Testing Catalogue

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 methods, ** Working days, # Facilitated Test

FOOD ALLERGENS

The FACTS Laboratory offers LC-MS, ELISA and PCR allergen testing. For more information refer to the Allergen Detection Information Sheet.

LC-MS/MS
ALLERGEN LIMIT OF DETECTION RANGE OF QUANTIFICATION LEAD TIME**
LC-MS/MS
Cow’s Milk 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Casein 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Whey 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Egg 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Soya 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Crustacean 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Wheat 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Gluten
from wheat, rye, barley		 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Peanut 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Fish 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Almond 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Brazil nut 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Cashew nut 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Hazelnut 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Pecan nut 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Pistachio nut 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Walnut 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Mustard 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Sesame seed 1 ppm 1 – 1000 ppm 5
Multi Allergen Screen
crustacean, hen’s egg, fish, cow’s milk, mustard, peanut, sesame, soy, wheat		 1 ppm N/A 14
Tree Nut Screen
almonds, brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, pecan nuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts		 1 ppm N/A 14
ELISA
ALLERGEN METHOD CROSS REACTIVITY RANGE OF QUANTIFICATION LEAD TIME**
ELISA
*Total Milk No known cross-reactivity 2.5 – 25.0 ppm 7
Whey (β-Lactoglobulin) Possible cross-reaction to hemp seeds. 0.5 – 13.5 ppm 7
Casein No known cross-reactivity 0.5 – 13.5 ppm 14
*Egg No known cross-reactivity 2.5 – 25.0 ppm 7
Egg No known cross-reactivity 0.5 – 13.5 ppm 14
Lysozyme No known cross-reactivity 0.05 – 4.0 ppm 14
*Soya No known cross-reactivity
Please note that in highly processed products (e.g. refined / bleached / deodorized / hydrolysed), soy may not be detected by the assay.  This includes, but is not limited to soy sauce, soy oil, HVP.		 2.5 – 25.0 ppm 7
Crustacean Low levels of cross-reactivity reported to curcuma, mussels, mustard, beans and arthropods. 20 – 160 ppm 14
*Gluten No known cross-reactivity 5 – 80 ppm 7
Hydrolysed Gluten No known cross-reactivity 10 – 270 ppm 14
*Peanut Potential cross-reactivity to other legumes (chickpea, lima bean, lentils, fenugreek), green pea and wheat semolina. 1.25 – 20 ppm 7
*Almond Cross-reaction to apricot stone, mahaleb cherry, mulberries and other plants from genus Prunus possible. 2.5 – 20 ppm 7
Mustard Antibodies cross-react with rapeseed (67%) and possibly with seeds of other Brassica spp. Cross reactivity to kidney beans, pinto beans, white beans and linseed also observed. 0.5 – 13.5 ppm mustard 14
Sesame seed No known cross-reactivity 2.5 – 20 ppm sesame 14
PCR
ALLERGEN METHOD CROSS REACTIVITY LIMIT OF DETECTION LEAD TIME**
PCR
*Fish Cross reactivity was observed with DNA extracts from muscovy duck (Cairina moschata). 1.0 ppm fish DNA 14
*Celery No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm celery DNA 14
*Mustard No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm mustard DNA 14
Wheat No known cross-reactivity < 50 pg genomic DNA 14
Rye No known cross-reactivity < 50 pg rye DNA 14
Hazelnut No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm Hazelnut DNA 14
Pecan nut Cross reactivity was observed with DNA extracts from shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) 0.4 ppm pecan DNA 14
Pistachio nut No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm pistachio DNA 14
Walnut No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm walnut DNA 14
Macadamia nut No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm Macadamia nut DNA 14
Mollusc No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm mollusc DNA 14
Brazil nut No known cross-reactivity 0.4 ppm brazil nut 14

