Microbial Testing
Screening for harmful microbes - total count, yeast and mold, E. coli, Salmonella.
Microbial testing checks a product for harmful microorganisms. A standard panel covers aerobic plate count (total bacteria), yeast and mold, E. coli, Salmonella, and - for moist formats - Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas. Standards are USP <2021> and <2022>.
It's non-negotiable for anything with moisture: gummies, liquids, and softgels are the highest risk. Note that a suspiciously clean count on a botanical can signal a sample-prep error or undisclosed irradiation. Expect roughly $100-$300.
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