Sparta, New Jersey, November 26, 2025
MPL Laboratories, a leader in microbiological testing for pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and consumer products, has released new insights into some of the most common types of fungi and yeast responsible for product recalls in non-food industries.
Fungal contamination is a persistent quality control challenge in the manufacturing of medicines, cosmetics, and topical products. While not as widely discussed as bacterial contamination, mold and yeast growth can compromise product integrity, reduce shelf life, and pose potential health risks to consumers.
Some of the most frequently identified contaminants include:
- Aspergillus species – Known for producing airborne spores that can infiltrate facilities, Aspergillus can compromise sterile products and pose respiratory risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals.
- Penicillium species – A ubiquitous mold found in the environment that can thrive in moisture-prone packaging and ingredients.
- Candida species – A common yeast responsible for product spoilage and potential infections in topical or mucosal-contact products.
- Cladosporium species – Frequently detected in air and on raw materials, this mold can cause discoloration and visible defects in finished products.
- Fusarium species – Occasionally linked to recalls due to their ability to survive in diverse environments and produce harmful mycotoxins.
Fungal and yeast contamination can develop at any stage of the production process. Proactive environmental monitoring and raw material screening are critical to preventing costly recalls and maintaining product safety.
MPL Laboratories provides comprehensive fungal and yeast testing using compendial methods outlined in USP <61> and <62>, as well as advanced identification techniques like DNA sequencing. The laboratory’s services help manufacturers meet FDA, EPA, and ISO quality standards while safeguarding brand reputation.
For more information about MPL Laboratories’ fungal and yeast testing services, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874, or email info@MPLLaboratories.com.
About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA, and DEA registered. MPL’s staff includes a Ph.D. Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, along with other dedicated scientific personnel. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care product industries. MPL strives to provide its clients with reliable, defensible test data delivered in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of laboratories across the United States and Canada.
