Innovation Through Accreditation: Choosing Melbec for your Testing

When we founded Melbec Microbiology Ltd in 2013, our vision was to create a laboratory that would lead the way in microbiological testing for personal care and biocidal products. Over the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to earn our reputation as one of the UK’s top contract microbiology laboratories. Our commitment to quality and innovation has always been at the heart of everything we do, and we are incredibly proud to say that our efforts are reflected in the accreditations we’ve achieved. These accreditations represent more than just recognition—they are a testament to our dedication to excellence in microbiological testing.

UKAS Accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025:2017)

Melbec holds accreditation from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring quality, accuracy, and technical competence. At Melbec Microbiology Ltd, this accreditation guarantees that our methods, equipment, and personnel meet the highest standards. It covers two key areas:

• Management Requirements: Ensuring consistent, impartial operations through a robust quality management system (QMS).
• Technical Requirements: Focusing on method validation, equipment calibration, and staff expertise to ensure accurate, reliable results.

For us, ISO 17025 isn’t just an accreditation—it’s a framework that drives our commitment to excellence in microbiological testing. This accreditation (certificate number 8615) encompasses a broad range of microbiological tests, including cosmetics, biocidal and virucidal areas.

EN 1276 (Phase 2 Step 1 Test – Suspension Test for Bacteria)

EN 1276 is one of the most widely performed tests in the biocidal industry, evaluating the bactericidal efficacy of disinfectants and antiseptics. It assesses the ability of a product to kill specified bacterial strains under controlled conditions. As an initial test for biocidal product development, it provides valuable insight into the product’s effectiveness and guides further testing. Accreditation for EN 1276 ensures results meet the stringent requirements needed for regulatory approval.

EN 13697 (Phase 2 Step 2 Test – Surface Test for Bacteria and Fungi)

As one of the few UK laboratories accredited for EN 13697, we perform this surface efficacy test for leading biocidal manufacturers across Europe. EN 13697 evaluates the ability of a product to reduce bacterial and fungal contamination on hard, non-porous surfaces. This test is typically conducted after successful suspension testing (e.g., EN 1276) and is a requirement for Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR) submissions in the UK and EU.

ISO 11930 (Preservative Efficacy Testing; PET)

Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET) is essential for almost all cosmetics launched on the market. It determines the effectiveness of preservatives in preventing microbial contamination over the product’s shelf life. As one of the few UK laboratories accredited for ISO 11930, we support a wide range of clients, offering high-quality testing and expert insights that help ensure regulatory compliance and product safety.

ISO 21149 & ISO 16212 (Quality Control and Batch Release Testing)

We conduct these tests weekly for hundreds of cosmetic and personal care product samples. ISO 21149 focuses on the enumeration of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, while ISO 16212 assesses yeast and mould counts. Accredited QC testing ensures reliable, globally recognised results that meet stringent regulatory standards, reducing risks and building trust with customers and regulators.

Flexible Scope Accreditation (Phase 2 Step 1 Suspension Tests for Biocidal Products)

Melbec was the first commercial UK laboratory to achieve flexible scope accreditation for biocidal suspension testing, which allows us the option to evaluate and test under accredited conditions for all phase 2 step 1 biocidal suspension tests. This flexibility ensures our clients can meet evolving regulatory and product requirements quickly and efficiently.

Vegan UKAS-Accredited Testing & Vegan Society Registration

We are proud to be the first UK lab offering UKAS-accredited testing for QC and PET testing using alternative Vegan consumables for testing. This means we ensure that both the methods and materials are free of animal-derived components, whilst providing the same accredited service to standard testing. This option is available to all clients, whether their products are vegan or not, providing ethical and sustainable testing alternatives.

In addition, the vegan consumable products used within testing are registered with the Vegan Society, which means that we can offer testing using products registered with an internationally recognised vegan brand whose support helps consumers recognise and discovery vegan products.

EN 14476 (Virucidal Suspension Test for Medical Areas)

This test is a phase 2 step 1 test, which evaluates the virucidal activity of disinfectants under controlled suspension conditions, focusing on products intended for medical environments. It is a key regulatory requirement for assessing the efficacy of disinfectants against viruses in healthcare settings.

EN 16777 (Virucidal Surface Test for Medical Areas)

EN 16777 is a phase 2 step 2 quantitative surface test that evaluates the virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants on hard, non-porous surfaces without mechanical action. This test is critical for ensuring that disinfectants meet safety standards for use in medical environments.

EN 14675 (Virucidal Suspension Test for Veterinary Areas)

This test is a phase 2 step 1 test which assesses the virucidal activity of disinfectants and antiseptics designed for veterinary use. It ensures that products can effectively reduce viral contamination in animal healthcare settings, meeting industry-specific regulatory standards.

EN 17122 (Virucidal Surface Test for Veterinary Areas)

EN 17122 is a phase 2 step 2 test which evaluates the efficacy of disinfectants on non-porous surfaces in veterinary settings. It provides a critical measure of a product’s ability to control viral contamination in environments like animal shelters and veterinary clinics.

Why should you choose an accredited laboratory like Melbec?

• Increased efficiency
• Confidence in the accuracy of your results
• Assurance that we have the facilities, equipment and technical knowledge to deliver
• Testing protocols are continually scrutinised to maintain high standards
• Evidence of accreditation can increase consumer confidence in your brand

We are committed to expanding our range of UKAS accreditations. If you would like more information on the accredited standards that we offer, please contact us today either by giving us a call at the office on 01706 214492 or by sending an email to info@melbecmicrobiology.co.uk.

For more information on the importance of choosing a UKAS accredited laboratory, click here.