Keith Belk, PhD
Dr. Keith Belk is the Director of Eurofins’ Advanced Learning Institute and Professor and Holder of the Monfort Endowed Chair, Center for Meat Safety & Quality, Colorado State University (CSU), and as an Adjunct Professor in the Colorado School of Public Health. Previously, he served as Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Sciences at CSU. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from CSU, and a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. He currently serves in a consulting role as the Director of Education for Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories, LLC. Dr. Belk is also a member of the International Committee for the National Western Stock Show, the Board of Directors for the International Stockmen’s Educational Foundation, on the Academic Advisory Committee for the Meat Institute Protein PACT, and on the technical advisory committees for Sustainable Beef, JBS, Colorado Premium Foods, and Hawkins.
Below are resources from Dr. Keith Belk:
Explore Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratory's BSL‑2 pilot plant for dried and fermented meat validation studies, from fermentation chambers to HPP and final product results.
Explore how rapid testing—from culture methods to PCR and droplet digital PCR—is transforming STEC detection and speeding food safety decisions.
Learn how qPCR and ddPCR improve STEC confirmation, reducing turnaround time and increasing sensitivity compared to traditional culture methods.
Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories announces the appointment of Dr. John Henson as Director of Technical Services. With 26+ years of experience in meat science, food safety, academia, and industry consulting, Dr. Henson brings extensive technical expertise and leadership to support Eurofins’ growing scientific and client programs.
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is rolling out important updates to General Chapters <2021> and <2022> and, taking effect on April 1, 2026. For manufacturers who rely on microbiological testing to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance, understanding what’s changing and what actions are required is essential.
Important upcoming updates to USP Chapters <2021> and <2022 went into effect on April 1, 2026. These changes modify several microbiological testing requirements, including incubation times, suitability testing, and enrichment steps for specific organisms. Check out our answers to frequently asked questions about the updates.
Explore how to comply with FSIS guidance for ready-to-eat fermented, salt-cured, and dried products with an effective validation study balancing scientific rigor, processing expertise, and craftsmanship. This article outlines how to achieve the right balance in your validation approach and how strong, data‑driven studies ultimately enhance the safety, consistency, and reliability of dried and fermented meat products.
This research poster evaluates how lactic acid interventions and high‑pressure pasteurization reduce Salmonella and Listeria in dried and fermented ready‑to‑eat salami.
Eurofins Rapid Microbiology Laboratories introduces the Advanced Learning Institute, offering accredited food safety training programs from HACCP, SQF, BRCGS, and FSPCA to practical courses on sanitation, Listeria management, auditing, and more for food manufacturers and professionals.
Selecting the right microbiological testing method isn’t just about speed or cost. It’s about risk management, product integrity, and regulatory compliance. Click to read about the strengths and limitations of different methodologies essential to avoid false negatives, regulatory citations, or costly recalls.
