Accreditation for Food Industry Laboratories

Many laboratories participate in proficiency testing to fulfill requirements for accreditation. Accreditation is a process whereby a recognized body measures an organization against a standard to determine its competence in a certain area. For most laboratories, the standard is ISO 17025 (formerly Guide 25), an international standard for technical competence of laboratories. Several organizations around the world provide ISO 17025 accreditation, but in the United States two major organizations accredit food laboratories: the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).

Although no U.S. laws require food laboratories to be accredited, there is a movement toward accreditation in the food industry for various reasons. As markets become more global, companies need a way to assess the quality and capabilities of potential business partners. In addition, food quality has become an important issue around the world. Concerns about genetically modified organisms, food-borne pathogens, and the accuracy of nutritional labeling have all led to more scrutiny of food producers. Finally, competition drives companies to improve to gain an advantage over their rivals. Just as an increasing number of companies have found advantages in having their management system registered to ISO 9000-series standards, laboratories are proving their management and technical expertise through accreditation to ISO 17025.

For each laboratory, the specific reasons for accreditation differ depending on its customer base. Laboratories serving other departments within their organization often become accredited as part of an overall quality movement within the company. The fact that the laboratory is accredited proves that the company cares about quality and is taking steps to ensure quality at all levels of the company. Contract laboratories seek accreditation to show potential customers that they are capable of providing them with accurate and reliable test results. Many potential customers are required to place work only with accredited labs.

The accreditation process begins with examining the standard and bringing the laboratory's policies, procedures, and documentation in line with the standard. Then an application is made to an accreditation agency, who will assign an assessor with technical expertise in the type of testing performed. The assessor will examine written materials from the laboratory before doing a formal on-site assessment. During the on-site assessment, the assessor verifies that activities are carried out according to the written policies and procedures, and that these policies and procedures are adequate to ensure accurate and dependable data. Areas for improvement will be discussed, and further action may be required if the laboratory does not meet any portion of the standard. Once the laboratory is granted accredited status, performance is monitored through proficiency testing and periodic re-assessments. Costs for this process vary, and it typically takes a year or more for a laboratory to become accredited.

To learn more about laboratory accreditation, see the following sites:

International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NACLA)
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)