FAQs

To ensure that your Allergen management processes are in place and appropriate.

A result is generally available between 24 - 72 hours. This varies according to laboratory workload, number of tests required and urgency of results. If you inform us of your intention to send samples and when results are required by, we will endeavour to schedule testing accordingly.  It is helpful for us to know when to expect samples so we can follow up if they are not received as well as provide a more efficient turn around time.

We usually recommend about 50g.  For most testing we require a minimum of 10g per test. Ensure the sample you send is representative of your product.

Samples should be sent appropriately packaged to avoid leakage or breakages. Double bagging is recommended to avoid cross contact between samples.  An eski or cool pack may be required for samples that require refrigeration (inculding swabs). Be sure to include a sample submission form so we know what testing is required and how you want your samples identified.

No. High sugar, high salt & fermented products can cause detection issues. Some processing methods i.e. hydrolysis, high temperatures and high pressures can also affect suitability.  If the protein is not detected in these cases it can not conclusively mean it is not present. If your product is highly processed please contact us to discuss the suitability of testing.  We can do a validation test to confirm the allergen can be detected using the kit.

We do not use or supply these, however we can provide the contact details of the suppliers of these products:

• Gluten - Laboratory Diagnostics - Ridascreen kit - Telephone 1800 023 623

We have accreditation for Peanut and Gluten analysis - Accreditation number 12675

Gluten, Peanut, Total Milk, Casein, Beta Lactoglobulin, Egg, Soy, Sesame, Crustacea, Lupin, Almond, Hazelnut and Walnut. We are also trialing Melamine and waiting on the release of a new Macadamia analysis kit.  Sulphites - we can arrange for another NATA accredited laboratory to test these if you request it.

No. Crustacea includes Shrimp, Lobster, Crab and shellfish.  There is currently no available kit suitable to detect fish.

We can send out a swab package which includes the swabs, diluent and instructions.  You perform the swabbing and return swabs back to us for testing. This is a qualitative result (not quantitative) giving a detected or not detected result. It is important that swabs are returned for testing ASAP as the longer the delay the more inaccurate the results due to the breakdown of proteins. Swabs should be refridgerated and sent with cool packs or eskies to keep microbial growth minimal.