Chemical Food Testing

Q: What is included in a standard Proximate Analysis?

A standard Proximate Analysis includes five core tests: Moisture, Protein, Fat, Ash (minerals), and Carbohydrates (calculated), which provides the foundation for general nutritional data.

Q: How do you determine if an oil or fat has gone rancid?

We perform a Rancidity Panel including Peroxide Value (PV) to measure primary oxidation and Free Fatty Acids (FFA) for hydrolytic degradation, giving you a clear picture of oil quality.

Q: Does your testing distinguish between Total Sugars and Added Sugars?

Yes. We use HPLC sugar profiling to distinguish naturally occurring sugars (like fructose in fruit) from added sugars, ensuring your Nutrition Facts panel meets the updated FDA requirements.

Q: What is the difference between Moisture Content and Water Activity?

Moisture measures total water amount, while Water Activity (Aw) measures available water for microbial growth. Both are crucial for shelf stability but serve different preservation purposes.

Q: Can you test for specific vitamins to verify label claims?

Yes, our accredited lab verifies potency for Vitamin A, C, D, and various B-vitamins using HPLC methods to support label claims and monitor stability over time.

Q: How are Prop 65 Heavy Metal limits calculated for my product?

We customize our ICP-MS detection limits to meet specific "Safe Harbor" levels for Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury based on your product's daily serving size to assess Prop 65 compliance.

Q: How do I ensure my product meets Pesticide MRLs for export?

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) vary by country. We offer targeted multi-residue pesticide screens using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS to ensure your product complies with specific standards for the EU, Japan, Canada, or other export markets.

Q: What testing is required to label my product as "Gluten-Free"?

To label a product "Gluten-Free" under FDA regulations, it must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Our high-sensitivity ELISA testing confirms compliance with this strict threshold to protect consumers with celiac disease.

Q: My product is on FDA Import Alert (DWPE). Can you help?

Yes. As an FDA LAAF-recognized laboratory, we specialize in expedited testing for detained shipments. We submit the required analytical package directly to the FDA to demonstrate compliance and assist in securing the release of your goods.

Q: Do you test for Sudan Dyes or other illegal colorants?

Yes, we screen for unauthorized chemical dyes like Sudan I-IV, Para Red, and Rhodamine B, which are strictly prohibited in food products due to safety concerns.

Reliable chemical food testing solutions ensuring FDA compliance, precise food chemical analysis, and consumer safety nationwide.

Accreditation

ISO/IEC 17025:2017

Validation

FDA LAAF Recognized

Methodology

AOAC & FDA BAM

Comprehensive Chemical Food Testing

AGT Food Labs offers comprehensive chemical food testing services to support manufacturers, processors, importers, and distributors across the United States. Our food chemical analysis ensures regulatory compliance, protects consumer safety, verifies nutritional accuracy, and helps maintain consistent product quality.

Using validated instrumentation, our chemical testing programs help identify hazardous substances, verify label claims, evaluate degradation, and detect adulteration to meet FDA, EPA, and international safety standards.

Laboratory Capabilities Summary: Headquartered in Houston, TX, AGT Labs provides accredited chemical food testing for US manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Utilizing validated AOAC and FDA BAM methods, our ISO 17025 facility analyzes food additives, pesticide residues, heavy metals (Prop 65), and provides complete FDA nutritional labeling to ensure strict federal compliance.

How to Submit Samples for Chemical Food Testing

A streamlined, 4-step testing workflow designed to clear products and get them to the US market faster.

📝
01. Request
Submit your chemical food testing request online or contact our Houston lab for a custom quote.
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02. Shipping
Send your samples (100g min) using our secure Chain of Custody form.
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03. Analyze
Our chemists analyze your samples using validated methods (AOAC, FDA, USP).
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04. Report
Receive your official Certificate of Analysis (CoA) via email within 5-7 business days.

Download Chain of Custody Form

Why Chemical Food Testing Matters

Chemical contaminants, mislabeled ingredients, nutrient deviations, and formulation inconsistencies represent major regulatory and financial risks. Routine chemical food testing helps identify hazardous substances, verify strict label claims, evaluate product degradation, and detect adulteration.

