New lab tests available for Townsville businesses

The high-end laboratory is run by Council and provides analytical testing to private clients for soil and water testing. Now for the first time the service has received NATA accreditation to test for microorganisms on surfaces.

NATA accreditation can only be achieved through careful assessment of the laboratory, demonstrating a strict and regulated quality and documentation system that ensures accurate and reliable analysis that is globally accepted.

The testing will be able to assess surfaces like benches, equipment and walls, and will be especially useful for food businesses and flood-affected buildings.

Deputy Mayor and divisional councillor Suzy Batkovic said the new accreditation was a credit to the team’s professionalism and commitment to high-quality testing.

“Townsville Laboratory Services is a quiet achiever, providing hundreds of thousands of analytical tests to clients in Townsville and further afield,” Cr Batkovic said.

“The team is already NATA accredited across many other types of testing, but being accredited to test for microorganisms on surfaces means the laboratory can work directly with hygiene and food-handling consultants to help businesses monitor and meet cleanliness and safety guidelines.

“Food businesses like bakeries, restaurants, meat processors and fruit packing facilities will find this testing especially valuable. This testing will also help assessments of flood-affected buildings where walls and surfaces have to be tested before and after cleaning to make sure they’re safe to use again.

“By expanding accreditation for testing, Townsville Laboratory Services can provide another critical services to not only the Townsville community, but our neighbouring communities across Queensland.”

For more information on Townsville Laboratory Services, visit Council’s website.