Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing and Remediation Compliance Checklist
This cannabis microbial safety testing and remediation compliance checklist ensures compliance with state cannabis required microbial safety panels, facilitates systematic response to microbial test failures, and implements preventive cultivation and processing practices to minimize microbial contamination risk. Aspergillus and Total Yeast and Mold failures are among the most common cannabis test failures.
- Industry: Cannabis
- Frequency: Per Batch / Monthly Review
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Quality Manager / Compliance Manager
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: State Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing Requirements, State Cannabis Acceptable Limits for Aspergillus and Total Yeast/Mold, State Cannabis Failed Test Remediation Options, FDA 21 CFR Microbial Testing Principles (Adapted for Cannabis), State Cannabis Batch Destruction Requirements After Failed Microbial Test
State Microbial Testing Requirements
Required test panels.
- All required microbial analytes submitted for testing for each product type?
- Current state action limits for all required microbial analytes known and documented?
- Total Yeast and Mold CFU/g limits confirmed for flower vs concentrate vs edible?
- Testing laboratory is state-licensed and using ISO 17025-accredited methods?
- Microbial panels submitted match the specific requirements for product type tested?
Preventive Microbial Controls
Prevention during cultivation and processing.
- GMP sanitation protocols implemented and documented in cultivation and processing?
- Relative humidity maintained below 50-55% during drying and curing to prevent mold growth?
- Water activity of finished flower tested before packaging — below 0.65 Aw?
- IPM program targeting botrytis and powdery mildew — key microbial risk pathogens?
- All post-harvest equipment sanitized between batches to prevent cross-contamination?
Failed Microbial Test Response
Response when test fails.
- Affected batch immediately placed on METRC hold after receiving failed COA?
- State cannabis authority notified of failed test within required timeframe?
- State-permitted remediation options evaluated (remediation extraction, re-test eligibility)?
- No remediation attempted without state authorization?
- Product destroyed per state requirements if remediation not permitted or failed?
Root Cause Analysis
Investigating failures.
- Root cause analysis initiated after any microbial test failure?
- Cultivation environmental factors reviewed (humidity, airflow, botrytis)?
- Harvest and post-harvest handling reviewed for sanitation failures?
- Storage conditions and container cleanliness reviewed?
- Corrective actions documented and implemented before next harvest?
Testing Frequency and Program
Systematic testing management.
- Every harvest or production batch submitted for required testing before sale?
- No product sold without passing microbial COA from state-licensed lab?
- COAs for all current inventory filed and accessible?
- Microbial test result trends analyzed — are failure rates increasing?
- Environmental microbial monitoring program in place for processing areas?
Microbial Records
Documentation.
- All microbial COAs filed by batch number?
- Microbial failure log maintained with batch, analyte, level, and resolution?
- Root cause analysis documents filed for all failures?
- State-required failure reports filed?
- Microbial Compliance Notes
Related Quality Control Checklists
- Cannabis Certificate of Analysis Review and Product Release Checklist
- Cannabis Certificate of Analysis Review and Product Release Checklist
- Cannabis Product Microbial and Potency Sample Preparation Checklist
- Final Vehicle Quality Inspection Checklist
- Supplier Quality Management (IATF) Checklist
- Quality Escape / Containment Checklist
Related Quality Assurance Checklists
Why Use This Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing and Remediation Compliance Checklist?
This cannabis microbial safety testing and remediation compliance checklist helps cannabis teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for quality manager / compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per batch / monthly review.
Ensures compliance with State Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing Requirements, State Cannabis Acceptable Limits for Aspergillus and Total Yeast/Mold, State Cannabis Failed Test Remediation Options, FDA 21 CFR Microbial Testing Principles (Adapted for Cannabis), State Cannabis Batch Destruction Requirements After Failed Microbial Test. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing and Remediation Compliance Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: State Microbial Testing Requirements, Preventive Microbial Controls, Failed Microbial Test Response, Root Cause Analysis, Testing Frequency and Program, Microbial Records. It is designed for cannabis operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per batch / monthly review. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Cannabis Microbial Safety Testing and Remediation Compliance Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Quality Manager / Compliance Manager professionals in the cannabis industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.