Food & Beverage

Innovation for a Safer World

AEMTEK’s research staff is composed of highly qualified Ph.D. scientists and industrial experts with extensive experience. AEMTEK leverages technical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to solve complex problems related to microbial detection, and to perform research in applied and environmental microbiology and mycology.

At AEMTEK, we design research projects to meet a wide variety of needs, including:

  • New product accelerated shelf life testing
  • Microbial challenge studies
  • Preservative system selection & efficacy studies
  • Optimal processing and multiple contamination barrier selection


Some of our research projects and interests are listed below:

Shelf Life Studies

At AEMTEK, we aid in the development process of new and innovative foods and beverages through the careful study of product performance and stability. We work closely with small to large scale businesses to design and perform shelf life testing customized for your unique needs.

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Challenge & Validation Studies

AEMTEK offers customized challenge and validation studies designed to meet the goals of each specific project. Our experienced Ph.D. microbiologists and mycologists will help guide you through the process in order to design a scientifically valid study for the product of
interest.

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Product Spoilage Investigations

The Problem

Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of finding bulging packages or spoiled food before the end of its expiration date? Were you left puzzled by the cause of the rapid spoilage? Did you need an immediate and practical action plan to correct the issue?

Believe it or not, premature food spoilage is a common problem that continues to trouble food manufacturers today. Some of the major factors include sanitation practice, ingredient quality, processing variability, and environmental monitoring. Examining these key components can help processors narrow down the cause of the spoilage and develop practical solutions.

At AEMTEK, we offer expert services in spoilage investigations and environmental monitoring strategy to help food and beverage industries take immediate corrective actions.

The Solution

Our seasoned team of microbiologists and mycologists at AEMTEK can support you through your toughest product spoilage challenges. We provide investigative solutions including:

  • Microbiological testing and identification of the spoilage containment
  • Environmental monitoring plan design and verification
  • On-site facility assessments and sampling
  • Air and environmental sampling for fungal spores and bacteria
  • Technical consultation and corrective action plan development

Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing / Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET)

Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing is also known as Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET). This testing evaluates how effective an antimicrobial agent, or preservative, is at inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in a product.

The effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent is determined by measuring the microbial load of a product after it has been inoculated in the laboratory.

Our experienced scientific team can adhere to standard procedures or develop specific methods according to your needs. AEMTEK’s standard PET testing includes 3-4 test points over a period of 28 days. Our laboratory follows the USP <51> method with inoculation of all 5 microorganisms including:

  1. Candida albicans
  2. Aspergillus brasiliensis
  3. Escherichia coli
  4. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  5. Staphylococcus aureus

We perform testing following the procedures outlined by the U.S. Pharmacopeia, ASTM, NCCLS, AOAC, etc. Testing is conducted in adherence to rigid quality control requirements to provide you with reliable and reproducible data for optimizing your services and/or formulating your products.

Our laboratory is staffed with experienced Ph.D. microbiologists and mycologists and equipped with advanced instrumentation to ensure the generation of scientifically accurate data. AEMTEK follows a strict quality assurance program and participates in accreditation programs.

Ask for a Quote for Antimicrobial Efficacy Testing!

Product Development Testing

AEMTEK uses state-of-the-art equipment to test products under development. This testing allows the manufacturer to see how the product will perform under varying conditions. These conditions include different temperatures, substrates, the potential for microbial degradation, and more. AEMTEK has experience testing numerous types of products in their development stage, including:
  • Industrial and household cleaning products
  • Antimicrobial treatment products
  • Health care products
  • Biodegradable and compostable products
  • Industrial filtration products and devices

Sampling Device Evaluation

AEMTEK performs the evaluation of microbial sampling devices to determine the validity of the device under diverse conditions. The microbial analysis is performed by our qualified mycologists or microbiologists in accordance with product specifications or client requirements. Testing procedures follow ASTM standard methods, or highly accurate custom methods developed by AEMTEK scientists, as required. Equipment that may be used to evaluate sampling devices includes a compressor, nebulizer, aerosol chamber, walk-in environmental chamber, and sampler.

Molecular Detection

AEMTEK’s scientists are experienced in molecular research techniques for the detection and enumeration of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including:

  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) analysis
  • Quantitative PCR
  • DNA fingerprinting
  • DNA sequencing
  • ELISA

Reach out and tell us about your project to receive a quote for testing!

Sampling Device Evaluation

AEMTEK performs the evaluation of microbial sampling devices to determine the validity of the device under diverse conditions. The microbial analysis is performed by our qualified mycologists or microbiologists in accordance with product specifications or client requirements. Testing procedures follow ASTM standard methods, or highly accurate custom methods developed by AEMTEK scientists, as required. Equipment that may be used to evaluate sampling devices includes a compressor, nebulizer, aerosol chamber, walk-in environmental chamber, and sampler.

Meet Our Research Director, Dr. Heidi Wright

Author picture

Dr. Heidi Wright has a Ph.D. degree in Food Science & Technology and Toxicology from Iowa State University where she specialized in research areas related to natural antimicrobials in food and pharmaceutical applications. She also has an M.S in Biological Science with a specialization in Microbiology from South Dakota State University. Her research included extension outreach in food safety training. She has over 12 years of academic and industry experience in the areas of food safety, antimicrobials, and microbiology research, including method development, validation testing, and study designs for challenge and shelf-life studies.

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Why AEMTEK?

Benefit From...

Deep Technical Expertise

Get help solving your most complicated challenges from our team of seasoned industry professionals and Ph.D. scientists. We have experience in every aspect of laboratory testing, from chemistry and microbiology to product formulation and processing technology.

Direct Access to Experts

Gain more confidence in your product and food safety decisions by taking advantage of easy access to our Ph.D. scientists. We make sure our knowledgeable staff is easily accessible to address all your questions and provide advice in a timely manner, so you can do your job more efficiently.

A Partner in Growth

Work with a laboratory that cares about your business. For almost two decades, we have partnered with a range of companies to help solve challenges and support company growth. From early start-ups to established names, AEMTEK tailors it’s services to support your goals.

Reliable & Accurate Results

Breathe easier and sleep more soundly recognizing AEMTEK’s focus on analytical integrity.

We use the latest accredited methods and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver only the most accurate and reliable results to our clients.

Competitive Pricing & Fast TATs

Get results faster at competitive prices. All microbiology samples are prepped immediately upon arrival to ensure the quickest turnaround times possible.

Our chemistry testing has quick standard turnaround times.

Top-of-the-line Customer Care

Experience industry leading customer service. Get prompt replies to your questions whether via email, phone, or through our website chat. Our knowledgeable staff knows the importance of timeliness in the manufacturing industry and is here to address your questions and requests with speed and a smiling face.

Laboratory Accreditations

Get A Quote For Research

Analyses are performed using various rapid and classical methods, including the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM), the Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Examination of Foods, the APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, and the AOAC International Official Methods of Analysis. We employ rigid quality assurance guidelines in all testing. We offer modern rapid methods of analysis for reliable, timely results. Reports are electronically generated in a user-friendly language and format. In addition, our scientists are always ready to answer your questions and address your concerns.