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MicroVal Recap Edition 2025

New year, new journey. As we begin the first working week of 2026, MicroVal looks back on a year of progress, collaboration, and growth in 2025.

Team updates: In 2025, we welcomed Linda Li to the MicroVal team. We also extend our best wishes to Joost Witsenburg and Eric Kamst as they embark on new professional adventures, and we thank them sincerely for their valuable contributions to MicroVal. Following the departure of Joost Witsenburg, Suzanne de Jonge is currently serving as MicroVal Manager.

New MicroVal Member & Expert laboratory: We welcomed Sophie Jacquesson and Ben Bastin as new members of the MicroVal Technical Committee (MVTC). We look forward to their valuable contributions to MicroVal’s activities. In addition, Midwest Laboratories has joined MicroVal as an independent expert laboratory, bringing the total number of MicroVal Expert Laboratories to six. Midwest Laboratories will conduct MicroVal validation studies in accordance with the MicroVal validation scheme.

International presence: MicroVal strengthened its international engagement by participating in the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Annual Meeting in San Diego. This event provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues worldwide. In addition, together with the AOAC Southeast Asia Section (AOAC SEA), and in collaboration with AOAC INTERNATIONAL, we delivered the 2025 AOAC & MicroVal Method Validation Training – Microbial Method Validation: Detailed Insights.

Key milestones: During 2025, fifteen MicroVal certificates were issued. Congratulations to all organisations on achieving certification. We also reached an important communication milestone, with 1,000 followers on LinkedIn, reflecting the growing interest in microbiological method validation, certification, and MicroVal’s role in this field.

Looking ahead, MicroVal remains committed to supporting the validation and certification of alternative (confirmation) methods for the microbiological analysis of food, beverages, and water, while continuing to collaborate with microbiological organisations worldwide.

MicroVal Validation confirms performance of NEOGEN® Molecular Detection Assay 2 for STEC

A MicroVal validation study conducted by ADRIA has successfully evaluated the NEOGEN® Molecular Detection Assay 2 for the detection of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Shiga-toxin gene (stx1 and stx2) and intimin gene (eae) from Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli STEC. The study was performance in accordance with ISO 16140-2 & ISO 16140-2/A1:2024 with ADRIA internal method based on ISO/TS 13136 (November 2012) as reference method. The study covered raw meat (except poultry) as well as fresh produces and fruits.

The validation scope included two alternative methods:

  • NEOGEN® Molecular Detection Assay 2 – STEC Gene Screen (stx)
  • NEOGEN® Molecular Detection Assay 2 – STEC Gene Screen (stx and eae)

After standardised enrichment steps using pre-warmed Buffered Peptone Water (BPW), DNA extraction was performed with the NEOGEN Lysis Solution, followed by LAMP-based detection targeting stx alone or stx and eae genes. Confirmation of presumptive results was carried out by direct streaking on selective agar and molecular confirmation using the same NEOGEN® assays.

Results demonstrated that the NEOGEN® Molecular Detection Assay 2 provides a reliable and efficient alternative method for STEC detection across a broad range of food matrices. This validation reinforces the suitability of NEOGEN® Molecular Detection Assay 2 as a robust tool to support food safety testing and regulatory compliance for STEC monitoring.

The certificate and the detailed summary report, number 2020LR92, are available on our website.

New certificate for iQ-Check EB for the detection of Enterobacteriaceae

MicroVal approved the issuing of a new certificate for iQ-Check EB for the detection of Enterobacteriaceae, manufactured by Bio-Rad Laboratories. As indicated by its name, this method is designed for the detection of Enterobacteriaceae in infant formula, infant cereals (with or without probiotics), and related ingredients with test portion up to 375 grams.

The study was performed by ADRIA, and conducted in accordance with ISO 16140-2:2016 and ISO 16140-2/A1:2024. The validation covered the following components:

  • iQ-Check Enterobacteriaceae kit
  • FDRS
  • CFX96 Deep Well and CFX Opus Deep Well PCR instruments

The method involves enrichment of samples in prewarmed Buffered Peptone Water (BPW) with a PIF supplement, followed by FDRS treatment, lysis, and PCR analysis. Positive PCR results are confirmed using either the reference method (ISO 21528-1:2017) or the alternative method based RAPID Enterobacteriaceae agar, where the presence of typical colonies confirms the result.

