Food Testing Labs
Find accredited food testing laboratories for nutrition facts, pH testing, water activity, and shelf-life studies.
When Is Lab Testing Required?
pH Testing
Required for acidified foods (sauces, salsas). Foods must have pH below 4.6 to be shelf-stable. Cost: $15 - $50 per sample.
Water Activity (aw) Testing
Required when food safety classification is uncertain. Must be below 0.85 aw. Cost: $25 - $75 per sample.
Nutrition Facts Panel
Required for nutrition claims or certain sales channels. Includes calories, fats, carbs, protein. Cost: $200 - $800 per product.
AAFCO Proximate Analysis (Pet Food)
Required for pet food labels. Tests crude protein, fat, fiber, moisture. Test 3+ batches. Cost: $300 - $900 per sample.
State-by-State Requirements
Most states do not require testing for standard baked goods, candy, jams, and honey. States like WA and MN require pH/aw testing for acidified or non-standard recipes. Canned and fermented foods nearly always need pH testing. All pet food requires AAFCO guaranteed analysis.
Check your state at State Law Pages.