Ensuring the safety and quality of food is a top priority in food manufacturing and related industries, and microbiological analysis plays a crucial role in achieving this. Conventional methods of testing can be laborious, time-consuming, and costly, with limited advancements beyond instrument and culture media development. Fortunately, in today's era of cutting-edge technology, rapid systems for microbiological testing have emerged as a game-changer. These advanced systems minimize hands-on-time, provide rapid results, and significantly reduce costs. However, it is crucial to select tools that are accurate, sensitive, and efficient to ensure reliable and precise microbiological testing.
PARAMETERS
The following are some information on the most common food pathogens according to the US FDA:
| BASICS | An important environmental contaminant in food producing facilities particularly in low moisture environments with widespread occurrence in animals, especially in poultry and swine |
| SOURCES | Raw and undercooked eggs, raw meat, poultry, seafood, raw milk, dairy products, fresh produce, and the environment |
| SYMPTOMS | Diarrhea, fever, vomiting, headache, nausea, and stomach cramps that can be more severe for people in high-risk groups, such as immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and the elderly |
| INCUBATION | 12 to 72 hours after eating food contaminated with as few as 15 to 20 cells |
| DURATION | 6 to 48 hours |
| BASICS | Pathogenic strains of the bacteria commonly found in the gut of mammals which is commonly used as an index of fecal contamination |
| SOURCES | Meat (undercooked or raw hamburger), uncooked produce, raw milk, unpasteurized juice, and contaminated water |
| SYMPTOMS | Causes severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and nausea. It can also manifest as non-bloody diarrhea or be symptomless. E. coli O157:H7 can cause permanent kidney damage which can lead to death in young children |
| INCUBATION | Usually 3 to 4 days after ingestion, but may occur from 1 to 10 days after eating food contaminated with 10 to 100 cells |
| DURATION | 5 to 10 days |
| BASICS | A bacterium that can grow even at refrigerated temperatures, L. monocytogenes is a prolific biofilm -producer and environmental contaminant |
| SOURCES | Refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods (meat, poultry, fresh produce, seafood, and dairy – unpasteurized milk and milk products or foods made with unpasteurized milk) |
| SYMPTOMS | Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, meningitis, and miscarriages Listeria can cause serious illness or death in pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns. |
| INCUBATION | 9 to 48 hours after ingestion, but may occur up to 6 weeks after eating food contaminated with approximately 1,000 cells |
| DURATION | Variable |
| BASICS | A zoonotic pathogen that is one of the most common causes of human infections. Children under age one (1) have the highest rate of campylobacteriosis. Furthermore, unborn babies and infants are more susceptible on first exposure to this bacterium and the threshold for seeking medical care for infants is low. In some cases, campylobacteriosis is identified as an antecedent infection associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, an auto-immune disorder |
| SOURCES | Raw milk, untreated water, raw and undercooked meat, poultry, or shellfish |
| SYMPTOMS | Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach cramps, fever, muscle pain, headache, and nausea |
| INCUBATION | Generally 2 to 5 days after eating food contaminated with approximately 500 cells |
| DURATION | 2 to 5 days |
Cutting-edge Solutions for Microbiological Analysis
Discover Glenwood Technologies' extensive range of rapid microbiological test kits designed to detect and quantify microbiological contamination in food and other products with unmatched speed and accuracy. Our advanced microbiological solutions can test for pathogens, spoilage, and indicator organisms. To learn more, check our innovative list of ready-to-use chromogenic media plates, pathogen lateral flow kits, environmental sampling tools, collection solutions, and a wide range of high quality dehydrated culture media.
CompactDry™
Ready-to-Use Chromogenic Media Plates
Experience the ultimate convenience and accuracy with CompactDry™, the leading and the most technologically-advanced ready-to-use chromogenic media plates. Trusted by thousands of microbiologists worldwide, CompactDry™ offers rapid and accurate results, eliminating the need for laborious media preparation and sterilization. CompactDry™ sets a new standard in microbiological testing, offering the widest range of parameters including Total Count, Coliform, E. coli and Coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Yeast & Mold, Salmonella, Listeria spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Bacillus cereus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Heterotrophic bacteria in water, and Total Count in Tea.
- Convenient: Self-diffusing media eliminates the need for pressing, spreading, and tilting of plates, ensuring a hassle-free testing process
- Storage-Efficient: Robust, stackable plates with shelf life of up to 2 years at room temperature
- Fast & Accurate: Get rapid results in as fast as 24 hours for most parameters, ensuring quick and reliable microbial analysis
- Reliable: Approved by esteemed organizations including AOAC International, MicroVal, NordVal, and HPFB Health Canada, guaranteeing its quality and reliability
Click this video to learn more about CompactDry™ and how it revolutionizes microbiological testing.
