of the Science and Technology Division. With over 20 tests accredited to ISO 17025 by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), we support food processors aiming for export markets. Testing of products at our Microbiology laboratory will assist food processors in accessing over 80 markets worldwide. Our main focus is to test food, non food and environmental samples for micro-organisms.

The testing services of the laboratory seek to confirm the presence of micro-organisms such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can result in several forms of gastrointestinal illnesses. Testing is also done to detect extraneous matter in products. The lab works off the how-much-how-dangerous principle and not only helps in ensuring safe foods and products for the Jamaican consumer, but it also aids in the maintenance and protection of brand Jamaica. 

Functions

• Testing commodities for compliance with the Standards Act and the Processed Foods Act

• Providing technical information for the preparation of Jamaican Standard Specifications

• The provision of microbiological services for other departments of the BSJ

• Assisting Government or Government agencies by providing testing facilities and technical advice for assessing products to be imported and for development of new local products

• Assistance to the consumer by carrying out laboratory investigations of complaints routed to the laboratory

• Providing assistance to industry by: performing quality control tests; providing technical advice for solving problems encountered 

• Providing training for quality control/industry personnel; Microbiological and or micro-analytical analyses are conducted on water, beverages, processed, food, unprocessed food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants and miscellaneous commodities.

​Tests offered

• Canned Processed Food - Commercial Sterility, pH, Extraneous Matter

• Syrups/Honey/Sugar/Molasses - Aerobic Plate Count, Osmophilic Yeast and Mould Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Sauces - Yeast Viability, Howard Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Jams, Jellies - Howard Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Juices - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Seasonings - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Yeast Viability, Extraneous Matter

• Vinegar - Extraneous Matter

• Juice Concentrates - Aerobic Plate Count, Osmophilic Yeast and Mould Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Howard Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Baked Goods - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Water - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Count, Faecal Streptococci, P. aeruginosa Count, E. coli, Salmonella detection

• Meat - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Count, S. aureus Count, Listeria Detection, Salmonella Detection, Yeast & Mould Count

• Toiletries - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Detection, S. aureus Detection, Yeast and Mould Count

• Flour - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Ice Cream - Aerobic Plate Count, Coliform Count

• Oil (for consumption) - Aerobic Plate Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Pharmaceuticals - Aerobic Plate Count, Yeast & Mould Count, E. coli Detection, S. aureus, Salmonella & P. aeruginosa Detection, Sterility

• Cannabis and cannabis products - Aerobic Plate Count, Yeast & Mould Count, E. coli Detection, S. aureus, Salmonella & P. aeruginosa Detection, Bile Tolerant Gram Negative organisms, Extraneous Matter

• Antibacterial Soaps/Sanitizers - Bacterial Inhibition Tests

• Beer - Aerobic Plate Count, Lactobacillus Count, Yeast & Mould Count, Extraneous Matter

• Cocoa Powder - Aerobic Plate Count, MPN/ Coliform Count, Salmonella Detection, Yeast & Mould Count

• Cosmetics - Aerobic Plate Count, Yeast & Mould Count, S. aureus Count, Sterility Test

• Disinfectants - Use Dilution

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US