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Shelf life testing is a crucial step in bringing any food or beverage product to market. It determines how long your product maintains its safety, taste, texture, and nutritional quality. At United Food Labs, our shelf life testing services help brands identify the “best by,”...

What is EMP swabbing An EMP (Environmental Monitoring Program) typically involves routine swabbing of surfaces (e.g. cutting boards, drains, equipment) to test for pathogens (Listeria, Salmonella, etc.) as part of a food safety assurance program. 1. Food Manufacturing & Processing Facilities Bakeries, dairies, meat processors, beverage...

Sea Moss Powder: The Need for Rigorous Food Testing Sea moss has become one of the most popular superfood supplements, praised for minerals and digestive benefits. But without proper testing, products may contain harmful contaminants. Key Risks in Sea Moss Powder Heavy Metals: Sea moss grows in...

Kale’s Hidden Risk: Heavy Metals in Superfoods Kale is a popular superfood, but studies show it can accumulate heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic from contaminated soil. Why Heavy Metal Testing is Critical Health Concerns: Long-term exposure can affect kidneys, bones, and brain function. Compliance: FDA...

Why Meal Prep Businesses Need FDA-Compliant Labels The meal prep industry is growing fast, but many businesses overlook FDA labeling requirements. Without proper labels, your products can’t legally be sold in retail stores. Required Label Elements for Meal Prep Nutrition Facts Panel Ingredient List (by weight) Allergen...

What Restaurants Need to Know About FDA Menu Labeling Requirements If your restaurant chain has 20 or more locations, you must follow FDA menu labeling regulations. These rules standardize how calorie and nutrition information appears on menus. What Must Be Displayed on Menus? Calorie Counts: For all...

The Overlooked Factor in Shelf Life Testing: Packaging A great recipe isn’t enough. The wrong packaging can cut a product’s shelf life in half, while the right packaging can extend it dramatically. That’s why shelf life testing must always include final packaging. How Packaging Impacts Shelf Life ...

Accelerated Shelf Life Testing: Fast-Tracking Product Expiration Dates Launching a food or beverage product is exciting, but real-time shelf life testing can take months or even years. To speed up this process, brands turn to accelerated shelf life testing (ASLT). What is Accelerated Shelf Life Testing? Accelerated shelf...

Stability Testing: Protecting Nutrition and Safety in Pet Food Pet parents today are more careful than ever about the products they give their pets. With the rise of premium, raw, and functional pet foods, ensuring safety and nutritional consistency is critical. That’s where stability testing in...

Running a restaurant isn’t just about serving great food — it’s also about ensuring food safety. A HACCP plan (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is one of the most effective systems restaurants can use to reduce risks and protect their customers. While HACCP plans are...