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Aflatoxin Sampling Testing Program

Aflatoxins, which are common and widespread in nature, are recognized as one of the gravest threats to human health. They can colonize and contaminate nuts, grain, and many other crops before harvest or during storage. Aflatoxins produce acute necrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinoma of the liver in a number of animal species, including humans.

Our Labs are Certified in U.S. and EU

Food Safety and Process Technology is now certified by the FDA and the European Union’s Voluntary Aflatoxin Sampling Program (VASP) to test for aflatoxin. The Almond Board of California has also recently certified our labs for aflatoxin testing. Both of our labs will be certified for compliance with ISO-17025 by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) by the end of April 2008.

The U.S. FDA and the European Union's (EU’s) VASP have established specific guidelines for acceptable levels of aflatoxins in human food and animal feed; in the U.S. the limit is 20 parts per billion (PPB), and in the EU 2 PPB. Because of the difference, all food exported to the EU must be tested for aflatoxin. Food industry experts report that errors in sampling and sample preparation continue to be a considerable challenge for the food industry.

Our Labs Provides Extremely Low Levels of Detection

Our in-house Analytical Laboratory Services can detect the presence of aflatoxin in quantities as low as .003 PPB. Using our lab assures you of meeting acceptable Limits of Quantification/Limits of Detection (LOQ/LOD) levels.

Thin-Layer Chromatography Assures Rapid Results

We use well-validated procedures to extract and purify product samples. Test extracts are cleaned up, removing co-extracted materials that often interfere with accurate determination of target analytes.

We use thin layer chromatography (TLC) (also known as flat bed chromatography or planar chromatography), one of the most widely used separation techniques in aflatoxin analysis. This technique allows us to process your samples in an extremely timely fashion, reducing delay in getting your product to market.

For More Infomation

For quick turnaround of quality lab results, contact us.