Food Testing Lab
Comprehensive chemical and microbiological analysis to ensure food safety and strict FDA compliance with our ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratory, with FDA LAAF recognition for specified food testing methods. We deliver fast, accurate analytical solutions for food & beverage manufacturers.
Microbiology Testing
Chemical Testing
Specialized Testing
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Search accredited test parameters and methods across the Houston and Harlingen laboratories.
About AGT Labs
AGT Labs is a premier ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited food testing facility serving food manufacturers, importers, and distributors nationwide. We deliver rapid, legally defensible results for microbiological safety, chemical contaminant screening, and nutritional labeling — protecting both your brand and your consumers.
Headquartered in Houston, TX, AGT Labs serves clients nationwide, with FDA LAAF recognition for listed microbiology and gluten methods. We provide rapid-turnaround chemical analysis, microbiological pathogen screening, and shelf-life stability studies. Our certified testing protocols ensure strict adherence to FDA, FSMA, and Prop 65 regulations for raw ingredients and finished consumer products.
How To Send Samples to Our Lab
A streamlined 4-step workflow designed to get your products tested and to market faster.
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Request Testing
Submit your testing request online or contact our team for a custom quote.
Get a quote -
Ship Samples
Ship your samples to our lab with the completed sample submission form.
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Expert Analysis
Our team analyzes your samples using validated methods (AOAC, FDA, ISO).
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Receive Report
Receive your Certificate of Analysis (CoA), with standard turnaround of 5+ business days; rapid pathogen screens can report negatives in 24–48 hours.
Ready to get started? Most standard analyses need approximately 100 g (≈ 4 oz) of product; contact us to confirm the exact quantity. Request your quote and we'll send the submission form and shipping address.
Our Accreditations
Both laboratories are accredited by PJLA to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and meet the requirements of the AOAC International Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food and Pharmaceuticals. Verify our accreditation at pjlabs.com.
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 & FDA LAAF Certificate
South Texas, Harlingen, TX
Active through Aug 2028
View Certificate
NMSDC Minority Business Enterprise Certification
AGT Labs is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) through the National Minority Supplier Development Council (Houston MSDC). Certificate No. HS100000816 · NAICS 541380 · valid through October 31, 2027.
Our Comprehensive Testing Capabilities
At AGT Labs, we provide precise chemical and microbiological testing services ensuring food safety and FDA regulatory compliance across all product lines.
Chemical Analysis Services
Food Additives and Preservatives
Precise quantification of additives by HPLC, including preservatives (benzoic and sorbic acid), synthetic FD&C dyes, and antioxidants (BHA, BHT, TBHQ) for market compliance.
Food Quality Assurance Testing
Assessment of critical quality control parameters, including pH, Water Activity (Aw) for stability, Peroxide Value, and Free Fatty Acid levels.
Food Contaminants & Residues Analysis
Chemical Contaminants & Residues
Heavy metals by ICP-MS, multi-residue pesticides, and veterinary drug residues (nitrofurans, triphenylmethane dyes) across raw materials and finished goods — supporting supply-chain verification and supplier approval programs.
Heavy Metal Testing
ICP-MS quantification of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury — plus the full trace-element panel — in food, beverages, and water at parts-per-billion levels for FDA action levels and Prop 65 safe harbor limits.
California Prop 65 Compliance
Comprehensive heavy metals testing to ensure your food products comply with California Proposition 65 safe harbor levels and avoid costly violations.
Pesticide Residue Testing & MRLs
Multi-residue analysis for pesticides to meet Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for domestic retail and global export markets.
FDA Nutrition & Regulatory Testing
FDA Nutritional Analysis & Food Labeling
Complete nutrition facts analysis tailored for FDA labeling (21 CFR Part 101), including macronutrients, cholesterol, minerals, and caffeine profiling.
Gluten-Free Verification Testing
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and FDA LAAF accredited Gluten/Gliadin analysis by R5 ELISA (SOP 041) to verify "Gluten-Free" claims below the FDA 20 ppm limit — on foods, environmental swabs, and water.
FDA Import Detention Testing
Expedited laboratory testing for products detained by the FDA. For DWPE (Detention Without Physical Examination) holds, we support release testing using our FDA LAAF-accredited methods (listed microbiology and gluten methods).
Microbiological Analysis Services
Food Hygiene & Sanitation Validation
Microbiological verification testing, including Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Coliform, E. coli, Yeast & Mold, and Lactic Acid Bacteria, to validate facility sanitation.
Shelf Life Testing & Stability Studies
Determine accurate product expiration dates with real-time and accelerated aging studies to ensure long-term microbial safety and quality.
Foodborne Pathogen Detection
Broad-spectrum pathogen testing for STEC, E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus, B. cereus, Campylobacter, Clostridium, and Cronobacter.
Bacterial Endotoxin Testing
Quantitative bacterial endotoxin analysis to USP <86> for water samples, alongside USP <61> microbial enumeration and USP <62> specified-organism screening for supplements, cosmetics, and pharma-grade materials.
Listeria spp. Detection
Targeted screening for Listeria spp. in environmental swabs and finished products, with rapid L. monocytogenes confirmation for consumer safety.
Salmonella spp. Testing
Rapid, highly reliable detection methods for zero-tolerance Salmonella species to ensure the safety of food products and expedite distribution release.
