Accredited Food Microbiology Testing Laboratory – Food Consulting Services (FCS)

At Food Consulting Services (FCS), we specialise in accredited food microbiology testing, offering a full range of SANAS-accredited methods according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. Our laboratory is equipped with 32 accredited testing methods, operated by skilled technicians dedicated to delivering accurate and reliable results for all your food safety requirements.

Comprehensive Food Testing Services

As a leading food testing lab, FCS provides comprehensive microbiological analysis for a wide range of products:

  • Raw Foodstuffs and Processed Foods
  • Cosmetics and Ingredients (for both human and animal consumption)
  • Surface Swabs, Hand Swabs, and Water Samples

Our testing services include food contamination detection for harmful pathogens like Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli, helping you maintain the highest standards of food safety.

Convenient Sampling and Hygiene Consulting

Understanding the importance of convenience and accuracy, our team of hygiene consultants offers on-site sample collection, swabbing, and sampling services. We ensure that your facility complies with regulatory standards, meeting all requirements efficiently and effectively.

Advanced Testing Technology

FCS uses the VIDAS® immunoassay system, a cutting-edge tool for the rapid and accurate detection of foodborne pathogens. This advanced technology enables faster turnaround times, so you get the results you need without compromising accuracy.

Why Choose FCS?

At FCS, we are committed to expanding our testing capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Whether you’re looking for a “food testing laboratory near me” or need comprehensive microbiology testing, we are here to support food safety compliance across South Africa.

Contact us today to learn more about our accredited food testing services and how we can assist with your food safety needs.

Food and Swab Microbiology

Accredited for the enumeration of:

standard plate count bacteria microbiology

Standard Plate Count

Anaerobic Plate Count bacteria microbiology

Anaerobic Plate Count

Yeasts and Moulds

Yeasts and Moulds

Staphylococcus aureus

Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteriaceae

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus

Campylobacter spp.

Campylobacter spp.

Coliforms

Coliforms

Bacillus cereus

Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes

Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens

Accredited for the detection of:

These tests are important in detecting the presence of food pathogens in food. These are used for testing ready-to-eat foods.

Staphylococcus aureus

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Escherichia coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O157:H7

Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes

Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli

Coliforms

Coliforms

Salmonella

Vibrio

Vibrio

Bacillus cereus

Rapid Food and Swab Microbiology

FCS is Accredited for the detection of the below bacteria in Food Microbiology Testing in South Africa:

Use of The VIDAS methods provides us with rapid results in detecting the presence of food pathogens.

VIDAS Easy Salmonella (SLM)

VIDAS Easy Salmonella (SLM)

VIDAS UP Salmonella (SPT)

VIDAS UP Salmonella (SPT)

Escherichia coli O157:H7

VIDAS UP E.coli O157 including H7

Campylobacter spp.

VIDAS Campylobacter spp.

Listeria monocytogenes

VIDAS Listeria monocytogenes II (LM02)

Water Microbiology

Accredited for the enumeration of:

The safety of drinking water is essential to our everyday lives. At FCS we test potable water and ice to ensure that this precious resource is safe to be consumed.

standard plate count bacteria microbiology

Standard Plate Count

Coliforms

Coliforms

Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli

Yeasts and Moulds

Yeasts and Moulds

Cosmetic Microbiology

Accredited for the enumeration of:

Cosmetic microbiology is important in testing safety as well as the effectiveness of the added preservatives.

standard plate count bacteria microbiology

Standard Plate Count

Yeasts and Moulds

Yeasts and Moulds

Additional Special Testing

We offer shelf-life testing that determines how long a product can be kept at the specified conditions before the product is no longer safe for consumption. This is how the use by or expiry dates are determined.

Anti-microbial efficacy and zone inhibition testing helps determine how effective a sanitiser or disinfectant is against killing bacteria and moulds.

Shelf Life Determination (using accredited methods)

Shelf Life Determination (using accredited methods)

Anti-Microbial Efficacy

Anti-Microbial Efficacy

Zone Inhibition