NATA accredits testing facilities that undertake chemical and microbiological analysis of virtually all types of food and beverages. In addition to human health aspects of food safety and nutrition, NATA also accredits the detection of contaminants and biosecurity hazards associated with food – both for import and export purposes.
What do I need to specify to the testing facility?
NATA-accredited laboratories will happily assist with defining your needs. You can use our handy search function to discover all of our accredited organisations.
However, when you find your preferred laboratory, it is not as simple as dropping off a sample you would like tested. Some specific information is typically needed first.
Once you have found a NATA accredited facility, the next step is to ensure clarity around:
- Why you need their services – e.g., one-off investigation for regulatory compliance, or on-going routine production testing.
- Any specifics for sampling – your own or those relating to a standard/specification.
- What analyses you wish to have performed.
- Where appropriate, the standard, code or specification that is applicable.
- If applicable, the test method to be used (if the Standard, code or specification allows for options).
- If compositing of samples is allowed by the standard, code or specification, and whether you want this to happen.
- Whether it is for export purposes – as this may impact the selection of test criteria.
These areas give the accredited laboratory a point for determining its ability and availability to undertake the work along with any costs involved.
What’s important in providing samples for testing?
Sample integrity
Even accredited testing won’t help if samples are compromised by:
- Poor sampling plan and/or technique
- Inappropriate storage and transport (e.g., temperature, type of container, sealing, timeliness)
- Incorrect or inadequate labelling.
Samples supplied to an accredited laboratory must also be ‘representative’ of the material being sampled.
Supplying the correct amount/number of samples
Ensuring you supply the correct amount of material and/or correct number of samples will save trouble for the laboratory and minimise your cost. If a relevant Standard or Code does not mandate or provide guidance on sample size and/or the number, have a conversation with your laboratory.
This article provides a base overview of food and beverage testing. We encourage you to contact NATA on 1 800 621 666 or email corpcomm@nata.com.au to discuss any queries and clarifications, and, if needed, help you find appropriate NATA-accredited testing laboratories.