Each MicroTally® sampler product utilizes the same underlying polyolefin cloth technology that has been evaluated by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and implemented by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for official pathogen sampling. The material is scientifically proven to deliver reliable, legally defensible, and highly reproducible microbiological data.

No. There have been no provisions made for washing and resterilizing MicroTally® samplers.  They were developed with the intention of being single-use devices.  The impact of trace residuals is unknown. 

The sampler is constructed from a specially engineered, non-woven spun polyolefin polymer fabric. This advanced, food-contact-safe material is physically optimized to effectively capture and retain surface moisture, biofilms, and microbial pathogens upon direct contact.

MicroTally® samplers should not be used on:

Products with internal contamination: Items where the suspected contamination is trapped inside and not accessible on the surface.

Certain fine powders and liquids: Substances that can fill or clog the sampler's capture sites, interfering with the process.

MicroTally® products are designed for non-destructive surface sampling across a wide range of solid food matrices and processing environments where microbial pathogens or indicator organisms on external surfaces are of concern.

Supported sample matrices and applications include:

Floor & Pathway Footprint Sampling: Sample facility floors, poultry litter, and field soil.

Raw Beef & Meat Trim: MicroTally® spun-polymer cloth is USDA-FSIS evaluated and approved for sampling beef trim, carcass surfaces, and manufacturing trimmings for pathogens and indicator organisms.

Produce & Cut Produce: Scientifically proven effective for surface pathogen capture on leafy greens (such as lettuce), cut produce processing lines, and whole produce.

Environmental & Equipment Surfaces: Direct surface swab sampling of processing machinery, conveyers, food-contact equipment, and hard-to-reach plant infrastructure.