FDA Import
Detention Testing

Fast, accredited FDA import detention testing to release your shipment from Detention Without Physical Examination (DWPE). We handle third-party sampling, analysis, and direct FDA data submission.

Accreditation
FDA LAAF Recognized · ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (Cert L24-482-R2)
PJLA-Accredited Methods
AOAC 2007.01 Pesticides · AOAC 2015.01 Heavy Metals
Turnaround
Rush 48–72h (chemistry) · 5d (microbiology)
Submission
Direct FDA Data Packet

Stop Demurrage Fees & Save Your Shipment

When the FDA issues a Notice of FDA Action, your container is stuck at the port and daily storage fees (demurrage) start piling up. You have a limited window to prove your product is safe or face destruction or re-export.

AGT Food Labs specializes in "Detention Without Physical Examination" (DWPE) releases. As an FDA LAAF-Recognized Laboratory, we deploy neutral third-party samplers to the bonded warehouse, run accredited FDA import detention testing on the samples for food contaminants, and provide the comprehensive data packet your compliance officer needs.

Scope note: Our PJLA ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation (Cert L24-482-R2) covers multi-residue pesticides by LC-MS/MS (AOAC 2007.01, SOP 070) and heavy metals by ICP-MS (AOAC 2015.01, SOP 046). For Filth (AOAC 965.38), Salmonella (FDA BAM Ch.5), Histamine, and color additives, AGT acts as your single point of coordination — testing is routed to LAAF / ISO 17025 accredited partner laboratories so the FDA receives a unified, accreditation-compliant data packet.

The FDA Import Detention Testing Release Process

We manage the entire workflow to get your "May Proceed" notice faster.

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01. Notice Review
Email us your "Notice of Action" to start the FDA import detention testing process. We confirm the specific Import Alert # and violation code (e.g., 99-05 pesticides, 99-19 filth/Salmonella).
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02. Third-Party Sampling
The FDA requires a neutral party to pull samples. We dispatch a sampler to the bonded warehouse to collect samples per FDA protocol with full chain-of-custody.
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03. Rush Analysis
Samples enter our priority queue for FDA import detention testing — pesticides and metals in-house under PJLA scope, microbiology and filth via accredited partner labs.
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04. FDA Submission
We compile the full LAAF data package (methods, chromatograms, sampling report) and submit it directly to the FDA system on your behalf.

Common Violations Requiring FDA Import Detention Testing

FDA import detention testing covers four common violation categories spanning spices, seafood, produce, and processed foods.

Chemist performing accredited FDA import detention testing for pesticide residues by LC-MS/MS
✅ Import Alert 99-05 / 99-08 · PJLA-Accredited

Pesticide Residue Violations

The most common detention category for fresh produce and grains. The FDA detains products containing pesticides not registered in the US or exceeding EPA tolerances (40 CFR 180). We run multi-residue pesticide screening in-house under AOAC 2007.01 (SOP 070) by LC-MS/MS, fully covered by our PJLA ISO/IEC 17025:2017 scope (Cert L24-482-R2).

Target Commodities:
  • Basmati Rice (Tricyclazole)
  • Chili Peppers (Chlorpyrifos)
  • Tea & Dried Herbs
ICP-MS heavy metals analysis (Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury) for FDA import detention testing under AOAC 2015.01
✅ Import Alert 99-30 · PJLA-Accredited

Heavy Metals Violations

Detentions for elevated Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, or Mercury in seafood, spices, supplements, and rice are cleared with our in-house ICP-MS panel under AOAC 2015.01 (SOP 046) for the Big 4, and AOAC 985.01 / 993.14 (SOP 047) for a 14-element extended panel — both accredited under PJLA Cert L24-482-R2.

Target Commodities:
  • Seafood (Mercury)
  • Plant Supplements (Lead, Cadmium)
  • Rice (Total Arsenic)
  • Spices (Lead, Cadmium)
Microscopic filth analysis for FDA compliance testing in spices
🤝 Import Alert 99-19 · Partner Lab Network

Filth & Extraneous Matter

Common for spices, mushrooms, and grains. The FDA holds products suspected of containing "Filth" — insect fragments, rodent hairs, or sand. Macroscopic and Microscopic Light Filth Analysis (AOAC 965.38) is not currently within our PJLA scope; for Filth detentions we coordinate testing through our LAAF / ISO 17025 accredited partner laboratory network and bundle the results into a single FDA data packet.

Salmonella cultural confirmation for FDA import detention testing on seafood and spices
🤝 Import Alert 99-19 / 16-81 · Partner Lab Network

Salmonella, Pathogens & Decomposition

A "Red Light" issue for spices, coconut, and seafood (Alert 16-81). FDA BAM Chapter 5 cultural confirmation for Salmonella, plus Histamine for tuna and mahi-mahi (Alert 16-105) and Indole for decomposition, are not within our PJLA scope. We route these analyses to our accredited microbiology partner labs and consolidate the LAAF data packet under one chain of custody.

Screening for illegal color additives in candy for FDA compliance testing
🤝 Import Alert 45-02 · Partner Lab Network

Illegal Food Colors & Additives

Detentions for undeclared or illegal dyes (Sudan Red in palm oil and chili, Ponceau 4R in candy) require targeted color-additive screens that are not part of our PJLA scope. We coordinate this testing with our partner laboratory network and integrate the results into your single submission package.

Industries We Serve

FDA import detention testing across the commodity categories most often flagged at US ports.

