CertLab Blog

Microbiological Testing for Nuts: Why Choose Certified Laboratories?

Written by John Baker | Dec 5, 2022 2:38:27 PM

Food safety failures in the almond industry can be catastrophic, so chemistry and microbiological testing for nuts is critical to ensuring a safe product.

From aflatoxin testing and Salmonella, to pesticides and heavy metals, growers and producers are routinely challenged to minimize risk through use of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and product testing using Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).  

The Need for Rapid and Accurate Chemistry and Microbiological Testing for Nuts

Almond and other tree nut testing using multiple platforms and methods can identify pathogens and contaminants before they cause foodborne illness outbreaks and prompt FDA-mandated and voluntary recalls.

While identifying risk is critical, so is rapid confirmation of product safety through chemistry and microbiological testing for nuts. Accurate and fast results can eliminate supply chain disruptions. Certified Laboratories, A Certified Group Company, delivers with 24-hour turnaround times for aflatoxin testing and some pathogen testing. 

So, why else should you consider Certified Laboratories as your laboratory partner for chemistry and microbiological testing for tree nuts?  

Certified Laboratories provides multiple platforms for chemistry and microbiological testing for almonds, pistachios, walnuts, macadamias, and other tree nuts.  

1. We’re an Almond Board of California Recognized Expert 

Our established history is one reason Certified Laboratories is a top testing lab in California. With more than 15 years serving the nut industry, Certified Laboratories is an Almond Board of California recognized expert with capabilities across all Almond Board approved validation studies, in addition to being a TERP-approved process authority 

Our USDA-certified, ISO 17025 accredited almond and tree nut testing laboratories offer routine microbiological testing and analysis for aflatoxins, ochratoxins, pesticides, and other contaminants like heavy metals that can cause product rejection.

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) Lab+, the contract research division of Certified Group, has conducted dozens of validation studies on a wide range of processes including steam pasteurization and oil roasting. We have the expertise to conduct your next process validation for almonds or other tree nuts. Download our 5-step validation checklist so you know what to expect before your validation study.

2. Responsive Customer Service

Does your laboratory keep all platforms running so it can conduct any chemistry or microbiological test for almonds or other nuts at a moment’s notice? Does it offer a flexible pickup schedule? 

Certified Laboratories’ location in Turlock, California operates 24/7/365. That means when you are ready for almond, macadamia, walnut, pistachio, or other tree nut testing, so are we. Our couriers pick up and deliver your product to our lab, and our team of trained technicians applies the highest level of customer service and accredited science to help meet your needs.    

Our results are delivered quickly, in an easy-to-understand detailed report. When you have a question or need clarification, our expert scientists are just a phone call or email away.   

Need access to your results after hours? Our online portal CertLabLink grants you encrypted access to your sample information. There you can check on test progress, print Certificates of Analysis or even download your results into Excel files for data-mining purposes.  

Certified Laboratories is a USDA-approved laboratory for analysis of aflatoxins in almonds and pistachios. We can also validate any Almond Board of California approved process.  

3. Improved Environmental Mapping and Monitoring with emma® 

Through our proprietary environmental mapping and monitoring software known as “emma®”, we help you manage your environmental monitoring program, demonstrating diligent adherence to your regulatory responsibilities to FDA and third-party auditors.  

Emma performs...

  • Facility mapping
  • Schedules sampling
  • Organizations all your data
  • Prints sample labels

It helps you obtain results faster and save money without sacrificing quality.  

4. Regulatory Assistance is Just a Phone Call Away 

Sometimes a little help can go a long way.

When you need help with GAPs, GMPs, or strengthening your environmental monitoring program, look to our regulatory partners at EAS Consulting Group, A Certified Group Company.  

With more than 200 experts in FDA, USDA, and state regulations, we help growers, producers, manufacturers, packers, and distributors ensure an understanding of regulatory compliance responsibilities and how to achieve them.  

Learn more about our chemistry and microbiological testing and regulatory services for the tree nut industry. Put our services to work for your business today.