Chemical Contaminant Testing & Residue Analysis

Ensure product safety and FDA compliance with rigorous chemical contaminant testing for heavy metals and pesticide residues in food.

Scope
Heavy Metals Testing & Pesticide Screening
Technology
ICP-MS & LC-MS/MS Analysis
Regulatory
FDA & EPA Compliance

Chemical Food Contaminant Testing & Safety

Effective chemical contaminant testing for hazards is a critical component of safety plans under FSMA. Unlike biological pathogens, chemical contaminants like heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic) and pesticide residues often persist through processing steps.

AGT Labs utilizes state-of-the-art Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace metal detection and advanced LC-MS/MS platforms for identifying pesticide residues, ensuring your brand meets strict FDA and EPA tolerances. Failed contaminant tests often lead to FDA import detention.

Why Residue Analysis Matters

Protecting public health and avoiding regulatory action through precise chemical contaminant testing.

1. Consumer Safety

Protect vulnerable populations, especially infants, from the neurotoxic effects of heavy metals and long-term pesticide exposure.

2. Regulatory Action

Avoid FDA Import Alerts and "Detention Without Physical Examination" (DWPE) by proving compliance with action levels for food contaminants.

3. Supply Chain Verification

Validate the purity of raw ingredients before they enter your production line, preventing pesticide residues in finished goods.

Detailed Analysis Catalog

High-sensitivity methods for comprehensive chemical contaminant testing, tailored to industry standards.

Heavy Metals Testing in Food

Testing food samples for heavy metals like Lead and Arsenic

Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to meet the FDA's "Closer to Zero" targets for toxic elements. Our chemical contaminant testing services for heavy metals achieve parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity, essential for assessing risk against California Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Levels.

The "Big Four" Analytes

Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg). We detect these heavy metals in food along with Chromium and Nickel upon request.

Speciation Capabilities

Total Arsenic screening often yields false alarms. We perform Arsenic Speciation Analysis to distinguish toxic Inorganic Arsenic from harmless organic forms commonly found in seafood.

Test Methods

ICP-MS per AOAC 2015.01 or FDA EAM 4.7.

Technical Specs

Sample Size: 50g | LOD: < 10 ppb (varies by matrix) | Shipping: Ambient or Refrigerated

Pesticide Residues Analysis

Chromatogram showing pesticide residue analysis results

Modern retailers demand "Clean Label" transparency regarding pesticides in food. Our chemical contaminant testing protocols help you navigate the complex landscape of MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) for global export markets, ensuring your products are free from harmful pesticide residues.

Multi-Residue Screen

Our comprehensive screen covers 400+ compounds including Organophosphates and Pyrethroids. We utilize the QuEChERS method for high recovery rates of pesticide residues.

Organic Verification

Verify your USDA Organic status by screening for prohibited synthetic substances. We also offer assays for polar pesticides like Glyphosate (Roundup).

Test Methods

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS per AOAC 2007.01.

Technical Specs

Sample Size: 250g | LOD: 0.01 mg/kg (standard MRL limit) | Shipping: Refrigerated

Industries We Serve

Targeted chemical contaminant testing for high-risk commodity groups.

Fresh fruits and vegetables subject to chemical contaminant testing

Fresh Produce

Screening fruits and vegetables for pesticide MRL compliance.

Baby food jars requiring safety screening for toxic elements

Baby Food

Ultra-trace analysis for heavy metals to meet infant safety standards.

Fresh seafood assortment tested for mercury and environmental toxins

Seafood

Testing for Mercury and environmental food contaminants in fish.

Spices and dried herbs inspected for chemical residues

Spices & Herbs

Verifying purity in dried ingredients prone to heavy metal accumulation.

Technical Capabilities

Advanced analytical platforms designed to perform high-precision chemical contaminant testing at the lowest limits required by today's regulations.

Advanced laboratory equipment for trace chemical analysis
  • ICP-MS Technology (Agilent 7900)

    Our Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer is the gold standard for trace metal analysis. It allows us to detect heavy metals in food at parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels, far exceeding the sensitivity of standard atomic absorption.

    Low Detection Limits • Rapid Throughput • Broad Dynamic Range

  • LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole)

    We employ tandem mass spectrometry coupled with both Liquid and Gas Chromatography. This dual approach ensures comprehensive coverage of pesticide residues across polar and volatile compound groups.

    Multi-Residue Screen • Matrix Filtration • High Selectivity

  • Methodology & Validation

    All methods for chemical contaminant testing are validated against AOAC and FDA PAM guidelines. We utilize QuEChERS extraction protocols to maximize analyte recovery while minimizing waste for complex food matrices.

Partner with AGT Labs

From field to fork, we ensure your products are free from harmful chemical food contaminants.

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ISO 17025 Accredited

Our scope includes accredited chemical contaminant testing, residue analysis, and heavy metals screening.

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Regulatory Expertise

Guidance on FDA action levels and EPA tolerances for pesticides in food.

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Formulation Support

Identifying contamination sources in raw materials to clean up your supply chain.

Common Questions About Contaminant Testing

What heavy metals should be tested in food?
Chemical contaminant testing for the "Big Four" toxic heavy metals is most common: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), and Mercury (Hg). These pose the most significant health risks and are the focus of FDA and international standards.
How do you test for pesticide residues in food?
When conducting chemical contaminant testing for pesticides, we utilize a multi-residue screening approach using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. This allows us to detect and quantify hundreds of different pesticide compounds (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) in a single analysis.
What are the FDA limits for heavy metals in food?
Limits vary significantly by product type. For example, the FDA has specific action levels for lead in fruit juices and candy, and arsenic in rice cereals. We verify your products against specific FDA Action Levels, EU Regulations, or Prop 65 safe harbor levels.
Why is arsenic speciation analysis important?
Total arsenic testing does not distinguish between organic arsenic (often non-toxic, found in seafood) and inorganic arsenic (highly toxic, found in rice/water). Speciation analysis separates these forms to determine the actual toxicity risk of your product.
Do you test for glyphosate (Roundup) residues?
Yes, Glyphosate is a polar pesticide that requires a specialized extraction method different from standard multi-residue screens. We offer specific testing for Glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA to verify organic or residue-free claims.
What is California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) compliance?
Prop 65 requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer or birth defects. We test for heavy metals and provide data to help you determine if your product meets the "Safe Harbor Levels" (No Significant Risk Levels) to avoid warning labels.

Ready to Ensure Your Product Safety?

Join hundreds of food manufacturers who trust AGT Labs for accurate, accredited, and timely chemical analysis.

Contact us
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