What are the steps involved in food testing?

Food testing is a rigorous and systematic process, and its related steps usually include the following aspects:
1. Planning and sampling
Develop a sampling plan: According to the requirements of the market supervision and management department and the concerns of food safety, a detailed sampling plan is developed. This includes determining the time, location, quantity, and sampling method of sampling.
Implementation of sampling: According to the sampling plan, professional sampling personnel are sent to the production link, circulation link, or catering link to extract samples. Sampling should follow the principles of randomness, uniformity, and representativeness to ensure that the samples taken can truly reflect the quality status of the entire batch of food.
2. Sample processing and preparation
Sample reception and registration: The sampling personnel will send the sampled samples to the food inspection and testing agency, and the receiving personnel will register, number, and classify them.
Sample preparation: The collected original samples are subjected to a series of treatments, such as crushing, mixing, homogenization, etc., to meet the requirements of subsequent analysis and testing. During the preparation process, cross-contamination and changes in sample properties should be avoided.
3. Analysis and testing
Pretreatment: In order to remove interfering substances in the sample, enrich the target analyte, and make it suitable for analytical instrument determination, the sample needs to be pre-treated. Common pretreatment methods include extraction, precipitation, distillation, chromatographic separation, etc.
Analysis and determination: Use various analytical instruments and methods to conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis of nutrients, additives, pollutants, etc. in food. This step is the core of food testing and needs to follow the principles of accuracy, speed, and sensitivity to ensure the reliability of the results.
4. Data processing and report preparation
Data processing: Sort, calculate, and analyze the data obtained from the analysis and determination to obtain the final test results.
Report preparation: Prepare a detailed test report based on the test results. The report should include information such as test items, test methods, test results, units, limits, etc., and comply with the requirements of relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
5. Information release and result utilization
Information release: Send the test report to the market supervision and management department that organizes food sampling and inspection, and the relevant department will release and publicize the information.
Result utilization: Take corresponding measures based on the test results. If the test results are unqualified, the food producer or operator will be dealt with according to law, and measures will be taken to prevent unqualified food from entering the market.
In summary, the relevant steps of food testing cover the entire process from planning and sampling to information release and result utilization. Each step needs to strictly comply with relevant standards and regulations to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.If you need food testing, please contact us.