RapidChek®
Your Strip Solution to Pathogen Detection
Qualitative lateral flow immunochromatographic assays for rapid recovery of the target pathogen - E. coli O157:H7, Listeria spp., L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Group D1 Salmonella (including Salmonella Enteritidis), Salmonella Group B, Salmonella Group C1, and Campylobacter spp.
- Rapid and accurate qualitative testing
- Simple and user-friendly lateral flow design
- Recognized and approved by the AOAC Research Institute
- No reader and intensive training required to perform the test
ST-Tuve®
Environmental Microbial Detection Kits
Self-contained units that detect bacteria – E. coli / coliforms, Salmonella, or Staphylococcus aureus – on surfaces, and are used as an indicator of both contamination and surface cleanliness. It is simple and easy to use with qualitative results based on color change in 12 to 24 hours.
- Self-contained with built-in sterilizing solution
- Rapid: Results are available for tentative reading in as fast as 12 hours
- Cost-Effective: Low-cost alternative to other pathogen test kits
- Easy to Interpret: Qualitative results based on color change
- Simple: No need for complicated equipment
The Industry Standard for Environmental Sampling Collection
Environmental monitoring is an integral part of food safety. Sampling the environment with tools such as swabs or sponges allows manufacturers to verify their sanitation practices as well as to detect and quantify the presence of pathogens, indicator organisms, and allergens. Check Glenwood Technologies’ wide array of environmental sampling tools.
Hi-Cap™ Neutralizing Broth
The first collection solution developed specifically for the food and beverage industry
High Capacity (HiCap™) Neutralizing Broth was developed to meet the specific needs of food and beverage producers. Unlike other collection solutions such as the Neutralizing Buffer, Leethen Broth, or D/E Neutralizing Broth, HiCap™ helps to ensure the accuracy of microbiological test results by neutralizing a comprehensive array and greater quantity of residual sanitizer.
- Allows users to test samples up to 72 hours after collection by maintaining the viability of stressed and injured cells unlike other collection solutions
- Only contains components acceptable for use in food that are listed in the EAFUS (Everything Added to Food in the US)
- Formulated with no animal-derived and allergenic components
- Compatible with both traditional and rapid enumeration, and pathogen detection methods
- Used in tandem with EZ™ Reach Sponge Samplers, PUR-Blue™ swab samplers, PUR-Blue™ Duo swab samplers, and Veriswab™ samplers
EZ Reach™ Sponge Samplers
Industry’s most preferred and trusted environmental sampling tool.
The wide range of EZ Reach™ sponge samplers offer various sizes and functions to fit most sampling needs. It is widely used in collecting samples on a variety of surfaces, from processing equipment and conveyors to drains and expansive floor or wall surfaces.
- Biocide-free polyurethane sponge resists tearing and crumbling during sample collection
- Easy-to-use and economical
- The patented twist-off handle securely holds the sponge during sampling and is easily removed for transport
- Individually packed in a stomacher pouch for sample integrity, and easy handling and transporting
- Optimal recovery of organisms from surfaces and carcass samples
- Ideal for collecting samples in hard-to-reach surfaces, around corners, and irregular-shaped areas
- Available with HiCap™ neutralizing broth and other collection solutions
PUR-Blue™ Swab Samplers
The go-to sampling collection tool for surfaces up to 1 ft².
Unlike the traditional fiber-style cotton or Dacron-tipped swabs, PUR-Blue™ swab samplers possess a medical-grade polyurethane foam tip that resists tearing and fraying, making it the ideal tool for sampling rough surfaces.
- Easy-to-use and economical
- Available with large and small biocide-free polyurethane tips
- The large tip is ideal for pathogen testing, as it can cover up to a 1 ft² sampling area and be used for plating multiple tests, while the small tip is perfect for direct plating of 1 mL samples.
- With convenient write-on area for recording sample ID
- Available with 1 mL, 4 mL, 5 mL, or 10 mL of HiCap™ neutralizing media and various collection solutions
PUR-Blue™ Duo Swab Samplers
Sample collection and enrichment in one device
One tube contains a pre-hydrated swab with neutralizing media, while the second tube contains an enrichment broth for efficient recovery and growth of target organisms such as Listeria spp. or Salmonella spp.