Aflatoxin Testing
ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited total aflatoxin screening by ELISA (SOP 097) in grains, nuts, spices, and dried fruit to support FDA action levels and export limits.
Industries We Serve
AGT Labs supports a wide range of industries with precise testing analysis and FDA regulatory support.
Bakeries & Confectionery
Sugar profiling, moisture analysis, and additive testing.
Bottled Water & Beverages
Mineral content, heavy metal analysis, and safety compliance.
Catering & Central Kitchens
Gluten verification, hygiene swab analysis, and frying-oil quality testing.
Cold Storage & Warehousing
Rancidity monitoring and chemical spoilage detection.
Dairy Manufacturers
Fat, protein, moisture, and mineral analysis.
Food & Beverage Manufacturers
FDA nutritional labeling and additive quantification.
Fresh Produce Distributors
Pesticide residue screening for regulatory compliance.
Importers & Exporters
FDA detention testing and Prop 65 compliance.
Ingredient Suppliers
Contaminant screening, composition checks, and raw material analysis.
Meat, Poultry & Seafood
Heavy metal testing and pathogen screens.
Ready-to-Eat Food Producers
Preservative levels and shelf-life stability studies.
Pet Food & Treat Manufacturers
Accredited pathogen and indicator microbiology for pet food, treats, and raw diets.
Sanitation & Hygiene Providers
Gluten swab analysis and microbiological hygiene swab testing.
Why Choose AGT Labs
We combine cutting-edge analytical technology with deep regulatory expertise to deliver results that protect your brand, your consumers, and your bottom line.
Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017
AGT Labs operates PJLA-accredited laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) in Houston (#117946) and Harlingen (#126978), TX, meeting the highest international standards for technical competence — your results are globally recognized, with FDA LAAF recognition for listed methods.
Rapid Turnaround
We understand that time is shelf-life. Standard turnaround is 5+ business days, with rush options and 24–48 hour negatives on rapid pathogen screens.
Parts-Per-Billion Precision
State-of-the-art chromatography and spectroscopy equipment detects contaminants at the parts-per-billion level — the precision your compliance demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which analytical method do you use for preservative quantification?
We use validated chromatography methods (HPLC) to precisely quantify accredited preservatives, including benzoic acid and sorbic acid, ensuring your formulations meet specific FDA regulatory limits.
Can your lab detect heavy metals and pesticides at parts-per-billion levels?
Yes. Our heavy metal testing uses ICP-MS to quantify lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury at trace levels, and our multi-residue pesticide screening runs by LC-MS/MS — both supporting raw material safety and import compliance.
Do you offer bacterial endotoxin testing?
Yes. We run quantitative bacterial endotoxin testing to USP <86> for water samples, and we also perform USP <61> microbial enumeration and USP <62> specified-organism testing for dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical-grade materials.
Do you test for aflatoxin?
Yes. We screen for total aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2) by ELISA under our ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited method (SOP 097) to support FDA action levels and export limits for grains, nuts, spices, and dried fruit.
Do you provide FDA-compliant (21 CFR Part 101) nutritional analysis for food labeling?
Yes. Our accredited nutritional analysis measures the nutrients required for the Nutrition Facts label — fat and fatty acids, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fiber, total sugars, protein, minerals, and vitamins A, C and D — with calories and carbohydrate calculated per FDA 21 CFR Part 101.
Do you offer pet food testing?
Yes. Pet food, treats, and raw diets are within our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited scope at our Houston, TX laboratory for aerobic plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and total coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and STEC.
How does Water Activity (Aw) testing ensure microbial safety and stability?
Water Activity (Aw) is a primary indicator of microbial growth risk. Testing this parameter helps define your product's shelf-life stability and regulatory classification (for example, for acidified foods under FDA rules).
How does accredited food hygiene testing improve product shelf-life?
Accredited hygiene testing assesses sanitation effectiveness. We analyze Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Yeast & Mold, and Coliforms to verify your manufacturing hygiene, preventing spoilage and extending freshness.
Does your pathogen screening cover STEC, S. aureus, and Campylobacter?
Yes, we offer accredited detection for major foodborne pathogens, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), E. coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter, and Cronobacter.
Should I test for Listeria spp. or Listeria monocytogenes for environmental monitoring?
For environmental monitoring (swabs), we recommend testing for Listeria spp. to find harborage sites. For finished products, we specifically confirm the absence of Listeria monocytogenes, the species harmful to humans.
What is the fastest turnaround time for rapid Salmonella screening?
Salmonella is a zero-tolerance pathogen. We offer rapid detection methods that can deliver negative results in as little as 24–48 hours, allowing you to release inventory to market faster.
Do you conduct food allergen testing for labeling compliance?
We test for gluten only. Our Gluten/Gliadin method by R5 ELISA (SOP 041) is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and recognized under the FDA LAAF program, and verifies "Gluten-Free" claims against the FDA 20 ppm limit. We do not currently test for other allergens such as peanut, milk, egg, or soy.
How much sample quantity is generally required for testing?
For most standard chemical and microbiological analyses, we typically need approximately 100 g (about 4 oz) of product (contact us to confirm the exact quantity) to ensure we have enough representative sample for all tests.
Ready to Ensure Your Food Safety?
Get fast, accredited, and legally defensible results from a lab that understands your compliance deadlines. Request a custom quote today.
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