Whether you are validating raw materials, ensuring finished product compliance, or supporting shelf-life stability studies, AGT Labs delivers accurate analytical results designed to meet FDA, EPA, and international safety standards.

Our Chemical Food Testing Services

Reliable chemical food testing and complete food chemical analysis to ensure safety and compliance.

Food Additives

Food Additives & Preservatives

Precise chemical food testing for additives ensures your formulations meet strict US regulatory limits and functional specifications. We offer comprehensive screening for flavor enhancers and shelf-life extenders through advanced quantitative analysis.

Testing Parameters Include:

Preservatives Testing (Benzoates, Sorbates, Sulfites)
Synthetic Dyes Analysis (FD&C Colors, Sudan Dyes)
Antioxidants Testing (BHA, BHT)

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Chemical Contaminants and Heavy Metals Analysis

Contaminants & Residues

Food Contaminants & Residues Analysis

Protect your brand and consumers from hazardous substances. Our advanced chemical food testing and precise heavy metal testing in food detects trace residues at parts-per-billion levels to ensure toxicological safety compliance with FDA, EPA, and international safety standards.

Testing Parameters Include:

Heavy Metals Analysis (Lead/Pb, Cadmium/Cd, Arsenic/As, Mercury/Hg)
Chemical Residue Validation

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California Proposition 65 Compliance Testing

Regulatory Compliance

California Prop 65 Compliance

Comprehensive Prop 65 food testing and heavy metals analysis (Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury) to ensure compliance with California Proposition 65 safe harbor levels. We assist in determining if your product requires a warning label based on daily serving size exposure.

Testing Parameters Include:

Lead (Pb) & Cadmium (Cd)
Arsenic (As) & Mercury (Hg)
Safe Harbor Level Assessment

Explore Prop 65 Services

Export Compliance

Pesticide Residue & MRL Testing

Multi-residue analysis for pesticides to meet Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). Ensure your raw materials are free from prohibited agricultural chemicals through rigorous testing of food products using highly sensitive GC-MS/MS technology.

Testing Parameters Include:

Multi-Residue Screen (GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS)
Global Export MRL Compliance
Organic Verification

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Nutritional Analysis

Nutritional Analysis & FDA Labeling

Accurate nutritional data is legally required for regulatory compliance and transparent consumer communication. We provide complete macronutrient profiling, accurate FDA nutritional analysis, and proximate testing to support your FDA Nutrition Facts panels.

Testing Parameters Include:

Full Nutrition Facts Panel (FDA 21 CFR Part 101)
Cholesterol & Minerals Profiling
Caffeine & Vitamin Analysis

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Allergen Control

Food Allergen Testing & Gluten-Free

Detection of hidden allergens to verify "Free-From" claims and ensure compliance with US FALCPA regulations. We perform specialized allergen testing using high-sensitivity ELISA and PCR methods.

Testing Parameters Include:

Gluten-Free Verification (<20ppm)
Peanut, Soy, Milk, Egg, Tree Nuts
Environmental Allergen Swabs

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Food Quality & Stability

Food Quality & Stability Testing

Fundamental physicochemical properties determine the quality, stability, and shelf life of your products. We analyze essential parameters to monitor oxidative stability and sensory integrity to prevent spoilage.

Testing Parameters Include:

Water Activity (aw) Analysis
pH Testing
Rancidity Testing (Peroxide Value (PV) & Free Fatty Acid (FFA))

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FDA Detention

FDA Import Detention Testing

Expedited testing services for imported products detained by the FDA. We assist importers in clearing DWPE (Detention Without Physical Examination) alerts with rapid sampling, analysis, and direct reporting to FDA compliance officers.

Services Include:

DWPE Alert Clearance
Expedited Sampling & Reporting
Regulatory Compliance Support

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Analytical Methods & Standards

We utilize validated methods from internationally recognized organizations to ensure chemical food testing accuracy.

Analysis Type	Method Reference	Technique / Instrumentation
Sugar Profile	AOAC 982.14	HPLC-RI
Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg)	AOAC 2015.01	ICP-MS
Pesticide Residue	AOAC 2007.01	GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS
Preservatives (Benzoates)	AOAC 960.38	HPLC
Water Activity (Aw)	AOAC 978.18	Chilled Mirror Dew Point
Vitamin C	AOAC 967.21	Titration / HPLC

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Expert chemical food testing to ensure your products meet strict state and federal standards.

