Food Analysis

Food Analysis

Food Analysis is useful for determining the chemical characteristics of your food product. These include pH, water activity, Brix, moisture content, total dissolved solids, salinity, and gluten testing. These metrics can be used to determine the safety and shelf-life of your product.

Overview of Services

Food analysis is laboratory testing of foods to determine quality and safety paraments. For these services, you send in your samples as instructed in the submission form and we will perform testing on-site. Listed below in the Basic Services section are the most common tests we perform. If you have additional test requests, reach out and we may be able to accommodate your request.

Basic Pricing and Services

More pricing information can be found here.

pH Testing

  • Tests the acidity level of a product

  • Requires 3 samples per product SKU

  • Minimum sample size 4 oz

      Water Activity (aw)

      • Tests the availability of water for microbes and chemical reactions
      • 3 samples per product SKU
      • Minimum sample size 4 oz

                  Moisture Level Testing

                  • Tests the percent moisture

                  • 3 samples per product SKU

                  • Minimum sample size 4 oz

                              Brix Testing

                              • Tests the concentration of sugars in a liquid product

                              • 3 samples per product SKU

                              • Minimum sample size 4 oz

                                  Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Testing

                                  • Tests concentration of solid dissolved particles in a liquid product

                                  • 3 samples

                                  • Minimum sample size 4 oz

                                        Salinity Testing

                                        • Tests the concentration of salt in a liquid product

                                        • 3 samples

                                        • Minimum sample size 4 oz

                                            Gluten Testing

                                            • Tests whether the concentration of gluten in a product exceeds 10 ppm

                                            • Requires 2 samples

                                            • Minimum sample size 2 oz

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                                                Request Food Analysis/Submit a Sample

                                                To request Food Analysis test, please visit the Request Services and Document Submission tab. Follow instructions on the downloadable Food Analysis Request Form and submit the documents, then wait for a team member to reach out before sending in samples.

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                                                Frequently Asked Questions

                                                Is an NDA required to perform Food Analysis?

                                                It is not required and usually not needed, since we don’t require any information about your formula or process. However, we will sign one if you request it.

                                                Can you tell me what type of testing I should do?

                                                We can suggest which tests your inspector or regulatory authority is likely to require based on our previous experience with similar products. However, only your regulatory authority can tell you which specific tests they require in your specific case.

                                                  If you test my product, can you guarantee that it will be safe to eat?

                                                  Only your inspector or regulatory authority can make that determination. We can tell you, based on our experience, what the regulatory authorities are likely to tell you based on the test results. But ultimately all we can do is perform the tests and give you the results. When you present the results to the regulatory authority, that person will determine if the food is safe or not.

                                                  How will I be billed for this service?

                                                  Once the service is complete and we have sent you a final report, our admin expert will send you an invoice. We request that you pay your invoice within 30 days using the “Pay an Invoice” button at the top of this page. If a payment is not made within 30 days, our admin expert will follow up with you.

                                                  How should I prepare samples for pH, water activity, salinity, Brix, or TDS testing?

                                                  Please send three (3) separately prepared and separately packaged 4 oz (minimum) samples of each SKU you want tested. The samples must be prepared in the environment and using the equipment where the product is normally prepared and must be maintained at adequate storage conditions (including maintaining cold chain, if necessary) until it arrives to us for testing.

                                                  The samples must be sent in their final packaging. This is the same packaging in which the product will be stored and sold to consumers. Fresh products (such as fresh pastries) may be delivered in labeled food-safe containers or bags. If sending multiple SKUs, please ensure each SKU is clearly labeled. If you need more than one of the above tests, we can use the same samples for multiple tests; you only need to send one set of samples.

                                                  How should I prepare samples for gluten testing?

                                                  Please send two (2) separately packaged 2 oz (minimum) samples of each SKU you want tested. The samples must be prepared in the environment and using the equipment where the product is normally prepared and must be maintained at adequate storage conditions (including maintaining cold chain, if necessary) until it arrives to us for testing.

                                                  The samples must be sent in their final packaging. This is the same packaging in which the product will be stored and sold to consumers. Fresh products (such as fresh pastries) may be delivered in labeled food-safe containers or bags. If sending multiple SKUs, please ensure each SKU is clearly labeled.

                                                    Where should I send my samples?

                                                    CSU Spur
                                                    C/O Caitlin Clark
                                                    4780 National Western Dr.
                                                    Terra Building
                                                    Denver, CO 80216

                                                    We can accept deliveries M-F from 9am to 3pm (excluding holidays). Fresh samples (those that are not shelf-stable) should be hand-delivered or shipped overnight for arrival at a pre-arranged time, since they must be tested immediately. Please do not send or drop off samples without arranging with us first.

                                                    How will I be billed for this service?

                                                    Once services are agreed upon, and all materials are submitted on behalf of the client and work can begin, the client will receive an invoice that must be paid prior to service completion. All invoices are due upon receipt, and past due invoices are subject to late fees. All materials such as reports, test results, etc. will not be distributed until the invoice is paid.

                                                    Invoices can be paid via this website on the Pay your Invoice button on the home page or Tab

                                                    Resources

                                                    The Food Innovation Center has a variety of resources, equipment, and references available to our partners. Connect with us to learn more.

                                                    Useful Links and References

                                                    • Haouet, M. N. et al. Experimental accelerated shelf life determination of a ready-to-eat processed food. Ital J Food Saf 7, 6919 (2019).

                                                       

                                                    • Microbiological Testing by Industry of Ready-to-Eat Foods under FDA’s Jurisdiction for Pathogens (or Appropriate Indicator Organisms): Verification of Preventive Controls. Journal of Food Protection 85, 1646–1666 (2022).