Technical Testing Parameters
The following parameters describe product-specific testing considerations. Test availability, method suitability and accredited coverage are confirmed against the sample and specification before quotation.
- Nutritional composition: protein; fat; carbohydrate; dietary fibre; energy calculation; vitamin A, D, E, C and B-group vitamins; calcium, iron, zinc and other declared minerals using suitable methods.
- Identity and function: amino-acid profile where relevant; active ingredient assay; probiotic viable count at the stated shelf-life point where applicable; osmolality for relevant formulated liquids.
- Microbiology: Salmonella spp.; Cronobacter spp. for applicable powdered infant formula; Enterobacteriaceae; Bacillus cereus; yeast and mould according to product type.
- Contaminants: lead; cadmium; arsenic as specified; melamine where relevant; Aflatoxin M1 for milk-containing formulations; ingredient-specific mycotoxins and pesticide residues; selected allergens according to the label/control programme.
Select the applicable subset; these are not universal mandatory tests or a statement that every listed test is within the laboratory’s accredited scope.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
Product mapping: Foods for Infant Nutrition Regulations 2020; Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals Regulations 2016 as applicable; Appendix A group 13; applicable FPSFA standards.
Read the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 as amended, together with the product-specific criteria. Apply the current Contaminants, Toxins and Residues Regulations, 2011 and Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020 where relevant.
For microbiology, identify the applicable Appendix B table, sampling plan and test portion. For additives, confirm the correct Appendix A classification and any product-specific restrictions. FoSCoS licensing identifiers are not equivalent to product-standard clauses.
Export limits depend on the destination, commodity and residue definition. Confirm the applicable MRL, reporting limit and effective date. BIS product standards, export certification and laboratory recognition require separate verification; a test report does not itself confer regulatory approval.
Sample Requirements & TAT
Supply target age, formulation, serving size and declared claims; follow stated storage conditions.
Confirm the required quantity, number of unopened units, containers and transport conditions with the laboratory before dispatch. Chemistry portions and sterile microbiology portions may need separate containers; a composite cannot automatically replace an n-unit sampling plan.
Provide the product designation, ingredient list, processing state, batch identity, storage instructions, target market and required specification. Turnaround is confirmed in the quotation after the scope is agreed. Shelf-life, challenge and specialist investigations require a separate study schedule.
Technical FAQs
Can infant formula and adult protein supplements share a panel?
No. Product classification, target population and governing regulations differ substantially.
Is a formulation calculation enough to establish vitamin stability?
No. Analytical verification over the intended shelf life may be needed to substantiate declared levels.
Can a test report authorise a novel ingredient?
No. Analytical evidence does not replace any required regulatory approval or permitted-ingredient assessment.
Discuss your testing specification
Share the product, market and required parameters so the laboratory can confirm the scope.