The Spice Industry Commodity Laboratories, a division of Certified Laboratories, is a recognized leader in the areas of spice and seasoning testing. The Laboratory is accredited by the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) and participates in the ASTA Commodity Tracking Program. We are also a leader in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) related testing, and our work is accepted by every FDA district. Description of Spice Analysis Ethylene Oxide (ETO) and its Byproducts The American Spice Trade Association - www.astaspice.org As a full service laboratory, we perform and are expert in all types of analyses that are used for spices, seasonings and related products. SANITATION The presence of extraneous matter (filth) in spices has long been a major concern of the industry and of FDA. "Filth" can best be described as the extraneous matters left behind by contaminants of the products. These include whole insects and fragments, excreta, rat and mouse hairs, and feather barbules. Certified Laboratories is recognized as experts in the field, having on its staff a former FDA analyst who is recognized nationwide as an expert in this area. Certified Laboratories stays current with changing FDA methodology and Defect Action Levels (DAL's), enabling us to tell you quickly and accurately whether or not your shipment will pass the rigid FDA and ASTA standards established for "Filth". The ASTA sanitation program also includes testing of oregano for sumac and other adulterants. We are proud to have been part of the working group that established and validated the current method for ASTA. LIGHT FILTH With the increased importation of ground spices, and the need to evaluate other commodities for filth, Certified Laboratories utilizes microanalytical techniques. By using separation techniques and skilled element identification, a great deal can be discovered about the conditions under which your products were held and produced. MICROBIOLOGICAL Certified Laboratories has had a complete microbiological testing department since its founding in 1926. As such, we have developed a longstanding expertise in this important area. This expertise includes Salmonella in black pepper, Listeria species, E. coli, Staphylococcus and its enterotoxin, in addition to all other pathogens and microorganisms of interest to the spice and related food industries. We pride ourselves on our rapid turnaround time and the use of the most up to date methods as promulgated by the AOAC, BAM, Compendium of Methods, and others as appropriate. Certified Laboratories guarantees that all microbiological samples will be started on the day of receipt, ensuring the fastest turnaround possible. SPICE CHEMISTRY Certified Laboratories is well known for its expertise in spice chemistry. Our staff is well trained in all spice analyses including: Steam Volatile Oil (SVO) Moisture Color Acid and Acid-Insoluble Ash Sieve Analysis Piperine Circumin Cinnamic Aldehyde Crude Fiber Heats by HPLC and Scoville Method (organoleptic) CHEMICAL RESIDUE TESTING The industry has long been concerned with the use of pesticides on all spices. We offer analysis for all pesticides of concern, in addition to ethylene oxide residues and solvent residues. If you have a question about a spice product, your source of information is Certified Laboratories. We offer the same expertise and rapid turnaround time for your inquiries as we do for your analyses.		.
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