- Easy-to-use and economical
- Strong and flexible shaft
- With convenient write-on area for recording sample ID
- Available with 1.5 mL of HiCap™ neutralizing media and 9 mL Buffered Peptone Water or Demi-Fraser Broth
Veriswab™ Samplers
Dacron-tipped swab with highly visible shaft
Includes a 16x100 mm polypropylene tube and screw cap with an attached Dacron-tipped swab on a blue shaft. The tube has a flat base that sits stably on a solid surface while a sample is being collected.
- Ideal for collecting samples from small areas with limited access such as cracks, crevices, and areas with small openings
- Available with 1 mL, 4 mL, or 10 mL of HiCap™ neutralizing media and various collection solutions
FlipRight™ Pre-filled Vials
Ready-to-use collection solutions
Ready-to-use 9 mL and 10 mL fill volumes for simple serial dilutions or sponge hydration
- Convenient and cost-effective
- Available solutions: Buffered Peptone Water, Butterfield's Phosphate Buffer, D/E Neutralizing Broth, HiCap™ Neutralizing Broth, Letheen Broth, Peptone Water, and Maximum Recovery Diluent
NovaLock™ Dilution Bottles
Ready-to-use collection solutions
Ready-to-use 90 mL and 99 mL volumes for convenient sample preparation
- Convenient and cost-effective
- No mixing and sterilization needed
- Available solutions: Buffered Peptone Water, Butterfield's Phosphate Buffer, Phosphate Buffer, and 0.1% Peptone Water
Adapters and Extension
Safely collect samples from hard-to-reach areas with telescopic extension poles and specialized adapters made exclusively for EZ Reach™ sponges and PUR-Blue™ swabs. No need to use a ladder. Extension poles are available in 8 ft.
Dividable Grid Containers
Safely and efficiently move samples around the laboratory. Reconfigurable dividers provide clear separation of samples, allowing for easy handling and processing while minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
SurfACE™ Boot Cover Swabs
Poultry Litter Sampling Made Easy
These sterile sampling devices are designed for easy and effective collection of poultry litter samples to test for harmful pathogens like Salmonella.
- Safe and Secure: Made from a biocide-free, 5.9” x 5.9” (15 cm x 15 cm) cotton-polyester blend fabric, the boot cover swabs comfortably fit over your boots with a secure elastic top.
- Available dry or pre-moistened with buffered peptone water
- Convenient Packaging: Each swab comes in a re-sealable lab bag with a convenient pull tab for easy opening. The bag includes a designated label area for clear sample identification.
- Guaranteed Sterility: All Boot Cover Swabs are irradiated to ensure the highest level of sterility for reliable testing results.
- Compliant with EU Regulations and ISO 13307:2013
- Convenient Packaging: Each swab comes in a re-sealable lab bag with a convenient pull tab for easy opening. The bag includes a designated label area for clear sample identification.
- Best use with RapidChek® Pathogen Lateral Flow Test Kits
SurfACE™ Sponge-Stick in Twirl-Tie™ Bag
All-in-one solution for fast, effective surface sampling
This convenient sampling device helps you collect microbial samples from various surfaces for laboratory analysis, it offers a practical and user-friendly solution for various surface sampling applications.
- Versatile Sampling: The 3" x 1.5" (7.5 x 3.5 cm) biocide-free cellulose sponge effectively collects contaminants from surfaces. Choose dry sponges for customization or pre-moistened sponges with 10ml buffer for immediate use.
- Enhanced Usability: The unique quick-release handle allows for rapid and easy sponge detachment after sampling. The thumb stop prevents accidental contact with the sponge during use.
- Safe and Efficient: No gloves are required for safe sampling due to its ergonomic handle. The long, slender design makes it ideal for reaching into tight spaces, gaps, drains, and pipes.
- Convenient Storage and Identification: Each SurfACE™ Sponge-Stick comes in a resealable Twirl-Tie™ bag with a pull tab for easy opening. The bag features a designated area for clear sample labeling.
- Reduced Environmental Footprint: Less plastic used in production; stick is made of recyclable material (polypropylene, PP).
- Long Shelf Life: 9 months from production when kept in the sealed Twirl-Tie™ bag.
- Best use with RapidChek® Pathogen Lateral Flow Test Kits
SurfACE™ Sponge-Stick in Twirl-Tie™ Bag
All-in-one solution for fast, effective surface sampling
This convenient sampling device helps you collect microbial samples from various surfaces for laboratory analysis, it offers a practical and user-friendly solution for various surface sampling applications.
- Versatile Sampling: The 3" x 1.5" (7.5 x 3.5 cm) biocide-free cellulose sponge effectively collects contaminants from surfaces. Choose dry sponges for customization or pre-moistened sponges with 10ml buffer for immediate use.