SCREENING PACKAGES

PACKAGE METHOD DETECT LIMIT OF DETECTION LEAD TIME**
Vegan Screen LC-MS/MS Gelatine, Mammal muscle tissue, Fish, Crustacean, Molluscs, Avian species, Egg and Milk 0.01% 14
Milk Screen LC-MS/MS Almond, Bovine milk, Buffalo milk, Cashew, Coconut, Goat’s milk, Oat, Rice, Sheep’s milk and Soy 0.01% 14
Gelatine Speciation LC-MS/MS Bovine, Fish and Pork 0.01% 14
Multi Allergen Screen LC-MS/MS Crustacean, Hen’s egg, Fish, Cow’s milk, Mustard, Peanut, Sesame, Soy and Wheat 1ppm 14
Tree Nut Screen LC-MS/MS Almonds, Brazil nuts, Cashew nuts, Hazelnuts, Pecan nuts, Pistachio nuts and Walnuts 1ppm 14

All above methods can be performed on surface swabs and air plates. It is important to note that all swab results are qualitative, regardless of the method, and that the lab is not accredited for any swab analyses.
Please Note: In processed food (e.g. heat treatment, dehydration, etc.), proteins may be altered or fragmented, this may have an impact on the recovery/cross reactivity.

 

ANIMAL SPECIES DETECTION & QUANTIFICATION

SPECIES-SPECIFIC – DETECTION IN MIXED INGREDIENT COMMODITIES (DETECTION OF ADULTERATION)

ANIMAL SPECIES METHOD SPECIFICITY LIMIT OF DETECTION RANGE OF QUANTIFICATION LEAD TIME**
DNA-based screening for 24 animal species PCR-microarray
Any product / derivative from the 24 species listed (e.g. milk from cow / gelatin from pork) will be detected.		 Cattle (Beef, Bison) Water buffalo, Pork, Sheep, Goat, Equine (Horse, Donkey), Hare, Rabbit, Chicken, Turkey, Goose, Mallard Duck, Muscovy Duck, Pheasant, Ostrich, Kangaroo, Springbok, Fallow Deer, Red Deer, Canine, Cat, Camel, Reindeer and Roe Deer 0.1 – 0.5%
(matrix dependent)		 N/A 14
Meat species relative composition (quantitative) LC-MS/MS Beef, Pork, Sheep and Chicken 0.01% N/A 14
Single meat species contamination (quantitative) LC-MS/MS Beef or Pork or Sheep or Chicken 0.001% 0.001 – 10% 14
Gelatine speciation LC-MS/MS Bovine, Fish and Pork 0.01% N/A 14

It is important to note that all swab results are qualitative, regardless of the method, and that the lab is not accredited for any swab analyses.

DNA SEQUENCING FOR SPECIES IDENTIFICATION IN SINGLE SPECIES COMMODITIES

ANIMAL SPECIES METHOD LEAD TIME**
Animal and Fish species identification.
Please enquire		 DNA sequencing
Not suitable for products containing more than one species		 14

FOOD FRAUD AND AUTHENTICITY

SPICES & COMMODITIES

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
Microscopic assessment of herbs & spices for authenticity and the detection of adulterants Allspice , Annatto , Basil Leaves , Bay Leaves , Bun spice , Capsicum , Cocoa powder , Tomato Pomace , Cardamom , Caraway , Celery Seeds , Cinnamon, Cloves , Celery Coriander , Cilantro , Cumin Seeds Curry leaves , Fenugreek Seeds , Garlic powder, Ginger, Marjoram , Mustard Seeds , Nutmeg , Mint Oregano , Paprika , Parsley , Pepper (Black & White) , Rosemary , Saffron , Sage , Sesame seeds , Thyme, Turmeric, etc.

PLEASE ENQUIRE IF THE HERB/SPICE YOU NEED TO AUTHENTICATE IS NOT LISTED ABOVE.

 14
Microscopic assessment of crystalline ingredients Salt, Sugar and Dextrose 14
Microscopic detection of starch adulterants Maize and Wheat Starch 14
Other Onion powder, Tea, Whey powder, Bone meal, Cheese, etc. 14

FOREIGN OBJECT IDENTIFICATION

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
#Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy Unidentified objects or visual contamination of food products 14

HONEY AUTHENTICITY SCREENING

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
Honey Quality and Authenticity Testing Interpretation of results in terms of compliance with 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).
Contact us for more information		 17 – 20

OIL AUTHENTICITY

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
#Fatty acids methyl esters test Coconut oil diluted with palm or sunflower oils 12
#Peroxide Oxidative potential of oils 14
#Dioxins Presence of dioxins in oil samples o/r

