Microbac Laboratories, Inc. regretfully announces the sudden death on January 15, 2013, of Tom Zierenberg, 53, of Pittsburgh, PA.

For over 17 years, Mr. Zierenberg had served Microbac Laboratories, Inc., in a variety of capacities. He was a lead food science and food sales development executive, and had been particularly influential in Microbac’s development of its food testing and consulting services. He had served the company in an operating capacity, leading Microbac’s Warrendale, PA laboratory, which provides food and environmental testing services. Prior to joining Microbac, Tom had earned a degree in food science from The Pennsylvania State University and worked in a number of roles within the food industry.

Tom made valuable contributions to the independent laboratory industry’s trade association group, the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL). He chaired the Food Sciences Section of ACIL and had been active in formulating ACIL policies and positions around the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010.

Tom is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cathy, and his two children, Jack and Kate.