Food & Consumer Products Testing



Testing

Food Microbiology

Standard Panel
This panel of analysis includes:
- APC (Aerobic Plate Count)
- Yeasts & Mold
- Total Coliform / E. coli
- Staphylococcus (Coagulase +)
A discounted price is available when these tests are grouped together.
LA Testing Test Code: F101
Sample retention time - 30 days, unless highly perishable

Aerobic Plate Count (APC)
This test results in an enumeration of the total Aerobic Bacterial population of a sample. No bacterial identifications are made, however the resulting CFU (colony forming unit) can be applied to internal acceptance criteria for a product or Environmental HACCP samples. This is also a useful test to gauge freshness of a product or validate sanitation procedures.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F102
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Yeast & Mold
This test is an enumeration of the total Yeast and Mold population of a sample. No identifications are made, however the resultant data can be applied to internal acceptance criteria for a product or process.
Both yeasts and molds cause various degrees of deterioration and decomposition of foods. They can invade and grow on virtually any type of food at any time; they invade crops such as grains, nuts, beans, and fruits in fields before harvesting and during storage. They also grow on processed foods and food mixtures. Their detectability in or on foods depends on food type, organisms involved, and degree of invasion; the contaminated food may be slightly blemished, severely blemished, or completely decomposed, with the actual growth manifested by rot spots of various sizes and colors, unsightly scabs, slime, white cottony mycelium, or highly colored sporulating mold. Abnormal flavors and odors may also be produced. Occasionally, a food appears mold-free but is found upon mycological examination to be contaminated. Contamination of foods by yeasts and molds can result in substantial economic losses to producer, processor, and consumer.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F103
Sample Retention Time - 30 days, unless highly perishable

Total Coliforms & E. coli
Coliforms are often referred to as “indicator organisms”. In and of themselves they are not pathogenic; however their presence in the environment can indicate that conditions are favorable for pathogens to be present. Generic E. coli is also a Coliform, but of fecal origin. The presence of generic E. coli in a sample indicates fecal contamination. The Total Coliform/E. coli test is a fast inexpensive way to assess the cleanliness of an environment or food, and can also be used to glean information regarding the potential for other contamination.
The resulting enumerated results can be applied to internal acceptance criteria for a product or Environmental HACCP samples. This is also a useful test to gauge freshness of a product or validate sanitation procedures. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F104
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Staphylococcus aureus
Also referred to as Coagulase Positive Staphylococcus. Foods that are frequently incriminated in staphylococcal food poisoning include meat and meat products; poultry and egg products; salads such as egg, tuna, chicken, potato, and macaroni; bakery products such as cream-filled pastries, cream pies, and chocolate éclairs; sandwich fillings; and milk and dairy products. Foods that require considerable handling during preparation and that are kept at slightly elevated temperatures after preparation are frequently involved in staphylococcal food poisoning.
Staphylococci exist in air, dust, sewage, water, milk, and food or on food equipment, environmental surfaces, humans, and animals. Humans and animals are the primary reservoirs. Although food handlers are usually the main source of food contamination in food poisoning outbreaks, equipment and environmental surfaces can also be sources of contamination with S. aureus. Human intoxication is caused by ingesting enterotoxins produced in food by some strains of S. aureus, usually because the food has not been kept hot enough (60°C, 140°F, or above) or cold enough (7.2°C, 45°F, or below). Therefore, this is a good test to indicate temperature abuse of selected food products.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F105
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Salmonella (Presence / Absence)
There is a widespread occurrence of Salmonella in animals, especially in poultry and swine. Environmental sources of the organism include water, soil, insects, factory surfaces, kitchen surfaces, animal feces, raw meats, raw poultry, and raw seafoods, to name only a few.
Raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk and dairy products, fish, shrimp, frog legs, yeast, coconut, sauces and salad dressings, cake mixes, cream-filled desserts and toppings, dried gelatin, peanut butter, cocoa, and chocolate are foods that have been associated with Salmonella outbreaks.
All age groups are susceptible, but symptoms are most severe in the elderly, infants, and the infirm. AIDS patients suffer salmonellosis frequently (estimated 20-fold more than general population) and suffer from recurrent episodes.
This method detects the Presence or Absence of the bacterium. A confirmation charge may be incurred in cases of Presumptive Positive screens. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F106
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Listeria (Presence/Absence)
Listeria is an organism that is ubiquitous in the environment. Unlike some other food related pathogens, it is not disseminated from animals. For high risk populations (the very old, the very young, pregnant and immunocompromised) a very little amount of Listeria in food can be highly dangerous. Listeria monocytogenes is the most pathogenic of the species.
L. monocytogenes has been associated with such foods as raw milk, supposedly pasteurized fluid milk, cheeses (particularly soft-ripened varieties), ice cream, raw vegetables, fermented raw-meat sausages, raw and cooked poultry, raw meats (all types), and raw and smoked fish. Its ability to grow at temperatures as low as 3°C permits multiplication in refrigerated foods.
This method detects the Presence or Absence of the bacterium. A confirmation charge may be incurred in cases of Presumptive Positive screens. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed. Listeria can be speciated upon request.
LA Testing Test Code: F107
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

