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 the Allergen Detection Information Sheet.
LC-MS | ||||||
ALLERGEN | LIMIT OF DETECTION | RANGE OF QUANTIFICATION | LEAD TIME** | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LC-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 | |||
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 |
ELISA | ||||||
ALLERGEN | METHOD CROSS REACTIVITY | RANGE OF QUANTIFICATION | LEAD TIME** | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ELISA | ||||||
*Total Milk | No known cross-reactivity | 2.5 – 25.0 ppm | 5 – 7 | |||
Whey (β-Lactoglobulin) | Possible cross-reaction to hemp seeds. | 0.5 – 13.5 ppm | 5 – 7 | |||
Casein | No known cross-reactivity | 0.5 – 13.5 ppm | 10-14 | |||
*Egg | No known cross-reactivity | 2.5 – 25.0 ppm | 5 – 7 | |||
Egg | No known cross-reactivity | 0.5 – 13.5 ppm | 10 – 14 | |||
Lysozyme | No known cross-reactivity | 0.05 – 4.0 ppm | 10 – 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 | 5 – 7 | |||
Crustacean | Low levels of cross-reactivity reported to curcuma, mussels, mustard, beans and arthropods. | 20 – 160 ppm | 10 – 14 | |||
*Gluten | No known cross-reactivity | 5 – 80 ppm | 5 – 7 | |||
Hydrolysed Gluten | No known cross-reactivity | 10 – 270 ppm | 10 – 14 | |||
*Peanut | Potential cross-reactivity to other legumes (chickpea, lima bean, lentils, fenugreek), green pea and wheat semolina. | 1.25 – 20 ppm | 5 – 7 | |||
*Almond | Cross-reaction to apricot stone, mahaleb cherry, mulberries and other plants from genus Prunus possible. | 2.5 – 20 ppm | 5 – 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 | 10 – 14 | |||
Sesame seed | No known cross-reactivity | 2.5 – 20 ppm sesame | 10 – 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 | 10 – 14 | |||
*Celery | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm celery DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
*Mustard | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm mustard DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Wheat | No known cross-reactivity | < 50 pg genomic DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Rye | No known cross-reactivity | < 50 pg rye DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Cashew nut | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm cashew DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Hazelnut | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm Hazelnut DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Pecan nut | Cross reactivity was observed with DNA extracts from shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) | 0.4 ppm pecan DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Pistachio nut | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm pistachio DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Walnut | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm walnut DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Macadamia nut | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm Macadamia nut DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Mollusc | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm mollusc DNA | 10 – 14 | |||
Brazil nut | No known cross-reactivity | 0.4 ppm brazil nut | 10 – 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.
QUALITATIVE ANIMAL SPECIES DETECTION
SPECIES-SPECIFIC – DETECTION IN MIXED INGREDIENT COMMODITIES (DETECTION OF ADULTERATION)
ANIMAL SPECIES | METHOD | SPECIFICITY | LIMIT OF DETECTION | 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) | 10 – 14 |
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 | 10 – 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. | 10 – 14 |
Microscopic assessment of crystalline ingredients | Salt, Sugar and Dextrose | 10 – 14 |
Microscopic detection of starch adulterants | Maize and Wheat Starch | 10 – 14 |
Other | Onion powder, Tea, Whey powder, Bone meal, Cheese, etc. | 10 – 14 |
FOREIGN OBJECT IDENTIFICATION
METHOD | EXAMPLE | LEAD TIME** |
---|---|---|
#Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy | Unidentified objects or visual contamination of food products | 10 – 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 | 10 – 12 |
#Peroxide | Oxidative potential of oils | 7 – 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. | 10 – 12 |
#Melamine | Detection of illegal presence of melamine in milk and related products | 10 – 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. | 10 – 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 | 10 – 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 | 14 – 17 |
#Artificial sweeteners | Quantify single/multiple artificial sweeteners e.g. aspartame | 14 – 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 | 10 – 14 |
# Microbial species identification | To determine species | o/r |
#Mycotoxins | Testing of food products for contamination with mycotoxins | 10 – 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 | 7 – 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) | 10 – 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.
PLEASE REFER TO https://www.factssa.com/our-services/rapid-kits-on-site-testing/ FOR MORE INFORMATION.
BRAND | KIT | TESTS PER KIT |
---|---|---|
3M | Clean-Trace Surface Protein Plus Allergen | 60 |
Clean-Trace Surface Protein Plus | 50 | |
Miulab Heating Block | 1 | |
Hygiena | GlutenTox®•Pro | 25 |
GlutenTox®•Pro | 10 | |
AllerSnapTM | 100 | |
AllerSnapTM | 25 | |
Dry block incubator | 1 | |
PRO-CleanTM | 100 | |
PRO-CleanTM | 25 | |
Biocheck FlowThroughTM | Gluten R5 Food | 5 |
Gluten R5 Swabs | 5 | |
Raw COW | 5 | |
Raw HORSE | 5 | |
Raw PIG | 5 | |
Raw SHEEP | 5 | |
Raw POULTRY | 5 | |
Neogen 3D Reveal | Multi-Tree Nut | 10 |
Egg | 10 | |
Almond | 10 | |
Gluten | 10 | |
Hazelnut | 10 | |
Peanut | 10 | |
Crustacean | 10 | |
Soy | 10 | |
Milk | 10 | |
Mustard | 10 | |
Sesame | 10 |
* SANAS accredited methods ** Working days # Facilitated Test