Forensic Investigation
Forensic microbiology is an advanced investigative tool that plays a critical role in identifying the origin and cause of microbiological contamination events in food production environments. At Log10, forensic investigations are not merely reactive—they are systematic, science-driven inquiries that combine microbiological testing, environmental mapping, genomic analysis, and operational review to trace contamination pathways and guide corrective action.
Outbreaks or recurring microbial challenges—whether manifesting as spoilage, pathogen detection, or unexplained shelf life reduction—can threaten product integrity, consumer trust, and regulatory standing. Traditional testing alone often fails to provide the depth of insight needed to resolve such issues. In contrast, Log10’s forensic investigations utilize targeted and hypothesis-driven sampling protocols, rooted in decades of experience and informed by real-world facility constraints.
Our investigations begin with a comprehensive risk assessment of the facility and production process. We work collaboratively with internal food safety and operations teams to identify potential contamination vectors, including water systems, HVAC units, equipment dead zones, and employee handling practices. Using advanced microbiological techniques—including selective media, molecular strain typing, and quantitative analysis—we isolate and identify problematic organisms.
Once organisms are isolated, their prevalence and persistence are mapped across space and time using environmental swabbing, surface contact testing, and biofilm detection strategies. Biofilm-forming bacteria often evade routine sanitation and are a common cause of chronic contamination. In many investigations, Log10 identifies harborage sites that are missed by routine cleaning or are periodically re-contaminated due to equipment design, facility design or airflow patterns.
Our team applies statistical and visual data analysis techniques to recognize trends and recurrent hotspots. We generate comprehensive reports detailing organism identity, load levels, locations of concern, and potential vectors. These reports serve not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to equip management with clear, evidence-based recommendations for long-term remediation. This may include equipment redesign, updated SOPs, employee retraining, or targeted probiotic interventions.
Forensic investigations are also valuable in legal and insurance contexts. Our findings have supported root cause documentation in the event of recalls, regulatory citations, and insurance claims. Because Log10 maintains ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, our methods and results meet evidentiary standards for compliance review and litigation.
Ultimately, forensic microbiology is about turning unknowns into actionable knowledge. At Log10, our mission is not only to detect what went wrong, but to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Through science, experience, and collaboration, we help food producers identify hidden threats, close control gaps, and restore operational confidence.
Outbreaks or recurring microbial challenges—whether manifesting as spoilage, pathogen detection, or unexplained shelf life reduction—can threaten product integrity, consumer trust, and regulatory standing. Traditional testing alone often fails to provide the depth of insight needed to resolve such issues. In contrast, Log10’s forensic investigations utilize targeted and hypothesis-driven sampling protocols, rooted in decades of experience and informed by real-world facility constraints.
Our investigations begin with a comprehensive risk assessment of the facility and production process. We work collaboratively with internal food safety and operations teams to identify potential contamination vectors, including water systems, HVAC units, equipment dead zones, and employee handling practices. Using advanced microbiological techniques—including selective media, molecular strain typing, and quantitative analysis—we isolate and identify problematic organisms.
Once organisms are isolated, their prevalence and persistence are mapped across space and time using environmental swabbing, surface contact testing, and biofilm detection strategies. Biofilm-forming bacteria often evade routine sanitation and are a common cause of chronic contamination. In many investigations, Log10 identifies harborage sites that are missed by routine cleaning or are periodically re-contaminated due to equipment design, facility design or airflow patterns.
Our team applies statistical and visual data analysis techniques to recognize trends and recurrent hotspots. We generate comprehensive reports detailing organism identity, load levels, locations of concern, and potential vectors. These reports serve not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to equip management with clear, evidence-based recommendations for long-term remediation. This may include equipment redesign, updated SOPs, employee retraining, or targeted probiotic interventions.
Forensic investigations are also valuable in legal and insurance contexts. Our findings have supported root cause documentation in the event of recalls, regulatory citations, and insurance claims. Because Log10 maintains ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, our methods and results meet evidentiary standards for compliance review and litigation.
Ultimately, forensic microbiology is about turning unknowns into actionable knowledge. At Log10, our mission is not only to detect what went wrong, but to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Through science, experience, and collaboration, we help food producers identify hidden threats, close control gaps, and restore operational confidence.