E. coli O157:H7 (Presence / Absence)
E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most pathogenic strains of E. coli. Undercooked or raw hamburger (ground beef) has been implicated in many of the documented outbreaks, however E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks have also originated from contaminated alfalfa sprouts, unpasteurized fruit juices, dry-cured salami, lettuce, game meat, and cheese curds. Raw milk was the vehicle in a school outbreak in Canada.
This method detects the Presence or Absence of the bacterium. A confirmation charge may be incurred in cases of Presumptive Positive screens. 50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F108
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Pathogen Confirmation
In the event of a presumptive positive following the initial pathogen screen the client will have the choice to confirm the pathogen, or decline pathogen confirmation, in which case a result of “Presumptive Positive” will be reported.
Previous specific pathogen screen analysis required.
LA Testing Test Code: F109
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Typically associated with pharmaceutical testing, Pseudomonas aeruginosa analysis can also be utilized for specialty food products and cross over industries.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F110
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Enterobacteriaceae
A taxonomically defined family, Enterobacteriaceae, is comprised of several Gensus’ of bacteria including: Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia. This group has been used for years in Europe as indicators of food quality and as indices of food safety. The practice is also being adopted in the United States.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F111
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Campylobacter (Presence / Absence)
Campylobacter species are carried in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals and, therefore, contaminate foods of animal origin. Because these organisms are recognized causes of human diarrheal disease, and because eating foods of animal origin has been associated with may of these illnesses, the presence of any the organism in food represents a potential hazard to human health.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F112
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Bacillus cereus
Bacillus cereus has ubiquitous distribution in the environment and can be isolated from a variety of processed and raw foods. However, its presence in foods is not a significant health threat unless it is able to grow. Consumption of food containing more than 105 viable cells / g has resulted in outbreaks of food borne illness. Foods frequently incriminated include: boiled and fried rice, cooked pasta, cooked meats, cooked vegetables, soups, salads, puddings and vegetable sprouts.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F121
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Anaerobic Plate Count
This test should be requested when the normal flora of the sample in question thrive under anaerobic (oxygen void) conditions. Similar in principle to Aerobic Plate Count, Anaerobic Plate Count is useful to determine the overall anaerobic bacterial population of a sample. Enumerated analysis only, identifications not performed.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F115
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Aerobic Spore Former Count
Members of the mesophilic aerobic sporeformers of significance in the spoilage of food belong, typically, to the genera Bacillus and Sporolactobacillus. The species encountered in foods are generally widespread. Spores and also vegetative cells of mesophilic aerobic spore-formers are found in food, water, soil, and decomposing vegetation.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F116
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Lactic Acid Bacteria Count
Acid-producing microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and associated with many raw and processed food products. One of the most industrially important groups of acid-producing bacteria is the lactic acid bacteria. Depending on the food type and application Lactic Acid bacteria can be considered a beneficial organism or a spoilage organism. Lactic Acid Bacteria Counts will give an overall level of this group of bacteria in a given product or sample.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F123
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Lactobacillus species Count
Primarily a concern in the dairy industry, Lactobacillus species are among the thermoduric bacteria that are in the initial microflora of freshly pasteurized milk. This organism is also frequently used as a starter culture for products such as yogurt and cheese.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F124
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Isolate Identification - Bacterial
LA Testing. can identify a wide range of unknown bacterial isolates to the species level. Please inquire.
Isolated bacterial strain from a previous analysis required.
LA Testing Test Code: F113
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Isolate Identification – Fungal
LA Testing. can identify a wide range of unknown fungal isolates to the species level. Please inquire. Isolated fungal strain from a previous analysis required.
LA Testing Test Code: F114
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Canner's Test
A set of tests recommended by the Food Products Association formerly the National Canner's Association to assess the microbial load of the unique organisms that are problematic to the canning industry. Finished product and raw ingredients can be analyzed. Organisms such as Thermophilic Spore Formers, Aerobic and Anaerobic Mesophilic Spore Formers, Aciduric Spore Formers and Sulfide-Reducing Spore Formers can be screened for or enumerated.
Test Includes Total Thermophilic Aerobic & Flat Sour Spore count, H2S + Thermo Anaerobic Spore Count, H2S - Thermo Anaerobic Spore count.
LA Testing Test Code: F120
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Shigella spp by qPCR and Culture (Corporate NJ lab only)
Shigella spp are not indigenous to any food. Contamination of foods is primarily due to the poor personal hygiene of food handlers. Foods commonly found to be associated with food borne outbreaks caused by this organism are potato salads, chicken and shellfish. Establishments identified as outbreak sources include: homes, schools, restaurants, airlines, schools, nursing homes and military mess halls. Since Shigella and E. coli are closely related genetically, the discrimination of these microbes is essential for proper identification. Application of DNA-based assays such as PCR is useful in the accurate detection of the presence of Shigella spp in foods.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed. LA Testing Test Code: F122
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Anaerobic Spore Former Count
Mesophilic sporeformers all belong to the Genus Clostridium. There are two main classifications: Proteolytic and Non-proteolytic anaerobes. If counts need to be expressed solely on the basis of spores present the lab must be notified (vegetative cells must be destroyed prior to enumeration).
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F117
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Thermophilic Aerobic Spore Former Count
Low Acid foods may spoil during storage above 43oC because of growth of extremely heat-resistant sporeforming Thermophilic microorganisms. Most of these bacteria grow at 55oC. Flat Sour spoilage is indicated when the container is not swollen, but the pH is significantly lowered. The causative organisms are aerobic (oxygen loving) Thermophilic Sporeformers.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F118
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