This validation confirms the reliability, robustness, and applicability of the iQ-Check EB method for detecting Enterobacteriaceae  in sensitive food matrices intended for infants.

An extension of the validation was approved in June 2025 for use with the updated CFX Maestro IDE software (version 4.0).

The certificate and the detailed summary report, number 2018LR80, are available on our website.

New certificate issued for Autobio Diagnostics’s method

MicroVal has approved the issuing of a new certificate for the Autof ms1000 method developed by Autobio Diagnostics Co., Ltd. This certificate is based on a validation study performed by Q Laboratories.

The Autof ms1000 is a mass spectrometry system designed for the confirmation of isolated colonies of bacteria, yeasts, and molds from various agar media. The system uses Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) technology to identify microorganisms based on their unique ribosomal protein patterns. This “soft ionization” technique employs a liquid matrix, typically α-Cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), to gently ionize large biomolecules with minimal fragmentation. The resulting ions are analyzed by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), producing a distinct spectral fingerprint for each organism.

Identification is achieved by comparing the test organism’s mass spectrum to a reference library containing spectra of known organisms. The Autof ms1000 software then provides a probability-based identification according to the degree of spectral similarity.

The MicroVal validation was conducted in accordance with ISO 16140-6:2019, using ISO 22964:2017 as the reference method. The evaluation covered the confirmation of Cronobacter spp. at the genus level, using Autof ms1000 software version 2.2.157.

The study included both selective and non-selective (reference) agar media:

  • Selective agars: Cronobacter Chromogenic Isolation Agar (CCI), Brilliance Cronobacter Sakazakii Agar (DFI formulation), and HardyCHROM Sakazakii (HCCS).
  • Non-selective agar: Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) — Hardy Diagnostics.

The certificate and full validation report are available under the number 2023LR117.

First certificate for SureFast® Listeria 3plex ONE Kit and the SureFast® PREP Bacteria Kit

MicroVal has approved the issuance of the certificate for the SureFast® Listeria 3plex ONE Kit and the SureFast® PREP Bacteria Kit, developed by Congen Biotechnologie GmbH. The study is being conducted by Q Laboratories.

The SureFast® Listeria 3plex ONE Kit enables real-time PCR detection of Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes in food and environmental samples. The kit can also be used in combination with the SureFast® PREP Bacteria Kit, offering an alternative DNA extraction option. The method consists of four steps: enrichment, DNA extraction, real-time PCR detection, and interpretation of results. The real-time PCR assay can be performed using commercially available PCR instruments equipped to detect four fluorescence channels OX, Cy5, VIC, and HEX simultaneously.

The validation has been conducted in accordance with ISO 16140-2:2016 and the reference methods ISO 11290-1:2017 and ISO 6887 (Parts 1–5). The study covers the detection of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in a broad range of foods and environmental samples, including:

  • Heat-processed and raw milk and dairy products
  • Raw and ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products
  • RTE poultry products
  • RTE and ready-to-reheat (RTRH) fishery products
  • Fresh produce and fruits
  • Multi-component foods or meal components
  • Environmental samples

This validation confirms the performance of the SureFast® Listeria 3plex ONE Kit and SureFast® PREP Bacteria Kit as reliable alternatives for the detection of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes across diverse food and environmental matrices.

The certificate and detailed summary report (number 2023LR114) are available on our website.

AOAC & MicroVal Method Validation Training – Microbial Method Validation: Detailed Insights

We’re thrilled to invite our network to Session 2 of the 2025 AOAC & MicroVal Method Validation Training – Microbial Method Validation: Detailed Insights, organised by AOAC Southeast Asia (AOAC SEA) in collaboration with AOAC INTERNATIONAL and MicroVal.

