Microbiology Testing

Microbiology Testing

Hill Labs offers a large range of accredited microbiology testing for different sample types, ranging from raw material to finished product, as well as environmental monitoring by swab. We have invested in the latest technologies to provide robust and sensitive testing to help clients ensure that their products and facilities are pathogen-free and comply with food safety requirements. Our methods are MPI and IANZ accredited, meaning local market providers, importers and exporters are able to use our results to meet their regulatory requirements. Our friendly Client Service Managers are just a phone call away and happy to help you understand your sampling and analysis needs.

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Molecular and Food Microbiology

Hill Labs has an extensive array of pathogen, food spoilage and food quality related tests for products and swabs. Both traditional and molecular based testing platforms are utilised to ensure industry leading turnaround times and reliability of results.

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Environmental and Water Microbiology

Tests are performed on water to monitor the microbiological quality. Microbial water analysis can be performed for a variety of reasons including resource consent, quality control, monitoring environmental impact or just wanting to know that your water is safe to drink.

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3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Swab Testing

Our latest innovation helps clients streamline their environmental monitoring programs by utilising both Tempo and PCR technology to test up to four organisms using just one swab. This advancement not only saves time and effort but also reduces the use of single-use plastics, supporting both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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Helpful links

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

Latest Stories

Staff Profile: Ester Woollaston - Championing Food Safety and Team Success

With nearly 10 years of experience, Section Manager for Water Microbiology, Ester Woollaston is passionate about public health and leads a busy lab. Learn more about Ester and her time at Hill Labs.
  30 Jun 2025

Expanding Our Dairy and Apiculture Services Through FSQSNZ Acquisition

Following our recent acquisitions of Food and Health Standards (FHS) and Auditing Solutions (AS), we’re excited to announce the next step in our growth journey: the acquisition of Food Safety Quality Solutions NZ (FSQSNZ Limited). This move, part of our joint venture with Sam Brooks, brings a trusted MPI-recognised agency into our fold, with over five years of combined experience in food safety and compliance. 
  24 Jun 2025

Hill Labs at Fieldays – A Look Through the Photo Album

The calendar is marked, and planning is well underway for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event – Fieldays. This year marks Hill Labs' 27th year exhibiting at the event, a milestone that gives us a wonderful opportunity to flick through the archives and reflect on our journey and the various looks we've sported over the years.
  20 May 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.