Thermophilic Anaerobic Spore Former Count
Low Acid foods may spoil during storage above 43oC because of growth of extremely heat-resistant sporeforming Thermophilic microorganisms. Most of these bacteria grow at 55oC.”Thermophilic Anaerobe” (TA) spoilage is characterized by swelling and even bursting of the container. Sulfide Spoilage is characterized by a flat container in which the contents are darkened and have the odor of rotten eggs. Both conditions are caused by various species of Thermophilic anaerobic Sporeformers.
50g minimum sample is recommended. Environmental surface samples can also be analyzed.
LA Testing Test Code: F119
Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

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Food Chemistry Analysis

Antioxidative capacity
Analysis Includes:
- Anti-Oxidant - ORAC (hydro only)
- Anti-Oxidant - ORAC (hydrophilic & lipophilic)
- Anti-Oxidant - ORAC oil
- Polyphenols, total - no correction for Vit C & reducing sugars
- Polyphenols, total - with correction for Vit C & reducing sugars
- Tannins, total


Fat and Fatty acids
Analysis Includes:
- Fatty acids profile
- Omega-3 fatty Acids
- Omega-6, Omega-9 Fatty Acids
- Fatty acids, free (by titration)
- Milk Fat
- Total (crude) fat by acid hydrolysis
- Fat (Soxhlet)