  • When: 10 September 2025, 11:00 – 14:00 (GMT+8)
  • What’s inside: LOD & POD concepts, appendices, validation elements, verification pathways
  • Who should join: Lab professionals, method developers, regulatory stakeholders
  • Registration: Free for AOAC SEA members (use code MWG2025). Deadline: 9 September 2025, 16:00 (GMT+8)

Register now! Link

New certificate Autof ms1000 Method for confirmation of Salmonella spp.

MicroVal approved the issuing of a certificate for Autof ms1000 method from Autobio Diagnostics Co, Ltd. This method is a mass spectrometer system using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) for the confirmation of isolated colonies of bacteria, yeasts, and molds from a variety of agar media.

Q Laboratories performed the validation study. The study was conducted in accordance with ISO 16140-6:2019 and reference methods ISO 6579-1:2017 and ISO 6579-1:2017/Amd 1:2020. The scope of validation covers the confirmation of presumptive Salmonella spp. colonies isolated from selective and non-selective agars under specified conditions, supporting a genus-level claim.

This validation confirms that the Autof ms1000 method provides a reliable alternative for the confirmation of Salmonella spp. in food chain testing, strengthening confidence in microbiological safety and quality assurance.

The certificate and detailed summary report of this study (2023LR116) are available on our website, under “ISO 16140-6 (Confirmation and serotyping methods)”.

New certificate for Neogen’ Petrifilm® Bacillus cereus (BC) Count Plate Method

MicroVal is pleased to announce the validation of the Petrifilm® Bacillus cereus (BC) Count Plate Method from Neogen Corporation. The validation was carried out by Q Laboratories.

The study was conducted in accordance with ISO 16140-2:2016 and ISO 16140-2:2016/Amd 1:2024. The reference method used was ISO 7932:2004 – Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs – Horizontal method for the enumeration of presumptive Bacillus cereus – Colony count technique at 30 °C.

Scope of validation is a broad range of foods and animal feed, including: Pasteurized milk & dairy products; Dried cereals, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grain products; Multi-component foods; Ready-to-eat and ready-to-reheat meat and poultry; Infant formula and infant cereals; Animal food & feed. The sample size is 50 g for all categories.

This validation confirms that the Petrifilm® BC Count Plate Method provides a reliable alternative to the reference method for the enumeration of Bacillus cereus in diverse food and feed matrices.

The certificate and detailed summary report of this study (2024LR132) are available on our website.

We’ve hit 1,000 followers!

MicroVal now has more than 1000 people following our page on LinkedIn! A big thank you to each and every one of you for joining us. We’re thrilled to see so much interest in method validation and certification and in how MicroVal contributes to advancing this field.

So far, we’ve used this space to share updates on new certificates and upcoming conferences. But we’d love to hear from you. What kind of content would you like to see more of?

Drop your thoughts in the comments of our LinkedIn page.

First certificate for FOSS BactoScanTM5

In January 2025, MicroVal granted another certificate, this time for the FOSS BactoScanTM5. The BactoScanTM5 is FOSS’ latest generation fully automated flow cytometry-based instrument dedicated to quantify the Total Bacterial Count (TBC) in raw milk.

Building on the legacy of previous generations, the new innovative BactoScan 5 allows milk testing laboratories to analyze raw milk more efficiently and with an unprecedented level of safety, making it easier than ever before to improve food safety and ensure milk quality. One of the key drivers behind these improvements is a new reagent concept that significantly reduces the amount of operator steps and the time spent on reagent preparation, and also responsibly reduces the use of chemicals, and waste. This means improved productivity and business. For more information: Boost Productivity with BactoScan™ 5 Milk Bacteria Analyzer.

The validation study was conducted by Actalia Cecalait, a MicroVal expert laboratory. Actalia evaluated the instrument according to ISO 16140-2:2016, ISO 16297:2020, and ISO 21187:2021 standards, as well as the criteria defined in the EURL MMP document “Criteria for the validation of instrumental (epifluorescent) methods for the determination of total flora in raw milk” from December 2011. In the second part of the study, the instrument was compared to the already validated certified BactoScanTM FC+. For more information, see the detailed summary report and certificate number 2013LR45).

The certificate and the detailed summary report of this current study, number 2024LR133, are available on our website.