Z-I-1 Laboratory for Food Microbiology

Laboratory services:

·  Professional diagnostics – including microbiological tests of food samples of animal origin; control of microbiological purity of food preparation surfaces and equipment; control in animal slaughtering facilities, plants for processing and production of food of animal origin for the purpose of reduction of microbiological contamination through the implementation of HACCP system.

Microbiological tests and controls are conducted according to the standards set out by the applicable Croatian laws and those required for control in export facilities according to the applicable EU and USA regulations.
The tests are conducted based on licenses obtained from the competent national institutions.

Since 2004, the diagnostic expertise and qualifications of the employees are controlled by our participation in inter-laboratory proficiency testing in the laboratories of the Health Protection Agency, London, UK.
In the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), the Z-I-1 Laboratory is the main control point of veterinary laboratories.

· Scientific research – including regular participation in Croatian and international research projects in the field of assurance and control of food safety, risk analysis and other projects with similar topics; cooperation with other research and education institutions within the scope of common projects; clinical studies of new diagnostic means such as commercial enzyme immunoassay tests, culture media, diagnostic antiserums and alike; participation in operations and cooperation with government and public institutions (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Croatian Food Agency, Croatian Standards Institute, Croatian Accreditation Agency).

With their knowledge and expertise, the Laboratory employees take part in the drafting of laws and regulations in the field of food safety control and their harmonization with the EU regulations.