Microbial food and beverage testing is the determination of microorganism contamination levels during the manufacturing process and in final consumer products. Microbial testing involves the application of biochemical and molecular methods for the detection, identification, or enumeration of microorganisms in a product.

IMPORTANCE OF MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING IN FOOD AND BEVERAGES
Food Safety and Standards Act guidelines help food and beverage manufacturers maintain product safety and quality. Identification of pathogen and food spoilage microorganisms is a vital part of food microbiology to ensure consumer safety, prevent brand desecration, and minimize costly mitigation following failed inspections or food poisoning outbreak. Key factors to be considered in a microbial testing program include frequency of testing, ideal production stage for testing, matrix or product composition, target spoilage organism, and testing methods.