Health care, cosmetic and food companies often need to use a certified laboratory to test their products.
The Venturepark Labs Team has compiled a list of laboratory facilities to help brand owners find the best option.
When reaching out to a testing facility a few things to keep in mind:
When possible, be sure the sample sent is representative of long term production, using the final ingredients and packaging.
Follow their suggestion for how samples should be collected. In many cases a lab will ask for samples taken from various points in a production batch and they will turn them into 1 composite (combined) sample. This reduces the impact of individual sample variation.
If you want their interpretation of the results, ask ahead of time if they offer this. If you are looking for interpretation and suggested next steps you may benefit from connecting with a food development centre (see Resource Library post on Food Development Centres).
Keep records of the production details for the sample provided. Overtime you will refer back to this test result and you want to be clear on which version of the recipe, production process or even the location of manufacture applies.
Testing laboratories vary from large global organizations to small local independents. If working with a new or smaller organization, check that they have been accredited by an external 3rd party that is used in the industry. (For example ISO).
Some smaller organizations may actually send the product out for a test they are not equipped to do, this may add cost.
Gather quotes and compare as prices do vary.
Testing Labs:
And remember, there is a wide range of food innovation and development centres across Canada and many of them offer product testing from a certified in house lab as well. (See related resource library post)
Written By: Venturepark Labs Team