ADULTERANTS

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
#Azo Dyes Detection of illegal dyes present in spices, oils etc. 12
#Melamine Detection of illegal presence of melamine in milk and related products 12
#ASTA colour Capsaicin Testing Colour and pungency testing of chilli-based spices to detect for adulteration o/r
#Gelatin Determine compliance to processed meat standard (R. 1283) o/r
Animal, Fish, Plant and Insect species identification DNA sequencing
Please Note: In processed food (e.g. canned samples.), DNA may be altered or fragmented. This may lead to unsuccessful species identification. 		14

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS

NUTRITIONAL TESTING

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
#Nutritional analysis To make nutrient content claims, as part of customer requirements, for competitive advantage 17 – 20
#Vitamins Determining vitamin content to make claims as per R.146 17 – 20
#Minerals Determining mineral content to make claims as per R.146 14
#Amino acids Profiling of amino acids to make a protein related claim as per R.146 o/r
#Sugar alcohols Determine alcohol sugar content e.g. xylitol 17
#Artificial sweeteners Quantify single/multiple artificial sweeteners e.g. aspartame 17
#Alcohol testing Determination of alcohol content for claims as per R.146 o/r
#Cholesterol Determination of cholesterol content for claims as per R.146 o/r
#Glyceamic Index Determine whether a GI claim may be made o/r

CONTAMINANTS

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
#Heavy metals Testing of food products for contamination with heavy metal contamination or adulteration 17 – 20
#Pesticides Testing of food products for contamination with unlegislated or high levels of pesticides 17 – 20
#Microbiological testing on non- perishables Testing of food products for contamination with microorganisms 14
# Microbial species identification To determine species o/r
#Mycotoxins Testing of food products for contamination with mycotoxins 14

OTHER ANALYSES

METHOD EXAMPLE LEAD TIME**
#Shelf life testing To determine date of durability of a food product o/r
#pH, Brix, Acidity, Density To determine quality aspects of food products 10
#Caffeine Determining Caffeine content in order to comply with the Soft Drink regulations o/r
#GMO To determine whether a food product complies with GMO regulatory requirements (In South Africa, this only applies to product containing Maize, Canola, Cotton and Soy) o/r
#Histamine Indicator of fish spoilage o/r
#Benzoic and Sorbic acid To determine whether a food product complies with regulatory requirements o/r
#Antioxidants Determine Antioxidant content o/r
#Polyphenols & Catechins Determine Polyphenol and Catechin content o/r
#SO2 To determine the amount of sulphur dioxide present in a sample (only applicable to rinse water and food products) 14

CUSTOM ANALYSES

Should you require any other analytical support, our multidisciplinary analytical team offers clients a customisable service to test something unusual, confirm a hunch, bridge a gap or simply offer peace of mind.

#Facilitated Testing

Test results may be generated by FACTS or a laboratory competent in performing the requested analysis.

When the analysis is #facilitated, FACTS provides the following services where applicable or as per instruction from the client:

• Sourcing an appropriate laboratory for sample matrix and objective of analyses.

• Coordinating sample distribution and analyses.

• Interpretation of results are in the context of the relevant South African regulations where applicable, with guidance documents, standards, or scientific literature.

• Presentation of results, background information and interpretations in an easy-to-understand report.

The lead times for facilitated testing is subject to change and may be altered by number of samples and laboratory capacity.

FACTS SAMPLING KITS

FACTS supply below sampling kits for allergen control validation purposes. The intent is that samples are submitted to the FACTS laboratory for analyses.

KIT PURPOSE
FACTS Environmental Surface swab kit The kit provides all the materials required for the collection of a surface swab sample for the detection of allergenic residues by means of ELISA or PCR.
FACTS Air plates The passive aerial allergen contamination estimation kit provides all the materials required for the collection of environmental dust samples, from which the content of allergenic cross contamination can be estimated.

RAPID TESTING KITS

FACTS sell 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 e.g. rinse water, surface swabs, ingredients and finished products.

It is important to note that when using a rapid kit for ingredient and product testing it must be ensured that the system is validated for the specific ingredient / product. Contact us if you need assistance with such validation studies.

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