The first step in resolving a microbiological issue is the correct and reliable identification of the microorganism that causes it. At QACSFOOD we provide Microorganism Identification either via DNA technology (Sanger Sequencing) or via protein analysis (Maldi TOF), being the only ISO 17025 accredited laboratory in Greece for this analysis. With the above methods, microorganisms are identified at the species level with absolute certainty.

Microorganism Identification concerns all categories of microbes such as Bacteria, Yeasts and Fungi (Molds). The analysis is provided in the shortest possible time (1-5 days) ensuring timely and valid information for Quality Control.

Along with the type of microorganism, information is provided on ecology, taxonomic position, growth conditions, potential pathogenicity and a brief description.

At the same time, scientific instructions and solutions are provided for further investigation of the source of contamination in a production area (environmental monitoring- root cause analysis).

NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) analysis enables the disclosure of the complete microbial profile (bacteria/yeasts/fungi) of a sample, whether it is a food, a plate with many different colonies, or an environmental sample e.g. swab or water, etc. It has the enormous advantage of not being affected by nutrient used and incubation conditions, thus revealing the complete microbial composition of a sample, something that classical microbiology is unable to do. It is widely used to reveal the microbiome of the production chain in a production unit, to find spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in food, water, raw materials, etc. It proves to be an extremely useful tool in the hands of QA/QC to design preventive or corrective actions.

QACSFOOD is the only ISO 17025 accredited lab for this analysis in Greece.

The Metagenomic Mapping Service (MMS) is a system-level approach to understanding and controlling the full spectrum of microorganisms within an industrial production environment. In modern manufacturing, contamination events are rarely caused by a single point of failure. They arise from the dynamic interaction of raw materials, water, air, equipment, surfaces, personnel, and processes.

MMS combines high-resolution Next-Generation sequencing–based metagenomic analysis with structured sampling design and industrial interpretation, revealing how microorganisms establish, persist, and move throughout the production system. Unlike the fragmented snapshots provided by conventional environmental monitoring, MMS transforms DNA data into actionable knowledge: it identifies microbial reservoirs and biofilm-related behaviors, maps transfer routes between zones and processes, and prioritizes microbiological risks based on real data.

MMS is used both as an investigative tool (for root cause analysis during deviations or recurring issues) and preventively, as a periodic microbiological risk assessment, supporting targeted corrective and preventive actions before problems become visible in the final product.

Microbiological Environmental Monitoring can also be performed using classical microbiology, with contact petri dishes, with general or special-purpose swabs, with air plates or air samplers, within the limitations of the growth conditions and material used.

The laboratory has the ability to take these samples on site or have them sent to it by QC and analyze them for the developed microbes at the species or genus level.

Especially for fungi, with microscopic and macroscopic observation, the population analysis is given in a sample or plate at the genus level. Necessary for environmental air monitoring, where required by the standards and needs of the product.

Within the framework of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and prior to the start of production, verifying the effectiveness of cleaning and overall hygiene conditions is critical (cleaning validation / hygiene verification). If cleaning is insufficient, residual organic matter can remain on production surfaces, facilitating microbial survival by acting as both a nutrient source and a protective matrix.

The Lumitester SMART A3 is an easy-to-use, rapid, and reliable hygiene verification solution, providing immediate indication of residual organic contamination on surfaces and in water.

Unlike conventional ATP systems on the market, A3 technology does not measure only ATP, but also ADP and AMP, the ATP degradation products, precisely where most traditional systems lack sensitivity.

This significantly improves the sensitivity and accuracy of hygiene monitoring, providing a more complete and realistic picture of the true hygiene status of production areas.

Results are automatically recorded and organized into tables, supported by dedicated software for consolidated monitoring, trending, and documentation of compliance within HACCP-based hygiene programs and in alignment with GFSI requirements (BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, etc.).

CertaBlue is a modern rapid microbiological testing system designed for manufacturing sites and Quality Control (QC) laboratories that require fast and reliable assessment of microbiological status, particularly when product release timelines and immediate decision-making are critical.

The system includes ready-to-use vials with selective culture media for both routine and targeted microbial groups (TVC, yeasts/moulds, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, etc.), providing a standardized, simple, and user-friendly workflow with minimized handling and reduced analytical variability.

CertaBlue can be implemented either as a standalone rapid solution or as a complementary tool alongside conventional microbiology, accelerating and strengthening overall QC efficiency.

It represents a practical tool for facilities aiming to improve microbiological risk assessment, optimize routine monitoring, and enhance microbiological safety, and is already in use by leading companies within the food industry.

The QACS microbiological (MB) support team undertakes staff training:

-In microbiology in general, with the aim of increasing the awareness of staff working in units with sensitive foods such as dairy products. Presentations are specific to each food category

-On microbiological techniques (e.g. microscope, plate creation, MB analyses), on setting up Quality Control at the level of SOP and work instructions

-Hazard analyses per food category

-Sampling design and product release criteria

-Inoculations of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in specific products to determine shelf life

-Inspection & Corrective Action Planning, QACS’s microbiological (MB) support team undertakes to come on site, conduct an inspection and draw up a corrective/preventive action plan to increase microbiological safety