Food Additives & Preservatives
Analysis Includes:
- Artificial Sweeteners approved by FDA ( sucralose, acesulfame K, aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin), package
- Artificial Sweeteners non-approved by FDA (neotame, alitame, dulcin)
- Color additives, artificial FD&C approved for Use in Human Food
- Color additives, artificial non-approved by FDA
- Color additives of natural origin approved for Use in Human Food
- Preservatives - Parabens package (Methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl, parahydroxybenzoates)
- Preservatives: 1-2 Parabens - specify compound
- Preservatives: Sorbate & Benzoate
- Antioxidants- BHA/BHT
- Etoxyquin (Santoquin)
- Glycerols & Glycols
- Alcohol Content (Ethanol)
- Soluble Salt (Sodium Chloride)

Carotenoids
Analysis Includes:
- beta-Carotene
- Carotenoids
- Total Carotenoids (spectrophotometric)
- Astaxanthin

Sugars and Polysaccharides
Analysis Includes:
- Sugar Profile (fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, lactose, mannose, other- inquire)
- Sugar profile, low level
- Sugar alcohols
- Fructan (fructo-oligosaccharides and Inulin), HPLC
- Fructan (fructo-oligosaccharides and Inulin), spectrophotometric
- Nisin (fructant)
- Reducing Sugars
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Beta Glucan
- Amylose

Amino Acids
Analysis Includes:
- Free amino acids
- Amino Acid Profile - Acid Stable Amino Acids Package
- Amino Acids Profile Package
- Cysteine, methionine
- Tryptophan
- L-Carnitine
- Creatine & Creatinine

Enzymes and Proteins
Analysis Includes:
- Bromelain (in formulations)
- Casein (Alpha Casein, Kappa Casein, Beta Casein)
- Enzymes
- Prolactin
- Total Whey Protein

Organic Acids
Analysis Includes:
- Organic acids, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, & Lactic Acid
- Organic acids, Oxalic Acid
- Organic acids, Propionic Acid
- Organic acids, Sorbic & Benzoic Acid
- Organic acids, Succinic Acid & Fumaric Acid
- Phenolic acids: Chicoric acid
- Phenolic acids: Echinacoside
- Volatile organic acids

Rancidity
Analysis Includes:
- Fatty acids, free (by titration)
- Hexanal
- Oxidative Stability Index
- p-Anisidine value
- Peroxide value
- TBA, thiobarbituric acid value

Color Analysis
Analysis Includes:
- ICUMSA
- L*a*b color
- SRM, EBC (spectrophotometric)

Hormones
Analysis Includes:
- Estradiol
- Hormone Analysis
- Sterols (beta sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol)
- Sterols (specify single analyte)

Contaminants
Analysis Includes:
- Acrylamide
- Heavy metals by ICP; per element
- Test Description
- Heavy Metals: (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn), package
- Heavy Metals by ICP/MS, low LOD less than 1 ppm; per element
- Mercury (CVAA)
- Hexane
- Lead in Food by ICP
- Melamine by LC/MS
- Multi-Residue-Analysis (MRA) for Pesticides
- Patulin
- Pesticides, N-Methyl Carbamates
- Pesticides, Organochlorinated
- Pesticides, organonitogen other than triazines and N-Methyl Carbamates
- Pesticides, Organophosphates
- Pesticides, single residue
- Pesticides, Triazines
- Petroleum Products Dispersants
- Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
- Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
- Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)
- TPH & PAH Package

Vitamin Analysis
Analysis Includes:
- Vitamin B profile by USP (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), package
- Vitamin B1 - Thiamine
- Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin
- Vitamin B3 - Niacin
- Vitamin B5 - Calcium Pantothenate
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine HCL
- Vitamin B7 - Biotin, Vitamin H
- Folic acid, Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Para-aminobenzoic acid, (PABA)
- Vitamin K - Phytonadione
- Vitamin A (retinol)
- Vitamin A ( beta-carotene)
- Total Vitamin A (retinol and beta-carotene)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Coenzyme Q-10

Mineral Analysis
Analysis Includes:
- ICP Mineral Screen (Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, S, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Ti, V, W Zn, other – inquire
- ICP Mineral Screen (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Zn), package
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Iron

