Food

Why should I get my food product tested?

Food product testing is essential for ensuring safety and maintaining high hygiene standards during manufacturing.

Our microbiology testing services can detect harmful pathogens, assess overall food safety, and verify that adequate sanitation measures are in place.

Incorporating regular testing into your quality control program not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also helps build consumer trust and protect your brand.

What type of sample can I submit?

Our laboratory offers a comprehensive range of testing services through both our microbiology and chemistry departments.

The microbiology department analyzes environmental swabs, food and dairy products, water, pharmaceuticals, raw meats, air plates, and more. Our chemistry department provides detailed analysis of chemical components, including nutritional panels, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and other contaminants in food, water, and other materials.

Whether you need microbiological safety testing or chemical analysis for quality control or regulatory compliance, we’re here to help. For questions about specific samples or testing needs, please contact us via phone or email for personalized guidance.

How do I collect a swab?

We offer two styles of swab testing for environmental sampling:

Environmental Scrub Sampler
- Description: A large sponge-style swab for environmental surfaces such as floors, drains, walls, and door handles.
- Directions:
  - Wash hands and apply gloves. Label your swab.
  - Open the sample bag by pulling the perforated top and using the red tabs to widen the bag.
  - Without touching the sponge, push it out of the bag using the outside of the packaging. Remove the blue handle aseptically.
  - Firmly press the sponge onto the surface and wipe in a zigzag motion across the sampling area.
  - Turn the sponge over, change direction by 90°, and swab the same area.
  - Typical sampling areas range from 4x4 inches to 12x12 inches.
  - Return the sponge to the bag, twist off the blue handle without touching the bag’s interior, and seal the bag.
Enviroswab
- Description: A smaller tube-and-stick swab for surfaces in direct contact with food or the product in question.
- Directions:
  - Wash hands and apply gloves. Label your swab.
  - Remove the seal tab from the swab cap. Avoid touching the swab to anything except the testing surface.
  - Aseptically remove the swab and press it firmly against the surface, wiping in a zigzag motion.
  - Turn the swab over, change direction by 90°, and swab the same area.
  - Typical sampling areas range from 4x4 inches to 12x12 inches.
  - Return the swab to its tube, seal it, and ensure the cap snaps into place.

Note: Proper swabbing techniques help ensure accurate results and prevent contamination. Follow aseptic procedures carefully.

How should I package my sample?

If the product in question needs to be kept sterile or contaminant free, we offer special collection bags and containers that can be picked up at the lab or shipped to you.

Products should be sent to the lab in leak proof containers; we cannot test a sample that has leaked due to contamination concerns.

Refrigerated samples should be kept in a cooler with ice packs to avoid spoilage.

Please contact us before sending any samples.

Does my food product need a nutrition facts panel?

If you’re selling your product across state lines or in retail outlets, it’s likely you’ll need a nutrition facts panel to comply with FDA labeling regulations.