Product chemistry testing in food safety is a critical process that ensures the safety, quality, and compliance of food products. This testing involves a range of analytical techniques and methods to assess the chemical composition, contaminants, additives, and other factors that can impact the safety and quality of food. Chemical laboratories like Assurecloud are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in support of our endeavours to consistently provide the best analytical and testing services.
Our product chemistry testing services include identifying and determining the target components in a range of matrices, such as food, feed, water, environmental, and products, as well as determining the physical and chemical properties of test samples. The needs of the client define the target components.
Analysis conducted by the chemical laboratories include, but not limited to:
- Nutritional labelling according to Reg.146
- Specialised Dairy and milk analysis e.g. fat and protein using Rose Gottlieb and Kjeldahl method
- Heavy metals in food, fish and feed for export markets
- Biotoxins in seafood
- Water testing according to SANS 241
- Mycotoxins
- Allergens
- CO 2 Testing
- AIA
Chemical Composition Analysis: Food chemistry testing verifies the nutritional content of food products, including essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, to ensure they meet their stated nutritional claims.
Contaminant Detection: Food chemistry testing identifies and quantifies contaminants such as pathogens, toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemical residues, which can pose health risks if present in food.
Additive and Allergen Testing: This testing ensures that food additives, such as preservatives, colorants, and stabilisers are within permissible limits and do not exceed safety thresholds.
Allergen Detection: Food chemistry testing identifies common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, to protect consumers with food allergies.
Quality Control: Manufacturers use product chemistry testing to monitor parameters like pH, acidity, moisture content, and texture to maintain consistent product quality.
Nutritional Labelling: Product chemistry testing determines the nutritional content of food products, enabling accurate nutritional labelling for consumers.
Authentication: This testing verifies the origin and ingredients of food products, helping combat food fraud and adulteration.
Shelf Life Assessment: Stability and shelf life testing monitor chemical changes in food products over time, establishing use-by dates to ensure product safety and quality.
Compliance with Regulations: Food chemistry testing is essential for meeting food safety regulations and standards set by government agencies and international organisations.
Research and Development: Food companies use product chemistry testing during product development to optimise formulations, taste, texture, and nutritional profiles.
Product chemistry testing plays a vital role in protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the food supply chain. It’s crucial to ensure that food products are safe, of high quality, and compliant with regulations, making it safe for sale and consumption.
