Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 on foodstuffs.
Food microbiology
Food microbiology:
what risks and what analyses?
Micro-organisms (bacteria, yeasts, moulds) and viruses can contaminate food at various stages of the production chain, posing risks to consumer health, causing regulatory non-compliance and product recalls. Implementing a microbiological monitoring plan helps prevent these risks, control production quality and ensure product compliance.
Thanks to its laboratories specialised in food microbiology, Phytocontrol supports food industry professionals in the detection, identification and enumeration of key micro-organisms of interest. Our teams rely on the most efficient technologies, combining conventional culture methods, rapid methods and molecular biology techniques, to provide reliable, sensitive results within optimised turnaround times.
Microbiological analyses are essential to guarantee the health safety of foodstuffs.
CONTROL PLAN
Analytical expertise dedicated
to food microbiology
20
Over 20 years of expertise in microbiological analyses of food.
3
A central laboratory and two local laboratories ensure optimal geographic coverage, secure logistics and controlled delivery times, while guaranteeing a high level of analytical quality.
500
A state-of-the-art technology park of over 500m² dedicated to food microbiology analyses, reflecting our capacity to handle large volumes with a high level of control.
40000
More than 40,000 samples tested for food microbiology in 2025, illustrating the robustness of our processes and the scale of our activity.
Phytocontrol supports food industry professionals in managing microbiological risks through recognised analytical expertise and personalised support for the implementation, execution and monitoring of their control plans.
- Real-time PCR (or qPCR) analyses: ultra-fast, highly sensitive, specific and quantifiable detection of pathogens.
- Identification of bacteria and yeasts: Phytocontrol relies on MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization – Time of Flight) mass spectrometry, a benchmark technology enabling identification of micro-organisms within minutes from colonies grown on culture media. This innovative approach enhances the speed and reliability of results.
- Network of accredited laboratories: Phytocontrol ensures the sampling, transport and rapid processing of samples across the country. The Nîmes and Rennes laboratories are COFRAC accredited, while the Barcelona laboratory is ENAC accredited, guaranteeing a high level of quality and compliance with international standards.
Beyond responsiveness and analytical quality, Phytocontrol can support you with the numerous orders, regulations and good hygiene practice guides for the various sectors and trade associations:
AFSSA referral No. 2007-SA-0174 on process hygiene.
Guide from the French Federation of Commerce and Distribution
Good hygiene practice guide and application of HACCP principles for fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables.
Good hygiene practice guide and application of HACCP principles for raw milk collection and dairy product manufacturing
Good hygiene practice guide and application of HACCP principles in the durum wheat semolina industry.
European Pharmacopoeia Chapter 5.1.8 Microbiological quality of herbal medicinal products for oral use and extracts used in their preparation.
EXPERTISE
Which pathogenic micro-organisms do we analyse?
Phytocontrol detects, identifies and enumerates the main micro-organisms of interest in food:
- SRB
- Listeria spp & monocytogenes
- Salmonella
- E. coli O157:H7
- Pseudomonas spp at 25°C and 30°C
- Clostridium perfringens
- Bacillus cereus
- Thermophilic aerobic flora
- Total flora
- Micro-organisms at 30°C
- Yeasts and moulds
- Enterobacteria
- Escherichia coli
- Staphylococci
- Sulphite-reducing anaerobic bacteria
- Mesophilic lactic acid bacteria
- Gram-negative bacteria
- Candida albicans
- Coliforms
QUALITY
Our accreditations
All Phytocontrol Group laboratories are accredited in the field of food microbiology, respectively by COFRAC for the Nîmes and Rennes sites, and by ENAC for the Barcelona site.
Testimonial
How do we support Julie, Quality Manager at a caterer producing ready-to-eat products,
in managing microbiological risk?
In microbiology, responsiveness is essential. We need reliable and fast results to release our batches with confidence. With Phytocontrol, we benefit from a genuine partnership: the teams are available, deadlines are met and technical exchanges are always very constructive. It is a laboratory we can count on to guarantee the safety of our products and meet our customers’ requirements.
Beyond analysis
Our training courses
Recommended training courses
Discover 2 key training courses to quickly boost your skills
-
Microbiology
Understand the main microbiological hazards and their control in the food industry.
7 hoursRegistration -
Good Hygiene Practices
Strengthen your hygiene practices to limit contamination risks.
7 hoursRegistration
Questions about our analyses or your project?
Our advisers respond within 24 hours. Tell us what you need.
SECTORS
Products affected by pesticide residues
Phytocontrol supports and advises all players in the conventional food, organic farming, baby food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.