Specialty Food Analysis
Analysis Includes:
- Absorptive Capacity
- Acid Soluble Matter
- Amnesic Shellfish (Domoic Acid)
- Beta Glucan
- Bomb Calorimetry
- Caffeine
- Chloramphenicol in Shrimp
- Chocolate properties by DSC
- Cocoa Mass
- Deformulation Analysis - confirmation of ingredients present in product
- Density
- FDA 21 CFR - Food Contact Items Evaluation
- Filth Analysis (Macroscopic Examination)
- Flunixin in Milk
- Food DNA Authentication
- Gamma-oryzanol
- GMO Analysis
- Isoflavones (daidzein, glycitein, genistein, daizin, glycitin, genistin)
- Lecithin phospholipids
- Meat Speciation by PCR
- Microscopic Exam (Extraneous Material)
- Milk Thistle
- Moisture - Karl Fisher
- Moisture, 100 C vacuum oven
- Moisture, 60C vacuum oven
- Nucleotides: ATP, citicoline, other - specify
- Pasta Quality Control – Common Wheat Adulteration
- pH of food
- Powder Finesse
- Titratable acidity
- Total Solids
- Unknown / Foreign Particle Identification
- Vanillin, ethyl vanillin (FCC)
- Vanillin, ethyl vanillin in food
- Viscosity
- Viscosity (Rheology)
- Water Activity (aW)
X-Ray Diffraction (crystalline product)

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Food Adulteration, GMO & Quality Control

LA Testing offers a variety of specific food analysis to determine adulteration and quality control specific products and food types. In addition to the allergen screens offered (see Allergen Testing Section), LA Testing can provide quality analysis for GMO Testing, Pasta Quality, Dairy Residue, Shrimp and Seafood, and a variety of Meat Speciation options. LA Testing can also customize an Adulteration & Quality Control package for your specific product and industry using advanced DNA-based PCR technology.

Tests include:
- Food DNA Authentication
- GMP Analysis
- Meat Speciation by PCR
- Pasta Quality Control (Common Wheat Adulteration)
- Flunixin in Milk
- Chloramphenicol in Shrimp
- Amnesic Shellfish (Domoic Acid)

Sample retention time – 30 days, unless highly perishable

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Nutritional Analysis

Nutritional Analysis Overview:
LA Testing offers full Nutritional Labeling services. The two most common methods for determining the nutritional content of a product are Laboratory Based Analysis and Database Analysis.

Laboratory Based Analysis:
This method simply requires the client to send in the product(s) to be tested (minimum of 500g of sample needed). The laboratory utilizes scientific methods and equipment to physically analyze your sample for the various components that make up the nutritional information needed. Virtually any food sample can be analyzed with the laboratory based method.

Database Analysis:
This method requires that the client sends in detailed information about each product such as recipe, nutritional facts per 100g of each ingredient, and pre and post processing weights. Not all food types are appropriate for the Database method. The Database method is conducted strictly via paperwork (email, fax, phone etc), no physical sample is required for analysis.

Camera Ready Nutrition Facts Panel:
When the appropriate analysis is selected and performed LA Testing Analytical Inc can provide a camera ready nutrition facts panel, ready for labeling, based on the data derived from analysis. Several formats are available

Laboratory Based Nutritional Analysis
LA Testing offers Laboratory based Nutritional analysis compliant with FDA Labeling Laws. Laboratory based nutritional analysis methods require a physical sample of the product(s) be sent to the laboratory. The samples are then prepped and analyzed in the laboratory using various scientific instruments and techniques to yield data that is specific and unique to the product.

Laboratory based nutritional analysis can be used for virtually any food type. This method can be used when:
- General Nutritional Labeling needs
- Validating manufacturer / supplier nutritional information
- Validating data generated from software based database analysis
- Product contains unique or exotic ingredients or processing techniques
- Analyzing food for animals (pet foods and agricultural feeds)
- Accurate nutrient per 100g values are needed for CofA’s or Database inclusion
Reports will feature values per 100g and per serving size (when provided) of the product. Where applicable, % RDI and % DV values will also be provided. Additional voluntary nutrients, vitamins and minerals are available – please inquire.

