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We can assist your company in achieving your commercial objectives in crucial areas, such as food product safety, quality and authenticity, innovation and meeting the demands of legislation and consumers. As your partner, FACTS strives to understand your specific needs, applying a flexible approach, leading-edge science and a mentality for co-operative and integrated work to deliver uncompromising value and services. For more information on the FACTS laboratory accreditation status, view our SANAS accreditation certificate or contact us for more information.
Please note: *SANAS accredited | **Working days, excluding processing day, subject to change | #Outsourced
FOOD ALLERGENS
Important to note:
- The below tests are designed to detect trace levels of food allergens. If you suspect high-level cross-contact, please let us know so that we can customise the relevant test/s for you.
- All below tests can be performed on ingredients/raw materials, final products, rinse water, purge/flush material, surface swabs and air plates.
- All swab results are qualitative.
- In processed food samples, DNA and proteins may be altered or fragmented. This may have an impact on recovery and non-specificity.
View our SANAS accreditation certificate for more information on the accreditation status of the below tests.
| TEST | REPORTING LIMIT (mg/kg) | REPORTED AS | LEAD TIME** |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Total Milk | 0.90 | Protein | Quantitative | 5 |
| *Egg | 1.20 | Protein | Quantitative | 5 |
| Lysozyme | 0.25 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| *Soy | 1.29 | Protein | Quantitative | 5 |
| *Wheat | 0.1 | Protein | Quantitative | 5 |
| *Gluten (from wheat, rye, barley) | 5 | Protein | Quantitative | 5 |
| Hydrolysed gluten (from wheat, rye, barley) | 10 | Protein | Quantitative | On request |
| *Peanut | 0.83 | Protein | Quantitative | 5 |
| *Almond | 0.58 | Protein | Quantitative | 5 |
| Brazil nut | 0.13 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| Cashew nut | 0.12 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| Hazelnut | 0.10 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| Pecan nut | 0.06 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| Pistachio nut | 0.15 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| Walnut | 0.12 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| Macadamia nut | 4.5 | Protein | Qualitative | 14 |
| *Mustard | 0.4 | DNA | Qualitative | 14 |
| *Celery | 0.4 | DNA | Qualitative | 14 |
| Sesame seed | 0.53 | Protein | Quantitative | On request |
| *Fish | 1.0 | DNA | Qualitative | 14 |
| Molluscs | 0.4 | DNA | Qualitative | 14 |
| Crustacean (non-specificity observed with classes of molluscs and arthropods) | 2.5 | Protein | Quantitative | 14 |
| Tree nuts (includes almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, pecan nuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts) | 10 | Protein | Qualitative | 14 |
| *#SO2 (only applicable to rinse water and food products) | 10 | Sulphites | Quantitative | 14 |
PLANT-BASED CLAIMS
| TEST | DESCRIPTION | REPORTING LIMIT | LEAD TIME** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian food screen | Detects gelatine, meat (mammalian and avian), fish, crustacean, mollusc | Qualitative | 0.01 – 1.0% m/m (matrix dependent) |
14 |
| Vegan food screen | Detects egg, milk, honey, gelatine, meat (mammalian and avian), fish, crustacean, mollusc | Qualitative | 0.001 – 1.0% m/m (matrix dependent) |
14 |
| Vegan wine screen | Detects B-lactoglobulin, caseinates, ovalbumin, lysozyme C, tropomyosin and gelatine (bovine, porcine, piscine) | Qualitative | 0.001 – 0.01% m/m (matrix dependent) |
14 |
FOOD FRAUD AND AUTHENTICITY
Tests are designed to screen products for the most common adulterants, identified through incident scanning. If you have any specific adulterants of concern, or need a custom food fraud test, please discuss this with our team.
Where relevant, tests can be used to investigate cross-contact. Please contact us for further information and guidance on this.
| FOOD PRODUCT | TEST | DESCRIPTION | REPORTED LIMIT | LEAD TIME** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meat products | Species screen | Detects meat (muscle tissue only) from a range of species, including bovine (B. taurus, B. bison, B. taurus indicus, B. grunniens, B. bubalis), pork (S. scrofa), sheep (O. aries), equine (E. caballus, E. asinus), ostrich (S. camelus), rabbit (O. cuniculus), chicken (G. gallus), turkey (M. gallopavo), duck (A. platyrhyncos, C. moschata), quail (C. coturnix, C. japonica) and goat (C. Hircus) | Qualitative | 0.1 – 0.5% m/m (matrix dependent) |
14 |
| Meat species identification | Not suitable for mixed species | Qualitative | – | 21 | |
| Fish products | Fish species identification | Not suitable for mixed species | Qualitative | – | 21 |
| Gelatine and related products (also applies to collagen products) | Gelatine screen | Detects gelatine from a range of species (bovine, porcine, piscine and avian) | Qualitative | 0.01% m/m | 14 |
| Herbs, spices and blends | Herb and spice screen | Detects undeclared plant material and/or inorganic bulking agents | Qualitative | 0.01% m/m | 14 |
| #Azodye screen | Detects Sudan (1-4), Disperse Orange (3 and 13), Rhodamine, Para Red, Sudan Orange (G), Methyl Yellow, Sudan (7B) and Orange (II) | Quantitative (Other dyes available on request) | 0.01-0.04 mg/kg | 14 | |
| Oils | #Oil authenticity test | May include fatty acid profile, sterol profile, tocopherol profile, iodine value, peroxide value, free fatty acid value, moisture and volatile matter, saponification value, unsaponifiable material, density, refractive index, etc. (depending on the oil)
Results are interpreted according to Codex Alimentarius standards for oils (CXS 210-1999 and CXS 33-1981) |
– | 14 |
| Honey | #Honey authenticity test | Includes fructose: glucose ratio, sucrose content, reducing sugars content, HMF, diastase, density, moisture, (Other parameters available on request)
Results are interpreted according to the Regulations Relating to the Grading, Packing and Marking of Honey and Mixtures of Bee Products Intended for Sale in the Republic of South Africa (R. 835/2000) |
– | 14 |
| Products claiming non-GMO | #GMO | Detects GM promoter and terminator elements 35S and NOS | Applicable for maize, soy and canola only | Qualitative or quantitative
Results are interpreted according to the relevant regulatory requirements |
0.01% m/m | 14 |
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
| PARAMETER | INCLUDES | FACTS VALUE-ADD SERVICES | LEAD TIME** |
|---|---|---|---|
| #Nutritional analysis | Energy, Protein, Carbohydrates (glycaemic or by difference), Total sugar, Sugar profile, Total fat, Fatty acid profile, Total dietary fibre, Sodium, Ash, Moisture, Cholesterol (optional), Alcohol (if applicable) | Establishing which parameters should be tested, for the labelling of nutritional information on products.
