Contract Research
Lab+, our Contract Research Team, provides the scientific data you need to verify your products are produced safely.
Our team of expert scientists designs and conducts customized process validations, challenge studies, shelf-life studies, method validations, and many other scientific studies that deliver the data you need to make informed business decisions and produce products in a reliably safe manner.
We work with food processors, chemical suppliers, equipment manufacturers, antimicrobial producers, test assay developers, industry trade groups and associations, and other industry professionals to validate that their products, processes, and testing methods are working as intended. This provides them with confidence that they are doing their part to protect the safety of consumers and the value of their brands.
At Lab+, we are large enough to offer a full range of services and technical expertise yet nimble enough to act quickly to get results in the timeframe you need them. And we take our customer service as seriously as our science. We believe in a collaborative approach to study design, and we discuss the results and conclusions of your study with you in terms that you can understand so you can make the most informed, data-driven decisions. Let’s get started!
Lab+ Contract Research Services
Process Validations
Our experts thoroughly understand the regulations and best practices involved in producing foods, beverages, and other related products. Thus, we are here to help you gather all the data and documentation required by the FDA, USDA, and other regulatory bodies to demonstrate that your manufacturing processes can produce products safely. Our expert assessments and skillfully designed studies will give you confidence that you are safely producing high-quality foods to protect your brand and, most importantly, your customers.
Our team includes FDA-oriented process authorities and USDA subject matter experts with in-depth knowledge to assess process capabilities and evaluate process deviation data. For example, in California, we work closely with the Technical Expert Review Panel (TERP), named by the Almond Board of California, to validate processes in the almond industry.
Challenge Studies
Our team is well-versed in conducting microbial challenge studies (a.k.a. inoculated pack studies) for food, beverage, and consumer product manufacturers to help them determine if unacceptable levels of pathogen or spoilage organism growth will occur during their product’s normal shelf life. A further application is to test the ability of various additives to extend the time needed for these organisms to reach unacceptable levels or to eliminate these organisms altogether. Our challenge studies provide the data you need to ensure your products meet your customers’ standards for quality and safety throughout their entire shelf life.
Strain Typing Helps Beef Slaughter Plant Quickly Identify E. coli O157:H7 Source
Method Validations
Rapid test kits are used extensively in the food and beverage industry to detect contaminants that can cause foodborne illnesses. However, these test kits must be shown to be fit for purpose. Our Lab+ team routinely performs studies to validate the performance of test kits for Listeria, Salmonella, STEC, allergens, and other contaminants in food and beverage matrices. Whether you are a test kit manufacturer that is trying to attain validation for your new assay or are a processor that is trying to onboard an existing kit for testing your product, we have the expert resources to help you.
Shelf-Life Studies
People often list freshness and quality as top criteria when buying food. It can take many years to build up a brand’s reputation, but only one bad experience with spoilage due to an inadequate shelf-life estimation can sour someone (pun intended!) on your brand indefinitely. Our scientists design and conduct customized shelf-life studies for a variety of food and beverage products so you can confidently assign an expiration date to your products that will promote a good customer experience while reducing the risk of premature spoilage.
Additional Testing & Validation Services
We offer a diverse range of specialized testing services to help your organization get the data you need to meet your quality and safety standards and comply with regulations. While other labs may focus on one area of speciality, we offer a full suite of options. Here are some additional services; contact us if you don’t see what you need:
Challenge Studies Help Dairy Products Manufacturer Expand Product Line and Boost Revenue
Study Proposals Issues Per Year
Clients Served in 2024
Laboratory locations across North America, including 3 with dedicated Lab+ contract research facilities
Let’s talk. At your level.
We recognize the enormity of projects like process validation, method validation, shelf-life studies, and more. Our team combines scientific expertise with clear explanations to deliver customized studies that suit your needs.
We handle every aspect of execution, allowing you to concentrate on your business, while maintaining transparent communication throughout, devoid of confusing jargon. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make optimal decisions for your products and processes.
Our active participation in various industry associations like IAFP, IFT, NAMI, ASTA, and more, keeps us abreast with the latest industry trends and technologies. We also contribute to the scientific advancement of these industries to enhance food quality and safety.
Contact us below and let us know how we can help you.
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Let us create a better testing experience for your business, together.