Chemical Contaminant Testing & Residue Analysis
Ensure product safety and FDA compliance with rigorous chemical contaminant testing for heavy metals and pesticide residues in food.
Chemical Food Contaminant Testing & Safety
Chemical contaminant testing is a critical component of safety plans under FSMA. Unlike biological pathogens, chemical contaminants like heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury) and pesticide residues often persist through processing steps.
AGT Labs uses Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace metal detection per AOAC 2015.01 (SOP 046) and AOAC 985.01 / 993.14 (SOP 047), plus LC-MS/MS per AOAC 2007.01 (SOP 070) for pesticide residues, ensuring your brand meets strict FDA and EPA tolerances. Failed contaminant analyses 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, performed under our PJLA ISO/IEC 17025 scope.
Heavy Metals Testing in Food
Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to meet the FDA's "Closer to Zero" targets for toxic elements. Our chemical contaminant testing for heavy metals achieves parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity by ICP-MS, essential for assessing risk against California Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Levels.
The "Big Four" Analytes
Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) — by AOAC 2015.01 (SOP 046) using ICP-MS.
14-Element Panel
Zn, Cu, Se, Cr, Mn, Sn, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Ni — by AOAC 985.01 / 993.14 (SOP 047) using ICP-MS.
Drinking Water Mercury
EPA 245.1 (SOP 050) on a dedicated mercury analyzer for low-level water testing.
Technical Specs
Sample Size: 50g | LOD: < 10 ppb (varies by matrix) | Shipping: Ambient or Refrigerated
Pesticide Residues Analysis
Modern retailers demand "Clean Label" transparency on pesticides in food. Our protocols help you navigate the complex landscape of MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) for global export markets, validating that your products meet specification.
Multi-Residue Screen
Comprehensive screen covering Organophosphates, Pyrethroids, and other major classes by LC-MS/MS using QuEChERS sample preparation for high recovery.
Test Methods
LC-MS/MS per AOAC 2007.01 (modified), SOP 070.
Technical Specs
Sample Size: 250g | LOD: 0.01 mg/kg (standard MRL limit) | Shipping: Refrigerated
Seafood Detention Markers (Nitrofuran & Triphenyl Methane Dyes)
Two of the most common reasons seafood shipments are detained at the US border. We provide accredited LC-MS/MS analyses for the FDA-listed antibiotic and dye markers required for DWPE clearance.
Nitrofuran Metabolites
Per FDA-LIB4597 / FDA-LIB4682 (SOP 085) by LC-MS/MS.
Triphenyl Methane Dyes
Per FDA-LIB4562 (SOP 086) by LC-MS/MS — Malachite Green, Leucomalachite Green, Crystal Violet, Brilliant Green.
Technical Specs
Sample Size: 100g | Shipping: Refrigerated or Frozen
Aflatoxin / Mycotoxin Screening
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring carcinogens produced by Aspergillus molds — a major risk for grains, nuts, dairy, and dried fruit. We screen total aflatoxin levels by ELISA under our ISO/IEC 17025 scope.
Test Methods
SOP 097 — ELISA technique for total aflatoxin in food.
Technical Specs
Sample Size: 100g | LOD: < 1 ppb total aflatoxin | Shipping: Ambient or Refrigerated
Industries We Serve
Targeted chemical contaminant testing for high-risk commodity groups.
Technical Capabilities
Advanced analytical platforms designed to perform high-precision chemical contaminant testing at the lowest limits required by today's regulations.
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ICP-MS Technology
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry — the gold standard for trace metals. Detection of heavy metals at parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels for AOAC 2015.01 / 985.01 / 993.14.
Low Detection Limits • Rapid Throughput • Broad Dynamic Range
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LC-MS/MS (Triple Quadrupole)
Tandem mass spectrometry coupled with Liquid Chromatography for AOAC 2007.01 pesticide residues and FDA seafood detention markers (nitrofuran, triphenyl methane dyes).
Multi-Residue Screen • High Sensitivity • Polar & Mid-Polar Compounds
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Methodology & Validation
All chemical contaminant testing methods are validated against AOAC and FDA PAM guidelines. We use 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.
ISO 17025 Accredited
Our scope covers heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg + 14-element panel), pesticide residues by LC-MS/MS, aflatoxin, and FDA seafood detention markers.
Regulatory Expertise
Guidance on FDA action levels and EPA tolerances for pesticides in food.
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?
How do you test for pesticide residues in food?
What are the FDA limits for heavy metals in food?
Can you support FDA seafood import detentions for nitrofuran or triphenyl methane dyes?
Do you screen for aflatoxin and other mycotoxins?
What is California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) compliance?
Ready to Ensure Your Product Safety?
Join hundreds of food manufacturers who trust AGT Labs for accurate, accredited chemical contaminant testing and timely results.
Contact us