Evaluating test results to determine an appropriate serving size for the product (this is done by a registered dietician). Formatting test results into a regulatory-compliant nutritional table for labelling purposes. Interpreting test results according to the relevant regulations to determine the feasibility of making particular nutrient content claims. |
14 |
| #Vitamins | A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D3, E, K, H | Interpreting test results according to the relevant regulations to determine the feasibility of making particular claims. | 14 |
| #Minerals | Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, K, Se, Zn, etc. | 14 | |
| #Amino acids | Alanine, Aspartic acid, Arginine, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, HO-Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine | 14 | |
| #Sugar alcohols | Erythritol, Glycerol, Isomalt, Lactitol, Maltitol, Mannitol, Sorbitol and Xylitol | – | 14 |
| #Sweeteners | Sucralose, Acesulfame K, Saccharin, Cyclamate, Hesperidin and Aspartame | – | 14 |
CONTAMINANTS
| PARAMETER | INCLUDES | FACTS VALUE-ADD SERVICES | LEAD TIME** |
|---|---|---|---|
| #Metals | Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Al, Sb, Ba, Be, B, Co, Ni, Se, Ag, Tl, Sn, U, V, etc. | Interpreting test results to determine compliance to regulations, or establish contamination levels | 14 |
| #Pesticides | Please contact us for full screening list | 14 | |
| #Microbiological parameters | Please contact us with your requirements | 14 | |
| #Mycotoxins | Aflatoxin M1, Aflatoxin B/G, Ochratoxin A, Patulin, Zearalenone (more available on request) | 14 | |
| #Antibiotics | Please contact us for full screening list | On request | |
| Foreign objects | Investigate the identity of foreign objects or physical contaminants | – | On request |
OTHER ANALYSES
| PARAMETER/S | DESCRIPTION AND FACTS VALUE-ADD SERVICES | LEAD TIME** |
|---|---|---|
| #Caffeine | Quantify caffeine | Interpret test result compliance according to relevant regulations | 14 |
| #Histamine | Quantify histamine, an indicator of fish and seafood spoilage | Interpret test result compliance according to relevant regulations | 14 |
| #Preservatives | Quantify sorbic acid/benzoic acid/sulphites (SO2)/nitrates (NO3)/nitrites (NO2)/natamycin (pimaricin) | Interpret test result compliance according to relevant regulations | 14 |
| #Capsaicin/SHU | Quantify capsaicinoids (Scoville Heat Units) | 14 |
| #Piperine | Quantify piperine | 14 |
| #Monosodium glutamate | Quantify MSG | Interpret test result compliance according to relevant regulations | On request |
FACILITATED TESTING
If the FACTS laboratory does not offer a test that you require, we will source another laboratory to assist you. Our facilitated testing service allows for an uncomplicated, holistic testing experience from start to finish. This service includes:
- Sourcing an appropriate and reputable laboratory for a sample matrix and the objective of analysis.
- Coordinating sample distribution and analyses.
- Interpreting results in the context of the relevant South African regulations where applicable, according to guidance documents, standards, or scientific literature.
- Presenting background information, results and interpretations in an easy-to-understand report.
CUSTOM TESTING
If we can’t find a commercial testing solution for you, we will try and offer a custom analysis solution. We encourage our clients to bring us their challenges, problems and queries – whatever they may be. We strive to offer solutions using a wide range of scientific tools, specialised skill sets, and some ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking.
FACTS SAMPLING KITS
FACTS supplies sampling kits for allergen control validation purposes. Samples must be submitted to the FACTS laboratory for analysis.
| KIT | PURPOSE |
|---|---|
| Environmental Surface Swab Kit | The kit includes everything you need to collect surface swab samples for detecting allergenic residues through analytical testing. |
| Air Plate Kit | The kit, for estimating passive aerial allergen cross-contact, includes all the materials needed to collect environmental allergen dust samples. These samples help estimate the extent of allergenic cross-contact. |
RAPID TESTING KITS
FACTS sells a variety of rapid testing kits that detect, e.g., food allergens and meat species. These kits are ideal for on-site verification and screening activities and can be used to test rinse water, surface swabs, ingredients, and finished products.
Please note: When testing materials, whether ingredients or finished products, it is strongly recommended you confirm that the kit manufacturer has validated the kit for the particular materials. Review the kit validation report/kit manual for more information on the matrices that were validated by the kit developers. Alternatively, contact us; we offer matrix checking as a service.
PLEASE REFER TO OUR RAPID KITS CATALOGUE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
If you are interested in our services, please contact us.
Please note: Our office hours for sample submissions: Monday – Thursday: 08:30 – 16:30 / Friday: 08:30 – 16:00
