Meat

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 August 2024 - Update From Our MD, Dr Jonno Hill

This year our business turns 40, so it is natural that we take some time to reflect on our journey to date, and where we think we might be heading.  One of the things I am particularly proud of at the moment is the increasing attention we're paying to measuring and reducing our environmental footprint.  Running a business in a competitive market requires that many things are done well, and so we are always working hard at our 'business-as-usual' routine services, as well as a portfolio of projects aimed at expanding and improving our business.  As for any business, our key people generally have very little discretionary time, and there is always a list of things to do.  Spending time on environmental sustainability initiatives therefore requires deliberate thought and effort - time that needs to be carved out in an environment where time is of the essence. 
  21 Aug 2024

Reliable metal testing results to ensure your wine meets market standards

Essential trace elements and undesirable heavy metals can be introduced into wine through various parts of the wine making process from vine to vintage. This includes: geochemical composition of rocks and soil, trace elements from environmental pollution, the use of fertilisers and pesticides, contact of grape material with various materials used in winemaking, including stainless steel, different types of wooden barrels, glass bottles, and other equipment.
  15 Aug 2024

A new measure for Soil Biological Health

Determining the presence of earthworms in soil has become easier. Hill Labs is delighted to announce the release of our new earthworm eDNA (environmental DNA) test which detects the DNA of earthworms in soil. A first for New Zealand, this soil test provides an indication of one of the biological components of soil health.
  13 Aug 2024

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.