The Spice Industry

Commodity Laboratories, a division of Certified Laboratories, is a recognized leader in the areas of spice and seasoning testing. The Laboratory is accredited by the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) and participates in the ASTA Commodity Tracking Program.


We are also a leader in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) related testing, and our work is accepted by every FDA district.

Description of Spice Analysis
Ethylene Oxide (ETO) and its Byproducts
The American Spice Trade Association - www.astaspice.org

As a full service laboratory, we perform and are expert in all types of analyses that are used for spices, seasonings and related products.

SANITATION

The presence of extraneous matter (filth) in spices has long been a major concern of the industry and of FDA. "Filth" can best be described as the extraneous matters left behind by contaminants of the products. These include whole insects and fragments, excreta, rat and mouse hairs, and feather barbules. Certified Laboratories is recognized as experts in the field, having on its staff a former FDA analyst who is recognized nationwide as an expert in this area. Certified Laboratories stays current with changing FDA methodology and Defect Action Levels (DAL's), enabling us to tell you quickly and accurately whether or not your shipment will pass the rigid FDA and ASTA standards established for "Filth".

The ASTA sanitation program also includes testing of oregano for sumac and other adulterants. We are proud to have been part of the working group that established and validated the current method for ASTA.