BCN Research Laboratories, Inc. was founded in 1988 to provide the food manufacturing industry with the highest quality services in the area of food microbiology and mycology. Its founder, Dr. Emilia Rico, is one of the 20 members of the International Commission in Food Mycology (ICFM (www.foodmycology.org). BCN Labs is recognized as the leader in food and beverage mycology (mold and yeast spoilage) in the United States. Our customer service is unparalleled. BCN Labs is a full-service microbiology laboratory that offers an extensive selection of microbiological and mycological tests. We specialize in food and beverage spoilage with a strong background in heat-resistant molds (HRM), Alicyclobacillus (ACB), preservative-resistant yeast and molds, xerophilic yeast and molds, lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria. BCN Labs staff is proficient in bacteria, yeast and mold identifications using molecular and confirmation using traditional identification techniques. We also specialize in pathogen testing such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. We can perform shelf-life and challenge studies as well as preservative and sanitizer studies. We can handle large sample volumes. We are certified by the U.S. EPA for microbiological testing of drinking water and is ISO 17025 accredited and women-owned. BCN Labs staffs expert consultants. They can perform spoilage investigation audits as well as spoilage and food safety risk assessment. These audits include environmental and product sampling, air quality and review of sanitation procedures. Our microbiologists and mycologists can detect and identify target organisms and determine the need for corrective action to prevent or reduce future product spoilage and pathogen contamination. It is the only food testing laboratory in the U.S. with a sister food sanitation company, Universal Sanitizers and Supplies, Inc. (www.universalsanitizers.com), that specializes in spoilage and pathogen contamination remediation.