Food & Consumer Products Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Food Testing with LA Testing

Q: Why choose LA Testing?
A: LA Testing is the nation's 4th largest environmental, food, and consumer products testing firm. With a network of over 37 laboratories, service centers, and partner facilities in North America, LA Testing has been providing quality analytical services since 1981. With leading industry experts, multiple locations, and a wide range of testing options LA Testing is poised to be your one-stop-shop for all your analytical needs.

Q: What services can LA Testing Analytical, Inc provide?
A: LA Testing is a comprehensive third party testing lab. We pride ourselves on state of the art analytical service, and customer service that is second to none. We have experts in a multitude of scientific disciplines including: Food Microbiology, Consumer Products and Pharmaceutical Testing, Environmental Microbiology, Food & Consumer Products Chemistry and Nutritional Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, Radioactive Science, Industrial Hygiene, Asbestos and Mineral Sciences. LA Testing also boasts a dedicated Special Projects Team with inter-disciplinary experts to help design and execute client’s specific project needs.

Q: Is LA Testing a certified / approved laboratory for food testing?
A: Currently the federal government does not certify or approve private laboratories. However, LA Testing does have an ISO 17025 certified quality system that ensures your samples will be analyzed and treated with the highest quality of scientific analysis and integrity. When available and appropriate LA Testing uses AOAC, FDA, USDA, and USP approved methods for analysis.

Q: I need a Certificate of Analysis, how do I get one?
A: A Certificate of Analysis (C of A) is simply a document summarizing any number of analytical tests performed on a product. LA Testing can provide you with the analytical data needed to generate a C of A. A specific list of tests must be provided. This list of tests will vary greatly and is dependent on product, acceptance criteria, business plan and customer needs.

Q: I want to know what is in this product. Does LA Testing perform Deformulation Analysis?
A: Deformulation analysis, also referred to as reverse engineering, provides a component breakdown of a product. Due to the complex chemical nature of most food products this is not always possible to achieve using conventional analytical techniques. Pricing starts at $5,000 per product. Please contact your LA Testing representative for more details.

Q: I have a new product I want to get to market. Where do I start?
A: The first step is to check with Federal, State, and Local regulatory authorities to see what is required of your product. This will vary depending on product type, customer base, business size, and jurisdiction. Also take into consideration any testing your customer may also require. Once you have determined the analytical services needed contact your LA Testing representative to make testing arrangements.

Q: Am I required to put a nutritional label on my product?
A: This depends on many regulatory factors. There are some exemptions for which your product may qualify. You can find a list of the requirements and exemptions for the FDA here. A list of the USDA exemptions can be found here.

Q: I need a nutritional label, which method should I use?
A: LA Testing offers two methods for nutritional analysis: Laboratory Based and Database analysis. Laboratory Based Analysis can be used on all food types and requires an actual sample be sent in for analysis. Database Analysis can only be used on human foods with common ingredients and limited processing, a sample is not required to be sent in for this analysis. For more details see the nutritional sections of the food price guide or contact your LA Testing representative.

Q: I would like to have a Shelf Life Study performed on my product. Where do I start?
A: LA Testing Shelf Life Studies are highly customized, based on your product specifications, estimated shelf life, storage conditions, parameters of analysis, and y our budget and time requirements. To help us put together a study that meets your needs we ask that you submit a Shelf Life RFP (Request for Proposal) Form which can be found at www.ShelfLifeStudy.com or by contacting your LA Testing representative. Once received a custom proposal will be created for you and arrangements can be made to initiate your Shelf Life Study. LA Testing also offers basic shelf-life-base-studies that have a preset time, storage, and test conditions. Additional tests can be added ala carte if desired. Contact your LA Testing representative for more information.

Q: I am ready to submit samples for testing. What do I need to do?
A: Once you have determined the analytical tests needed and have received a quote from an LA Testing representative you will submit a Chain of Custody (sample submittal form, provided to you by your LA Testing representative), appropriate amount of sample and if necessary, payment to the analyzing laboratory. Contact your LA Testing representative for more details.

Contact LA Testing Today!


Huntington Beach, CA - Orange County
5431 Industrial Drive, Huntington Beach, CA, 92649
Phone: (714) 828-4999, Fax: (714) 828-4944
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South Pasadena, CA - Los Angeles County
520 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA, 91030
Phone: 1-800-303-0047, Fax: 323-254-9982
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