Laboratory Based Nutritional Analysis for Mandatory Nutrients Include:
- Protein
- Moisture
- Ash
- Fat Profile (total, sat, mono, poly and trans fat)
- Sugar profile
- Total Dietary Fiber
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Cholesterol
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Carbohydrates
- Calories
- Calories from Fat

Nutritional Database Analysis
LA Testing offers Nutritional Database analysis compliant with FDA Labeling Laws. We utilize the prestigious Genesis® SQL Database produced by Esha Research.

Nutritional Database analysis requires that the formula for the product, along with detailed information about each ingredient and product processing information, be submitted in writing to the analyzing laboratory. Typically, no physical sample is required to be submitted. Database analysis can be used for products that have common ingredients and products that have minimal processing, cooking, baking or drying.

Database analysis is not recommended when validation of nutrients is needed, for products that have unique or exotic ingredients, for products with ingredients for which there is no nutritional data available, or for products that undergo extensive processing. This method can only be used for human foods.

Nutritional Database Analysis Report Options Include:
- Recipe Overview
- Ingredient Statement
- Allergen Statement (optional)
- Nutrient Content Claims
- Nutrient Value per Serving
- Camera Ready Nutrition Facts Panel

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Food Allergen Analysis

Food Allergen Analysis
LA Testing Food Allergen Testing program can be used when there is a need to confirm or deny the presence of a specific regulated food allergen. LA Testing offers analysis for detection of the most common food allergens of concern. Additional food allergens may be available upon request.

Allergens include:
- Food Allergen - specialty
- Peanut Allergen
- Almond Allergen
- Egg Allergen
- Hazelnut Allergen
- Total Milk Allergen
- Soy Flour Allergen
- Gliadin (Gluten) Allergen
- Walnut Allergen
- Shellfish Allergen
- Soy Allergen
- Lupine Allergen
- Mustard Allergen
- Sesame Allergen
- Casein Allergen
- Brazil Nut Allergen
- Cashew Allergen
- Pistachio Allergen

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Natural Toxins

Natural Toxins
Various toxins can be present in different food types and commodities that can cause adverse affects on products, animals, and humans. Mycotoxins (Fumosin, T2, Zearalenone, Ochratoxin A, DON, and Aflatoxins) are derived from various mold types that can contaminate cereals, feeds, grains and other food types. Histamine primarily affects fish products and can cause scromboid poisoning in humans. The EPA and FDA have set various action levels and limits for Natural Toxins in food and feeds.

LA Testing offers a variety of options to test products for various toxins. Methods are based on ELISA, or LC/MS methodology, depending on sample matrix, sensitivity requirements, and regulatory needs. Contact your LA Testing lab today for more information.

Natural Food Toxins Include:
- Histamine
- Fumosin (FB1, FB2)
- T-2 Toxin
- Zearalenone
- Ochratoxin A
- DON (Vomitoxin)
- Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2)

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FDA Import Detention Services

FDA Import Detention Services
LA Testing offers full service assistance in the event of product detention by the FDA during importation. Our dedicated project managers will coordinate sample collection and analysis, working directly with the FDA to determine exactly what is needed. We offer fast sampling and testing turn around times and can deliver a custom Import Detention Resolution Packet (IDRP) directly to the FDA compliance officer.

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Shelf Life Studies

Shelf Life Base Packages
LA Testing offers generalized base packages for shelf life studies to provide a basic picture of the microbial activity of the product over a period of time. Six base packages are available for a set price; they vary based on length of study – 90 days or 1 year – and storage temperature of product – ambient, refrigerated, or frozen.

package_1
package_2
*Ambient Humidity. If specific humidity conditions required please contact sales rep for a custom proposal. Time points are equivalent, final time points will be determined by laboratory schedule and staffing availability. Actual time points will be noted on final report.

Additional time points can be added for extra charge at client request.
Additional test parameters may be added
Accelerated studies are available upon request. Contact sales rep for a custom proposal. Not recommended for products with shelf life less than one year, or for products that cannot withstand temperatures above 35C.

LA Testing is an analytical testing laboratory, and provides analytical results based on the testing parameters requested by our clients. It is the client's responsibility to interpret these results using their own experts and expertise concerning their product to determine safety, efficacy and performance. Any and all product claims or endorsements are the sole responsibility of the client and made strictly at the client's own risk.

