Food Testing Laboratories

Utilize food testing labs to alleviate consumer safety concerns

Food analysis laboratories perform consumer food testing for food producers worldwide. In recent months, the need for their expertise has been brought to the forefront. Food safety concerns dominate the news, so food testing labs are called on to evaluate the safety of the food supply with greater frequency. The costs associated with food testing services are negligible compared to loss of consumer confidence in your product; so, consumer food testing should be a necessary component of your business.

Food safety laboratories abound, so finding a food testing lab in your area should be an easy task. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, or CIDRAP, can provide your organization with a list of independent food testing labs across the country. Before selecting a food testing company, you need to ask for verification in a few key areas:

1. Lab credentials
2. Certifications
3. Accreditation (ISO 17025) and proficiency testing
   

 

Clean up contaminants using food testing services

Food testing companies provide analysis services to identify extraneous matter and filth in food products. The thought of testing for such substances may seem unpleasant; however, this material must be identified to protect the integrity of the food product. Some food testing labs specialize in analyzing food products for foreign matter, mold, rot and raw material.
Try: Central Hudson Laboratory specializes in extraneous matter and filth analysis. Their analysis involves a 3-prong approach of identification, sanitary inspections and workshop training. Another specialist in this field is Strasburger & Siegel, Inc. It is one of the oldest food testing laboratories in the United States, and they have worked with a number of regulatory agencies.

Weed out pesticides by using food testing companies

Pesticides are used to control weeds and prevent damage to crops by insects or rodents. Due to this fact, pesticide residue may be found in food products. Food testing services analyze pesticide residue to make sure levels are below tolerance level for human consumption. Food products found above tolerance level can be seized and destroyed by government officials.
Try: The National Food Laboratory, Inc., provides the greatest array of residue testing in the food and beverage industry. Krueger Food Laboratories, Inc., offers single residue testing for particular chemicals as well as multi-residue screens.

Centralize testing with food analysis laboratories

Food testing labs that specialize in food science can provide a central testing facility for all of your testing needs. The number of regulations regarding food production is on the increase, so food testing companies that address all of your processing needs is a smart investment. General food science labs can perform full microbiology, chemical analysis and forensic testing on meat, poultry, seafood, produce and dairy food products.
Try: Certified Laboratories, Inc., began as a dairy laboratory; but, they have transitioned into a full-service food testing lab. Their current areas of expertise are dairy, juices, meat, seafood, spices and refrigerated foods. The food science department of Microbac is skilled in food microbiology, forensics and food chemistry testing for all types of food products.

 

• The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation website allows you to search for accredited food testing laboratories and view their accreditation certificates online.

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