Articles

CTLA operates on open, honest communication and a dedication to providing timely and reliable laboratory test results for food, dietary supplements, and cosmetic products. We are committed to providing the best possible laboratory services and have obtained ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc (PJLA). What is ISO/IEC Accreditation? To set global standards for products, manufacturing, and services, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) first met in 1946. ISO’s 23,777 set standards oversee international standards for every aspect of modern life and focus on raw materials and process control. These standards are documented in ISO publications and materials and help assure...

Millions of Americans are affected by food allergies. An allergic reaction may be relatively mild, but uncomfortable, like dealing with hives. Some people, however, develop extremely dangerous food allergy reactions that cause life-threatening respiratory issues and shock. For food safety, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all ingredients be listed on packaged food products and beverages. More specific labeling requirements are required for identified major food allergens. Major Food Allergens Food allergies cause a person’s immune system to react to the proteins in a certain food. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 identifies...

Some minerals/metals are considered essential. However, toxic heavy metals can cause severe health problems. CTLA provides essential mineral testing of the sixteen known major and trace minerals the body needs for optimum functioning. Our ICP Mineral Assay testing obtains all the information required for your food or supplements’ nutrition label. We also test for heavy metals to ensure your food, supplement, or cosmetic meets the requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Depending on agricultural growing and processing conditions, manufacturing, and environmental contaminants (past or current), your product may be subject to high levels of harmful metal...

When you think of a microbiology laboratory, you might think exclusively of human blood or tissue samples and tests looking for invading pathogens like those responsible for the coronavirus. However, those are not the types of microbiology tests conducted here at CTLA. We test for harmful microbes or pathogens in foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics as a prevention measure to ensure public consumption safety and health. Soil, air, and/or water sources can easily contaminate foods with microorganisms. To protect consumers from foreign pathogens, both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have developed...