Dietary supplements and botanicals cleared from FDA import detention

Dietary Supplements & Botanicals

Heavy metal and pesticide clearance for plant-based supplements.

Cocoa, chocolate, and coffee cleared from FDA import detention

Cocoa, Chocolate & Coffee

Cadmium and lead clearance for cocoa, chocolate, and coffee.

Seafood cleared from FDA import detention for mercury and salmonella

Seafood & Aquaculture

Mercury and Salmonella clearance for imported seafood.

Fresh produce cleared from FDA import detention for pesticide violations

Produce & Specialty Foods

Pesticide clearance for imported fruits and vegetables.

Common Detention Triggers

Most US importers contact us for FDA import detention testing when one of these scenarios comes up at their port of entry.

📜Notice of FDA Action Received

A container at the port has been issued a "Notice of FDA Action" with a specific 801(a) violation, and the importer has a limited window to respond with lab data.

🚦Repeat Offender / Red List

A shipper or product code has been added to the Red List under DWPE, and every subsequent shipment is automatically detained until 5 consecutive clean tests are submitted.

🌍Country of Origin Risk

Importing from a country flagged on a country-wide Import Alert (e.g., basmati rice from a specific origin) requires testimony testing on every container.

🤝New Supplier Verification

Onboarding a new overseas supplier — proactively running pre-shipment testing avoids surprise detentions and FSVP audit gaps under FSMA.

🔧Reconditioning Attempt (Form 766)

A previous shipment failed for a correctable reason (label, sortable defect). Re-testing after reconditioning is required to clear the goods.

📤Petition for Removal Filing

After 5 consecutive clean shipments tested under our LAAF program, we help compile the data packet for the FDA Petition for Removal from the Red List.

Why You Need a LAAF-Recognized Lab for FDA Import Detention Testing

The FDA now mandates that certain food testing must be performed by LAAF-accredited laboratories.

✅Mandatory Acceptance

Under the FSMA Final Rule on Laboratory Accreditation, data for specific import alerts is only accepted from LAAF-accredited bodies — which is why FDA import detention testing must be routed through recognized labs like AGT and our partner network.

📂Direct Submission

We submit the full analytical package — including raw chromatography data, QC charts, and sampling reports — directly to the FDA, reducing back-and-forth delays.

🗑️Removal Petition

We help you get off the Red List. After 5 consecutive clean shipments tested under our coordinated program, we can assist in filing the petition for removal from DWPE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urgent answers for importers dealing with FDA holds.

Which methods does AGT run in-house under PJLA accreditation?
For FDA import detention testing, our PJLA ISO/IEC 17025:2017 scope (Cert L24-482-R2) covers two cornerstone analyses: multi-residue pesticides by LC-MS/MS (AOAC 2007.01, SOP 070) and heavy metals by ICP-MS (AOAC 2015.01, SOP 046; AOAC 985.01 / 993.14, SOP 047). Filth (AOAC 965.38), Salmonella (FDA BAM Ch.5), Histamine, and color additives are coordinated through our LAAF / ISO 17025 accredited partner laboratory network at no extra coordination fee, and we consolidate everything into one FDA data packet.
What is a Notice of FDA Action?
A "Notice of FDA Action" is a document issued by the FDA indicating that your shipment has been detained. It specifies the "Section 801(a)" violation (e.g., Salmonella, pesticides) and gives you an opportunity to provide testimony — laboratory results from FDA import detention testing — to prove the product is safe.
How do I get off the FDA Red List (Import Alert)?
To get off the Red List (DWPE), you must demonstrate a pattern of compliance. Typically the FDA requires a minimum of 5 consecutive commercial shipments to test clean. AGT tracks these shipments and provides the consolidated data packets needed for your Petition for Removal.
Can I move my container during detention?
Yes, but only with FDA permission. You can file for an IT (Immediate Transportation) or movement permit to relocate the container from the expensive port terminal to a bonded warehouse. The goods remain under "FDA Bond" and cannot be distributed until released.
What is FDA Form 766 (Reconditioning)?
If your product fails for a correctable reason — labeling error or sortable defect — you can submit Form 766 to propose a plan to fix ("recondition") the product. Examples include relabeling a package or sorting out damaged grain. We can re-test the product after reconditioning to demonstrate compliance.
What is DWPE?
DWPE stands for Detention Without Physical Examination. If a shipper or product is on the Red List, the FDA automatically detains the shipment without checking it first. The burden of proof is on the importer to conduct FDA import detention testing and prove it is safe before it can be released.
Can I take the sample myself to save money?
No. The FDA strictly rejects samples collected by the importer because of conflict of interest. You must hire an unbiased third party (like AGT or a professional sampler) to collect the sample from the bonded warehouse to maintain chain of custody.
How fast is the analysis?
We know you are paying daily storage fees. Once we receive the sample, our rush turnaround for pesticides and heavy metals FDA import detention testing is typically 48–72 hours. Microbiology (Salmonella) takes longer — typically 5 days — due to biological incubation times that cannot be rushed.
What happens if the test fails?
If the sample fails (e.g., contains Salmonella), the FDA will refuse entry. You generally have two options: 1) destroy the product under FDA supervision, or 2) re-export it to a country where it is compliant. In some cases (such as labeling errors) reconditioning is allowed under Form 766.

Is Your Container Stuck?

Don't let demurrage fees eat your profit. Contact us immediately for accredited rush FDA import detention testing.

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