Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits for the individual. They are often referred to as "good" bacteria because they help maintain a healthy balance in the digestive system. These microorganisms can include various strains of bacteria and sometimes yeast. Probiotics products are also known as live biotherapeutic products (LBP).

Common probiotic products include fermented dairy products (such as yoghurt) and probiotic supplements in the form of capsules, oral liquid, and dairy powders. Examples of probiotic-fortified dairy powders include nutritional powered milk and infant formula supplemented with probiotics.

The common probiotics are Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species and Streptococcus thermophilus (used in yoghurt production).

The quality of probiotic products depends on factors such as composition, potency, stability and food safety. AsureQuality offers quantification, identification and food safety testing for probiotic products, to help manufactures meet the technical, scientific and regulatory requirements and ensure the safety, efficacy, and overall quality of their probiotic products.

Probiotic quantification

We provide multiple enumeration methods to accurately quantify probiotic microorganism levels. Our testing follows internationally recognized ISO standards and validated in-house methods, ensuring reliable results for different product types.

Probiotic identification

For precise identification of probiotic microorganisms (both bacteria and yeasts) down to the species level, we use MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (Bruker). This advanced technology enables rapid and accurate identification.

Food safety testing

To ensure probiotic products meet microbiological quality standards, we offer food safety testing using internationally accepted and pharmaceutical-grade methods. This ensures compliance with regulatory acceptance criteria for product safety.

Most of the probiotic testing is carried out at our Auckland Food Laboratory. We can carry out probiotics testing on raw materials and finished products, as well as carryover testing to support your cleaning and flushing processes.

For more information or to get started with this testing please contact our team.