- Enhanced Usability: The unique quick-release handle allows for rapid and easy sponge detachment after sampling. The thumb stop prevents accidental contact with the sponge during use.
- Safe and Efficient: No gloves are required for safe sampling due to its ergonomic handle. The long, slender design makes it ideal for reaching into tight spaces, gaps, drains, and pipes.
- Convenient Storage and Identification: Each SurfACE™ Sponge-Stick comes in a resealable Twirl-Tie™ bag with a pull tab for easy opening. The bag features a designated area for clear sample labeling.
- Reduced Environmental Footprint: Less plastic used in production; stick is made of recyclable material (polypropylene, PP).
- Long Shelf Life: 9 months from production when kept in the sealed Twirl-Tie™ bag.
- Best use with RapidChek® Pathogen Lateral Flow Test Kits
SurfACE™ Fabric Swabs
Ideal for large-area microbial sampling applications
SurfACE™ Fabric Swabs or swab cloths are pre-moistened sampling solutions designed for collecting microbial samples from expansive surfaces. These swabs are ideal for the food processing industry and other environments requiring large-area sampling.
- Large Sampling Area: The large blue, biocide-free fabric swab, measuring 28 x 32 cm (folded twice), effectively covers a significant surface area during sampling, increasing the likelihood of capturing a representative sample.
- Pre-moistened Options: Choose from dry swabs or swabs pre-moistened with 10 mL MRD or neutralizing buffer
- Durable and Biocide-Free: Constructed from a non-woven, wood-pulp/polyester fabric, these fabric swabs are strong and reliable for sample collection.
- Convenient Packaging: Each fabric swabs are placed in a 55 oz., 7.5 x 12" (19 x 30 cm) Twirl-Tie™ bag. Bags can be opened easily with the attached pull-tabs and include a label area for sample identification. Like all microbial sampling products, they are irradiated for proven sterility.
- Best use with RapidChek® Pathogen Lateral Flow Test Kits
Sponge in a Vial
3" x 1.5" Biocide-free cellulose sponge
Choose between dry sponges for customization with your preferred solution or pre-moistened sponges with 10ml buffer for immediate use. The 3" x 1.5" (7.5 x 3.5 cm) size ensures efficient sample collection from various surface areas.
- Secure Storage and Easy Identification: Each sponge is placed in a 120ml plastic screw-cap vial. This vial protects the sponge during transport and storage while the cap allows for easy retrieval. A designated label on the vial simplifies sample identification and organization.
- Long Shelf Life 12 months from production when stored in the sealed vial
Carcass Sampling Template
Maintain precise sampling areas on carcasses and surfaces with the Carcass Sampling Template.
- Standardized Sampling: Available in two sizes — 100 sq cm (10 x 10 cm) and 50 sq cm (10 x 5 cm) — the template ensures consistent sampling areas across different carcass or surface types.
- Durable Design: Constructed from rigid paperboard, the template can withstand vigorous use during sampling procedures.
- Convenient Packaging: Each template is individually packaged in an easy-to-open plastic bag, promoting aseptic handling and reducing the risk of contamination.
- Guaranteed Sterility: For reliable testing results, all Carcass Sampling Templates undergo irradiation to ensure the highest level of sterility for reliable testing results.
High quality and cost-effective Dehydrated Culture Media
Whether you are performing routine microbiological testing, conducting research experiments, or investigating specific pathogens, our Dehydrated Culture Media provide the essential nutrients and selective properties necessary for successful cultivation and identification of microorganisms. Our extensive portfolio covers a comprehensive array of culture media formulations, ensuring that you have the right tools to support your microbiological analysis.
Biomark™ Dehydrated Culture Media
The conventional plating method has been the foundation of all microbiological test systems today, and is in fact considered as the Gold Standard. To support companies and institutions employing this method alongside or independent from rapid tests, Glenwood Technologies introduces the Biomark™ Laboratories’ line of dehydrated culture media (DCM) products.
- High quality media for clinical dairy, food & beverage, veterinary and water & wastewater companies or institutions
- Biomark Laboratories holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2003 certifications, which guarantee that every DCM product undergoes a rigorous quality assurance process
- Cost-effective without compromising quality
- Available with a wide range of parameters
- Available in 500 g and 5 kg packaging
At Glenwood Technologies, we are dedicated to provide innovative solutions and high quality products for your microbiological analysis. Whether you are conducting routine testing, research experiments, or ensuring food and feed safety, our comprehensive range of microbiological testing solutions and dehydrated culture media is designed to meet your requirements. With our advanced technologies and reliable products, you can trust us to support your microbiological analysis with accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind. Together, we can redefine and optimize your microbiological testing processes for greater success.