Meat Testing

Meat Testing

Hill Labs provides a diverse range of meat tests. Our methods are accredited for use in testing raw material and finished products. Latest technologies such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are used to ensure rapid and accurate identification of a variety of pathogens. We are accredited to perform STEC E. coli testing on meats for compliance with US OMAR. We also have a full range of heavy metals and proximate tests for meats.

Pathogen Testing

Hill Labs has an extensive array of pathogen-related tests that using either traditional culture, or molecular based detection. Our turnaround times are industry-leading and can be used with product or environmental swabs alike. Some of our routinely analysed pathogens are listed below.

  • Listeria species (by PCR)
  • Listeria monocytogenes (by PCR)
  • Salmonella (by PCR)
  • Aerobic plate count (APCs)
  • Enterobacteriaceae
  • Total coliforms
  • Faecal coliforms
  • E. coli
  • STEC E. coli ((including O157) by PCR)
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Camplyobacter

Heavy Metal Testing

Foods may become contaminated with heavy metals for many reasons. Many soil contaminants, such as heavy metals remain in biologically accessible states for extended periods of time, and are water-soluble, which means that they can bio-accumulate in fish, plants, meat, shellfish and potentially humans. As such testing soil, water, fruits, seafood, meats and vegetables for heavy metals is commonplace. Hill Labs has an extensive suite of heavy metal tests for use on everything from soil through to honey. Our technical notes will help guide you through what test may be right for your needs.

Contact us for more info!

Helpful links

Our team of testing experts has meticulously crafted these documents to offer recommendations tailored to your testing requirements.

Latest Stories

Hill News November 2025 - Update from our MD, Dr Jonno Hill

One truism in business is that everything starts with people, and so the ability to attract, retain and develop talent is critically important. We’re therefore very pleased to share the news below of two high-calibre senior appointments – one to our executive team and one to our Board – who we know will be valuable additions to our team. 
  20 Nov 2025

Coming Soon: Improvements to Invoicing & AR Processes

We’re excited to share that a major systems upgrade is on the horizon that will enhance how we manage invoicing and accounts receivable (AR). Scheduled to go live in the second half of 2026, this is part of a broader ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation project to support our evolving business.
  20 Nov 2025

Appointment of New GM Operations

Following a rigorous recruitment process, we are very pleased to announce that Mike Wink will be starting with us as our new General Manager - Operations on Monday 2nd February next year. Mike brings a wealth of experience and a strong alignment with Hill Labs’ values. His leadership style and operational expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow and navigate the increasing complexity of our multi-faceted business. 
  20 Nov 2025

What our customers have to say

"We've always found them to be responsive in getting results back and giving advice on problems we might be facing."

Andrew Hutchinson, Technical Manager, Turners & Growers

"We strongly recommend Hill Labs as a sound testing service provider to the honey industry."

Nick Walker, Technical Manager, Egmont Honey

"Their sample registration system has made things simple and seamless - collect, scan and send!"

Mathew Bannister, Compliance Manager, First Fresh New Zealand

Accreditations

As a New Zealand accredited laboratory by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), Hill Labs' commitment to quality is tantamount to our overall operating philosophy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work.