Q: Why choose EMSL Analytical, Inc.?
A: EMSL Analytical, Inc. is the nation’s 4th largest environmental, food, and consumer products testing firm. With a network of over 37 laboratories, service centers, and partner facilities in North America, EMSL has been providing quality analytical services since 1981. With leading industry experts, multiple locations, and a wide range of testing options EMSL is poised to be your one-stop-shop for all your analytical needs.
Q: What services can EMSL Analytical, Inc provide?
A: EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a comprehensive third party testing lab. We pride ourselves on state of the art analytical service, and customer service that is second to none. We have experts in a multitude of scientific disciplines including: Food Microbiology, Consumer Products and Pharmaceutical Testing, Environmental Microbiology, Food & Consumer Products Chemistry and Nutritional Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, Polymer Science, Material Science, Radioactive Science, Industrial Hygiene, Asbestos and Mineral Sciences. EMSL also boasts a dedicated Special Projects Team with inter-disciplinary experts to help design and execute client’s specific project needs.
Q: Is EMSL Analytical, Inc. a certified / approved laboratory for food testing?
A: Currently the federal government does not certify or approve private laboratories. However, EMSL Analytical, Inc. does have an ISO 17025 certified quality system that ensures your samples will be analyzed and treated with the highest quality of scientific analysis and integrity. When available and appropriate EMSL uses AOAC, FDA, USDA, and USP approved methods for analysis.
Q: I need a Certificate of Analysis, how do I get one?
A: A Certificate of Analysis (C of A) is simply a document summarizing any number of analytical tests performed on a product. EMSL Analytical, Inc. can provide you with the analytical data needed to generate a C of A. A specific list of tests must be provided. This list of tests will vary greatly and is dependent on product, acceptance criteria, business plan and customer needs.
Q: I want to know what is in this product. Does EMSL perform Deformulation Analysis?
A: Deformulation analysis, also referred to as reverse engineering, provides a component breakdown of a product. Due to the complex chemical nature of most food products this is not always possible to achieve using conventional analytical techniques. Pricing starts at $5,000 per product. Please contact your EMSL Analytical, Inc. representative for more details.
Q: I have a new product I want to get to market. Where do I start?
A: The first step is to check with Federal, State, and Local regulatory authorities to see what is required of your product. This will vary depending on product type, customer base, business size, and jurisdiction. Also take into consideration any testing your customer may also require. Once you have determined the analytical services needed contact your EMSL Analytical, Inc. representative to make testing arrangements.
Q: I need a nutritional label, which method should I use?
A: EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers two methods for nutritional analysis: Laboratory Based and Database analysis. Laboratory Based Analysis can be used on all food types and requires an actual sample be sent in for analysis. Database Analysis can only be used on human foods with common ingredients and limited processing, a sample is not required to be sent in for this analysis. For more details see the nutritional sections of the food price guide or contact your EMSL representative.
Q: I would like to have a Shelf Life Study performed on my product. Where do I start?
A: EMSL Shelf Life Studies are highly customized, based on your product specifications, estimated shelf life, storage conditions, parameters of analysis, and y our budget and time requirements. To help us put together a study that meets your needs we ask that you submit a Shelf Life RFP (Request for Proposal) Form which can be found at www.ShelfLifeStudy.com or by contacting your EMSL representative. Once received a custom proposal will be created for you and arrangements can be made to initiate your Shelf Life Study. EMSL also offers basic shelf-life-base-studies that have a preset time, storage, and test conditions. Additional tests can be added ala carte if desired. Contact your EMSL representative for more information.
Q: I am ready to submit samples for testing. What do I need to do?
A: Once you have determined the analytical tests needed and have received a quote from an EMSL Analytical, Inc. representative you will submit a Chain of Custody (sample submittal form, provided to you by your EMSL representative), appropriate amount of sample and if necessary, payment to the analyzing laboratory. Contact your EMSL representative for more details.