Food Testing
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Expert Food Testing & Analysis Services in Houston, Texas
Food safety is not just about compliance — it’s about protecting lives, building trust, and securing your brand’s reputation. At AGT Labs in Houston, Texas, we provide ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited food testing services to manufacturers, processors, retailers, restaurants, and exporters across Texas and the surrounding states.
Our services encompass microbiology, chemical analysis, water testing, nutritional labeling, and HACCP compliance verification, enabling businesses to meet the requirements of the FDA, USDA, EPA, and international regulatory authorities.
Whether you operate a restaurant in Houston, a seafood exporter on the Gulf Coast, or a multi-state food processing plant, AGT Labs delivers the scientific expertise and accredited results you need to keep food safe, compliant, and trusted.
Why Food Testing Matters for Houston & Texas Businesses
Public Health & Safety
Foodborne pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria...
Public Health & Safety
Foodborne pathogens like E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes cause thousands of hospitalizations in the U.S. annually. In Houston, with its vibrant restaurant scene and diverse food imports, the risk is even higher.
Regulatory Compliance
The FDA’s FSMA and USDA FSIS rules require testing...
Regulatory Compliance
The FDA’s FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and USDA FSIS rules require testing at multiple points of production. Non-compliance can mean recalls, plant closures, or denied export shipments.
Brand Reputation
A single outbreak linked to your brand can cause...
Brand Reputation
A single outbreak linked to your brand can cause permanent loss of customer trust. Accredited testing demonstrates your commitment to safety and quality.
Local Challenges
Houston’s Gulf Coast location brings unique risks...
Local Challenges
Houston’s Gulf Coast location brings unique food safety risks:
• Seafood contamination (Vibrio, mercury).
• Flooding & water infrastructure issues (E. coli in water).
• Imported produce & spices (pesticide residues, Salmonella).
AGT Labs Food Testing Services
At AGT Labs, we provide a full spectrum of accredited testing services under one roof:
Food Microbiology Testing
Detection of pathogens, hygiene indicators, and spoilage organisms.
Pathogens: Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, STEC (E. coli O157:H7), Campylobacter, Vibrio, Shigella.
Indicators: Aerobic Plate Count (APC), Total Plate Count (TPC), Enterobacteriaceae, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Coliforms (total, fecal, E. coli).
Spoilage: Yeast & Mold, Psychrotrophic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus.
Chemical Testing in Food
Screening for contaminants, residues, and additives.
Heavy metals: lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium (via ICP-MS).
Pesticide residues: LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS.
Additives: nitrites, benzoates, colors.
Packaging migration: contaminants.
Water Testing Services
Potable, irrigation, process, and wastewater:
Microbiological: E. coli, Coliforms, Enterococcus, Fecal Streptococcus, Legionella.
Industrial & Recreational Water: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Shigella, Iron/Sulfate-reducing bacteria.
EPA-Compliant Environmental Testing.
Nutritional & Labeling Analysis
Support for FDA nutritional facts labeling and reformulation.
Macronutrients: protein, fats, carbs, calories.
Micronutrients: vitamins & minerals.
Labeling: FDA-compliant nutritional labels & database analysis.
BRIX, pH, water activity testing for product stability.
HACCP & Food Safety Compliance
We support audits with:
Pathogen verification testing, chemical hazard analysis, environmental monitoring, and audit-ready reporting for FDA, USDA, and retailers.
Laboratory Capabilities & Technology
PCR & ELISA Platforms
Rapid pathogen detection for faster, accurate food safety assurance.
ICP-MS
Trace-level analysis of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic.
LC-MS/MS & GC-MS/MS
Advanced screening for pesticide residues and chemical contaminants.
FTIR Spectroscopy
Accurate packaging material verification and contamination analysis.
BSL-2 Microbiology Labs
Secure facilities designed for comprehensive pathogen testing.
Who We Serve in Houston & Texas
Restaurants & catering companies verifying daily safety.
Meat & poultry processors requiring HACCP compliance.
Seafood exporters ensuring FDA and EU acceptance.
Dairy and beverage manufacturers are monitoring pathogens & spoilage.
Grain, fruit & vegetable distributors checking pesticide residues.
Private-label brands & retailers requiring audit-ready results.
How the Testing Process Works
Sample Collection – Drop off at our Houston lab or schedule pickup.
Accredited Analysis – Performed using FDA BAM, AOAC, and USDA-approved methods.
Quality Assurance – Duplicate testing, calibrations, and internal review.
Secure Reporting – Results delivered electronically with an accreditation stamp.
Audit Support – Reports formatted for HACCP, FSMA, and retailer requirements.
Accreditation & Quality Standards
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation
Methods validated by FDA BAM, AOAC, USDA FSIS, EPA
Participation in proficiency testing programs
Regular audits ensure continuous compliance.
Risks of Non-Compliance
Regulatory penalties → FDA warning letters, USDA suspension.
Product recalls → Financial loss, destroyed inventory.
Public health risks → Outbreaks leading to illness or death.
Brand damage → Negative press, lost retailer contracts.
Best Practices for Food Businesses
Test raw materials before production.
Conduct environmental swabbing weekly.
Verify water quality at least quarterly.
Perform nutritional analysis annually or after reformulation.
Retain accredited HACCP verification testing for all audits.
Why Choose AGT Labs
Local expertise serving Houston and the surrounding Texas industries.
Full-service laboratory covering microbiology, chemistry, water, nutrition, and HACCP.
Accredited methods accepted worldwide.
Fast turnaround times with expedited testing available.
Trusted by Texas businesses for safe, compliant, and reliable food testing.
Get Started with AGT Labs
Protect your customers. Strengthen your brand. Stay compliant.
Partner with AGT Labs – Houston’s trusted food testing laboratory.
AGT Labs Houston
AGT LABS FOOD - HARLINGEN
FAQs – Food Testing in Houston
1. Where is your laboratory located?
AGT Labs’ main office is located at:
10200 East Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77029
We also operate service centers in Harlingen and the South Texas region.
2. What are your operating hours?
| Day | Business Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (CST) |
| Saturday | Closed (Call 713-453-6090 for testing requests) |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Emergency & After-Hours Testing | For urgent testing outside of standard hours or during holidays, please contact us at 713-453-6090 |
3. Do you offer courier and sample pickup services?
Yes. You can coordinate sample pickup or courier delivery through your Project Manager by calling (713) 453-6090 or emailing info@agtlabs.com.
Service areas include Houston and nearby areas, Bay City, Freeport, Lake Jackson, Victoria, and areas near the Harlingen facility.
4. What is the typical turnaround time for test results?
Most standard analyses are completed within seven or more business days.
If faster results are required, expedited services are available for an additional fee.
Turnaround times are clearly stated in each estimate.
5. When do rush charges apply, and how are they calculated?
Rush processing is available for expedited results. The following surcharges apply:
1 Business Day – 100% surcharge
2 Business Days – 75% surcharge
3 Business Days – 50% surcharge
4 Business Days – 25% surcharge
Note:
If asbestos samples are unusable, additional preparation fees may apply.
For bulk PLM testing, separate layers are billed individually.
6. Can sample kits be shipped to our location?
Absolutely. With at least five business days’ notice, AGT Labs provides outbound shipping—typically via UPS Ground or other cost-effective options.
Note: Clients are responsible for any international shipping fees.
7. Do you provide sampling media and equipment?
Yes. With a minimum of five business days’ notice, AGT Labs can supply the required sampling media (additional charges may apply).
Kits may include:
- Filters
- Sorbent tubes
- Custody documentation
- Return labels
Additional materials such as pumps and specialized equipment are also available for an added fee.