Choosing the best food testing lab can be difficult, especially if you’ve never used one before and don’t know what to look for. Food safety is becoming more and more important as people want high-quality foods. Food allergy sensitivity testing is essential for implementing food safety. You need a reliable food testing lab for this. You require a chemical lab that can deliver results that are accurate and quick.

With that said, let’s look at some of the characteristics of a top-notch food testing facility.

1. Accreditation

Accreditation is an essential component of a food testing lab. The laboratory must hold ISO17025 accreditation. Even though many food test laboratories are accredited, you should look into their accreditation as many laboratories only have certification for certain methods and matrices, not their complete portfolio.

2. Technical knowledge

Technical expertise is a vital component that distinguishes a food testing facility from the competition. Only seasoned and skilled individuals should work in a good food testing facility. You need to pay close attention to the professional who will analyze your samples. Are they skilled and knowledgeable in that approach?

If an issue does occur, a technical specialist should be on hand to step in and make sure you receive accurate results. Your preferred chemistry lab should also be able to assist you beyond the analytical results by offering data interpretation as needed and recommendations for further testing.

3. Service and speed

Your chosen food testing facility should give your samples the urgency they require and begin processing them as soon as they are received in order to meet an acceptable turnaround time. The results should be delivered to you in a timely way that meets your needs as a business. The lab should also inform customers of turnaround times and adhere to them.

Another essential quality that a reputable food testing facility should have is customer service. Any delays should be disclosed, and the lab should respond quickly and kindly. To encourage effective and precise outcomes, they should also suggest any superior testing solutions that are available to their clients. When you talk about your needs, they should pay close attention to you.

4. Security and discretion

You should be aware of their regulations regarding your personal information before submitting your samples to a food testing facility. How is the security of your private data maintained? What is their approach to information sharing? Don’t divulge your information unless you have understood and are comfortable with these their policies regarding data security. These days, data breaches are fairly common, therefore it’s crucial that you only send your information to labs that can protect it. Data security should be given priority in the lab.

5. Future-focused

Because the food sector is dynamic, it constantly changes. Choose a food testing facility that is always prepared to handle new items as well as any regulatory adjustments needed for testing and labeling. To guarantee the most effective and precise results, evaluation of new techniques and procedures should be put into practice.