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Food-production teams may need to investigate microbial conditions around processing, handling or packaging.
Air analysis can provide one part of the evidence where the sampling method and test are suitable for the monitoring objective. PBR offers bacterial enumeration, mould testing and combined yeast-and-mould enumeration for discussion within a defined investigation. PBR serves projects across Canada, prioritizing Alberta and Western Canada; confirm sample transport and, where applicable, rental collection or delivery arrangements for your project.
Describe the product, production area and issue being investigated. A spoilage investigation, routine count trend and selected-organism question may require different sampling and analytical approaches. Do not begin with a universal air-testing panel.
For a count-based bacterial question, discuss bacterial enumeration. For fungal monitoring, discuss mould testing or combined yeast-and-mould enumeration. For E. coli or coliform questions, confirm suitability of the target and collection method before including the analysis.
An air sample describes material collected from the air under the selected conditions. A surface swab describes the sampled surface; a product sample describes the submitted product. One acceptable air result cannot demonstrate that food is safe or replace the other evidence required by the facility’s program.
For a thorough comparison of sampling matrix strengths, review Air Microbiology Testing versus Surface Swab Testing.
Review whether the collection method, location, operating conditions and timing are comparable with earlier samples. Consider relevant production, sanitation and handling observations. The facility’s QA team should determine what follow-up evidence is required; PBR can discuss analytical options.
Follow our diagnostic workflow in What to Do After an Unexpected Air Microbiology Result.
Confirm the collection method, sample handling and reporting before sampling. Supply any facility specification or program criterion. Testing supports the quality review but does not itself guarantee compliance or identify the contamination source.
See Planning Air Microbiology Sample Collection and Submission for packaging, documentation, and holding details.
Tell PBR the product category, production area, concern, sampling approach and decision deadline. We can discuss which listed air analyses and related food services fit the question.
The testing program should follow the facility’s process, risk assessment and applicable requirements. This page does not establish a universal requirement.
No. Air and product samples represent different evidence. Product and process decisions require the relevant wider quality information.
Confirm whether the monitoring objective calls for mould testing or combined yeast-and-mould enumeration and which collection method is supported.
Connect with PBR Laboratories in Edmonton to discuss bacterial and yeast/mould air testing as part of your facility's environmental monitoring program.