The Microbiology Laboratory carries out analysis and experimentation activities at the service of the various research sectors of CoRFiLaC through the use of classical microbiology techniques supported by the use of biotechnology and in particular by the new molecular PCR methodologies. In recent years, research activity has developed along two main lines:

• characterization of the native microflora of historical Sicilian cheeses
• food safety of raw milk cheeses.

To safeguard the biological heritage typical of Sicilian dairy production, the characterization of the native microflora of raw milk and traditional equipment plays an important role. These represent the main drivers of the cheesemaking process and the biochemical events responsible for the development of the organoleptic peculiarities of the cheese.

The Microbiology Laboratory uses not only conventional phenotypic methods of microbiology, but also modern molecular methods to characterize crops at different taxonomic levels and to discriminate individual biotypes within the species. The laboratory’s activity is crucial for demonstrating the safety of Sicilian raw milk cheeses.

As part of the topic of food safety, specific research projects are underway for the biotyping of the microbial ecosystem of cheeses, historical Sicilian and otherwise, and of the equipment used in the cheese-making processes.

This research activity is accompanied by the support activity of the laboratory for the Institution’s experimental dairy (HACCP) and the service offered to farmers for the quality control of raw milk for the improvement of company management.

The laboratory also pays particular attention to the analytical service activity for farmers, agronomists and technicians in the dairy sector through the control of milk quality for the improvement of company management. The microbiological analyzes are carried out on traditional culture media in plates and Petrifilm for the technological and hygienic-sanitary evaluation of milk and derivatives and operates in compliance with the requirements of the UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 standard (reference number 0316 ACCREDIA).

RING TEST: the laboratory constantly participates in interlaboratory circuits organized by recognized national and international bodies, in order to be able to control and guarantee the reliability of its analytical results for:
1. Total bacterial load at 30°C
2. Presence of inhibitors