The Food Microbiology Laboratory at the Glen F. Baker Public Health Laboratory specializes in examining samples of ready-to-eat foods prepared by facilities such as restaurants and schools throughout the state. The laboratory works closely with the ADH Environmental Health and Epidemiology Branches to investigate potential foodborne illness outbreaks, as well as the UAMS Human Milk Bank to screen pasteurized donor milk for contaminants. The goal of testing is to ensure the safety and quality of food products consumed by the public. In addition, our testing services aid regulatory compliance and play a critical role in supporting the state’s food safety initiatives.
Food Safety Testing Procedures
Routine analyses performed in the Food Microbiology Laboratory include:
- Aerobic Plate Count: a common microbiological test used to estimate the number of viable aerobic bacteria in a sample.
- Total Coliform Count: used to detect and enumerate coliform bacteria in foods and beverages.
- E. coli Count: used for the enumeration of Escherichia coli and coliforms in foods and beverages.
- Staphylococcus spp. Count: used for the enumeration of DNase positive Staphylococcus spp. in foods and beverages.
Specific analyses performed in the laboratory (reserved for foodborne illness investigations unless approved through the ADH Food Program or ADH Epidemiology Department) include:
- Salmonella spp.
- Listeria monocytogenes
- E. coli O157:H7
- Bacillus cereus group
The laboratory also conducts post-pasteurization testing on human milk samples provided by the UAMS Milk Bank. This testing is used to ensure that donated human milk is safe for infants to consume after undergoing pasteurization.
Laboratory Accreditations
Contact Us
Visit ADH Food Protection for additional food safety resources, access to the Arkansas Food Inspection Portal, and information on how to file a consumer complaint.
ADH Office of Environmental Health
Phone: 501-661-2171
Fax: 501-661-2572