California Prop 65

Low-level detection of heavy metals and chemicals to ensure compliance with California's Safe Drinking Water Act ("Safe Harbor Levels").

FDA Labeling

Complete nutritional analysis to support FDA 21 CFR Part 101 Nutrition Facts labeling requirements and health claims.

FSMA Compliance

Preventive control testing programs designed to meet Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements nationwide.

US Industries We Serve

Supporting a wide range of food sectors with precise analytical chemistry.

Food & Beverage Manufacturers

Nutritional labeling, additive quantification, and formulation verification.

Ingredient Suppliers

Purity verification, contaminant screening, and raw material analysis.

Ready-to-Eat Food Producers

Preservative levels and shelf-life stability monitoring.

Meat, Poultry & Seafood

Vet drug residues, histamine testing, and heavy metal analysis.

Dairy Manufacturers

Fat, protein, moisture, and melamine analysis.

Bakeries & Confectionery

Sugar profiling, moisture analysis, and additive testing.

Fresh Produce Distributors

Pesticide residue screening for regulatory compliance.

Cold Storage & Warehousing

Rancidity monitoring and chemical spoilage detection.

US Importers & Exporters

FDA detention testing and Prop 65 compliance.

Sanitation & Hygiene Providers

Allergen swabs and chemical residue validation.

Bottled Water & Beverages

Mineral content and heavy metal analysis.

Catering & Central Kitchens

Verifying sanitation protocols and ensuring safety for high-volume production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our chemical testing services for food products.

What is included in a standard Proximate Analysis?

A standard Proximate Analysis includes five core tests: Moisture, Protein, Fat, Ash (minerals), and Carbohydrates (calculated), which provides the foundation for general nutritional data.

How do you determine if an oil or fat has gone rancid?

We perform a Rancidity Panel including Peroxide Value (PV) to measure primary oxidation and Free Fatty Acids (FFA) for hydrolytic degradation, giving you a clear picture of oil quality.

Does your testing distinguish between Total Sugars and Added Sugars?

Yes. We use HPLC sugar profiling to distinguish naturally occurring sugars (like fructose in fruit) from added sugars, ensuring your Nutrition Facts panel meets the updated FDA requirements.

What is the difference between Moisture Content and Water Activity?

Moisture measures total water amount, while Water Activity (Aw) measures available water for microbial growth. Both are crucial for shelf stability but serve different preservation purposes.

Can you test for specific vitamins to verify label claims?

Yes, our accredited lab verifies potency for Vitamin A, C, D, and various B-vitamins using HPLC methods to support label claims and monitor stability over time.

How are Prop 65 Heavy Metal limits calculated for my product?

We customize our ICP-MS detection limits to meet specific "Safe Harbor" levels for Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury based on your product's daily serving size to assess Prop 65 compliance.

How do I ensure my product meets Pesticide MRLs for export?

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) vary by country. We offer targeted multi-residue pesticide screens using GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS to ensure your product complies with specific standards for the EU, Japan, Canada, or other export markets.

What testing is required to label my product as "Gluten-Free"?

To label a product "Gluten-Free" under FDA regulations, it must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. Our high-sensitivity ELISA testing confirms compliance with this strict threshold to protect consumers with celiac disease.

My product is on FDA Import Alert (DWPE). Can you help?

Yes. As an FDA LAAF-recognized laboratory, we specialize in expedited testing for detained shipments. We submit the required analytical package directly to the FDA to demonstrate compliance and assist in securing the release of your goods.

Do you test for Sudan Dyes or other illegal colorants?

Yes, we screen for unauthorized chemical dyes like Sudan I-IV, Para Red, and Rhodamine B, which are strictly prohibited in food products due to safety concerns.

What chemical markers are monitored in a shelf-life study?

We monitor chemical degradation markers over time, such as pH stability, water activity shifts, rancidity (PV/FFA), and vitamin potency loss, incubated at specific temperatures.

Need Reliable Chemical Food Testing Results?

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