Shelf Life Studies – Custom Proposals
www.ShelfLifeStudy.com
In addition to the basic shelf life base-packages, LA Testing. offers highly customized studies that can provide a variety of data to help determine the shelf life of a product. These studies are based on product specifications, estimated shelf life, product storage conditions, parameters of interest for analysis, as well as budget and time requirements. A combination of several tests and storage conditions can be utilized to create a custom shelf life study for each product. These tests and conditions can include (but are not limited to) the following. These parameters can also be added, ala carte, to the shelf life base-packages that LA Testing offers.

Analysis can include:
- Aerobic Plate Count
- Yeast & Mold
- Coliform / E. coli
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Salmonella (P/A)
- E. coli O157:H7 (P/A)
- Listeria (P/A)
- Color
- Texture / Viscosity
- Appearance Evaluation
- Packaging Evaluation
- Moisture / Weight Loss
- Fat Profile
- Sugar Profile
- Total Dietary Fiber
- Cholesterol
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calories by calculation (requires Protein, Moisture, Fat & Ash analysis)
- pH
- Water Activity
- Soluble Salt (Sodium Chloride)
- Fatty Acid Profile
- Antioxidants (ORAC)
- Rancidity
- Allergens
- Toxins (must specify)

Due to the customized nature of these studies we recommend that a Shelf Life Study Request for Proposal (RFP) from be filled out and submitted for each product in question.

Contact your LA Testing. representative or visit www.ShelfLifeStudy.com
for your Shelf Life RFP form.


LA Testing is an analytical testing laboratory, and provides analytical results based on the testing parameters requested by our clients. It is the client's responsibility to interpret these results using their own experts and expertise concerning their product to determine safety, efficacy and performance. Any and all product claims or endorsements are the sole responsibility of the client and made strictly at the client's own risk.

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Consumer Testing Services

Consumer Testing Services
LA Testing offers testing services to individuals and law firms for investigate analysis in the event of a food borne illness or suspect food tampering and adulteration. Studies are highly customized, please contact an LA Testing Representative for details, and visit our Consumer Food Testing Page for more details

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Materials, Particles, and Fiber Analysis

Materials, Particles, and Fiber Analysis
LA Testing has an extensive and dedicated Materials Science Department that routinely handles products such as:
• Environmental & Biological Materials,
• Chemicals & Chemical Products,
• Composite Materials,
• Animal & Plant Products,
• Construction Materials,
• Elastomers & Protective Coatings
• Scientific & Medical Equipment
• Machinery
• Marketplace Products – Consumer & Business
• Metallic and Nonmetallic Materials & Products

As a full service analytical testing laboratory, the Materials Science Division offers identification of unknown materials and particles, foreign particle identification for process samples, elemental analysis, defect analysis, corrosion, customized GC & HPLC analysis, product integrity evaluations, residue analysis, failure analysis and product comparisons.

LA Testing’s Material Science division uses advanced testing methodologies that utilize techniques such as SEM/EDX, TEM, XRF, AES, XRD, FTIR, NI, OM, PLM, Flame AA, ICP, GC, GC/MS, HPLC, TCLP, VOC, PCL and FLM.

Contact LA Testing today for your customized Material Science project.

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Industrial Hygiene

Environmental Odor Analysis
LA Testing’s dedicated Industrial Hygiene laboratory uses many sophisticated techniques to determine the source of odors. We also assist in ultimately providing a mitigation strategy to curb future odors. Techniques can include: TO-15, particle or dust characterization, inorganic acid scans, and formaldehyde analysis. This investigative analysis is especially useful in production environments where the quality of the product is sensitive to foreign odor intrusions.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) are groups of compounds generally common in solvents, fuels and cleaners. Worker and Product safety and quality can be affected by the presence of VOC’s in the environment. Contact LA Testing today for your customized VOC study

TO-15
TO-15 canisters are pre-calibrated and set for your convenience in the assessment of VOC’s in an environment. Contact LA Testing today for you customized VOC study with TO-15 canisters.

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