Joseph Nicholl is a Technical Services Manager with more than ten years of laboratory experience. With Safe Food Alliance, Joseph provides technical customer service, drives customer relation efforts, and provides solutions to the Sacramento Valley area. Joseph is a graduate of Colorado State University with a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Pathology.
What qualities should you look for when selecting a lab?
- Company Needs –What type of testing do you need? If you need multiple types of testing, do you want to work with one lab who can do both? Most labs specialize in multiple areas.
- Customer Demands –At the end of the day, you need to create a product that you can sell. Ask your customers if they have a preference. Many customers will have a list of approved laboratories that will help with overcoming any questions that may arise in the future.
Committing to one lab can reduce administration costs, improve efficiencies, and decrease stress. But, always reassess if the lab is meeting your company’s needs.
Making the Right Choice
When choosing a laboratory there are many factors to consider.
Accreditation
ISO 17025 or A2LA is an accreditation that establishes that a laboratory has established procedures. Ask for the ISO certification and their approved scope of methods. Often, not all tests needed are covered under the scope. Labs will short cut on specific test because of costs, equipment or another reason, so it is important to check.
Ability and Experience
When it comes to ability and experience, the lab you choose should do a few things:
- Use official and recommended methods with analyses that are repeatable and reproducible.
- Have experience testing your product.
- Can support you through technological advances and regulatory changes.
Customer Service
You should lay out what you expect from the lab upfront. Question the laboratories rush policies, how long it takes from a sample being submitted to a report being generated.
Drop In
You want to make sure “big customers” are being serviced the same way as “small customers.” Show up in person and evaluate how you are treated. During the visit you can meet the technicians you’re working with, evaluate the facility, and ask any questions or concerns you have. If they don’t want you to visit you don’t want to be doing business with them.
You Get What You Pay For
It is good to shop around and see the cost of the testing you need, but cost should be one of the last things you should think about. Quality analysis, great customer service, and timeliness should be your first priorities.
Other Considerations
- Do they value confidentiality? If a testing laboratory tells you who they are working with they are most likely releasing your information too.
- Does the company offer other services? Working with a company that also has auditing, training, consulting, and research services can give you a broader picture of food safety.
Choosing a laboratory can be a daunting task. Take your time and remember they will be representing your brand, while preserving your reputation and integrity.
For more information:
www.safefoodalliance.com
contact@safefoodalliance.com
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