Certified Laboratories Blog
Insights for the food & beverage, cosmetics, OTC, supplements, and other industries.
The Top Challenges for U.S.-Bound Food Imports
Not having a Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is the top FDA citation for food imports that leads to detention. Get more expert tips here.
Responding to an FDA Notice of Action – Timing is Everything
When you receive an FDA Notice of Action, it’s vital that you respond immediately and confirm that your products are available for examination and sampling.
FDA Import Alert: How to Get Off an FDA Red List
FDA Import Alerts allow the Agency to detain shipments it believes are unsafe. We explain it all, including how to get off the Red List.
How to Avoid Allergen Cross Contact in Food Manufacturing
Discover key strategies for allergen cross-contact prevention in food manufacturing, including supplier audits, cleaning protocols, and testing methods.
3 Tips For 503B Sterile Compounding Facilities When Choosing a Lab Partner
Involved in sterile compounding of pharmaceutical products? Here are 3 questions to ask your lab partner to ensure your products are safe and sterile.
Top 5 FDA Entry Submission Errors & How to Avoid Them
Errors on your FDA entry submission raise red flags and can slow down your shipment. Here’s how to avoid them.
Importing Food Products into the U.S. (All You Need to Know)
There’s a lot to know in the food import business with all the FDA regulations involved. We cut through the confusion of importing food products in the US here.
Navigating Allergen Cross Contact: 5 Questions for Food Producers
System failures can cause allergen cross-contact in the food and dietary supplement industries. These allergen controls can mitigate most mistakes.
How to Choose an Import Agent for FDA-Regulated Products
Here’s how to choose an import agent that will help expedite your FDA-regulated products into the U.S. market.
USP 797 Sterile Compounding: What You Need to Know About Sterility Testing
Here’s what to know about sterility testing when performing USP 797 sterile compounding, including a look at the US FDA regulations in 21 CFR 211.
Aflatoxin Testing: A Guide for Every Almond Producer
Properly obtaining an aggregate sample and using the correct methodology is vital when performing aflatoxin testing for almonds.
Detained Shipment? Why Following FDA Sampling Guidelines is a Must
Here’s how Certified Laboratories expedites FDA-detained product release by following FDA sampling guidelines and using our FDA sampling plan.
FDA ITACS: A Tool to Speed Your Next Import
We explain how the FDA ITACS system helps you cut to the front of the line when importing FDA-regulated products. Find out how to use this powerful tool.
Microbiological Testing for Nuts: 4 Reasons to Choose Certified Laboratories
Your lab that can test for aflatoxins from tree nuts and perform other microbiological tests for nuts. Fast turnaround times and responsive service.
What is a U.S. HTS Code (& How to Estimate Customs Duties)?
Here’s how to read a harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) code and estimate your customs duties (with examples).
Your Complete Guide to Process Validation for Almonds
U.S. Federal law, customer demand, and your own quality-control program benefit from a process validation for almonds. This free checklist can help.
How to Test for Heavy Metals in Food & Other Products: An Industry Guide
Step-by-step instructions for how to test for heavy metals in food. A guide for quality control professionals to help ensure food safety.
Amazon Dietary Supplement Requirements for Lab Testing [2025]
Amazon’s dietary supplement requirements include specifications testing in ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. Here’s what you need to test for.
MoCRA: What Does it Mean for the U.S. Cosmetics Industry?
FDA’s Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) promises to reshape the U.S. cosmetics industry. Here’s what you need to know to comply.
Guide to OTC & Cosmetic Stability Testing [+ Free Cheat Sheet]
We explain the regulations for OTC stability testing and cosmetic stability testing, and show step-by-step how to they’re done.