GSAB – Global Standard Accreditation Board provides independent and impartial accreditation to Food and Agricultural Testing Laboratories in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. Our accreditation ensures laboratories demonstrate technical competence, scientifically valid testing methods, reliable results, and regulatory compliance to protect public health and food safety.
What Do Food & Agricultural Testing Laboratories Do?
Food and agricultural laboratories analyze raw materials, processed foods, animal feed, grains, soil, fertilizers, and agricultural inputs to ensure:
-Product safety
-Regulatory compliance
-Nutritional accuracy
-Absence of contaminants
-Quality control throughout the supply chain
These laboratories play a critical role in protecting consumers, supporting exports, and ensuring agricultural sustainability.
Typical Biological & Microbiological Tests Performed
Depending on their scope, laboratories may conduct:
Chemical Analysis
-Moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber
-Nutritional labeling parameters
-Food additives and preservatives
-Heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury)
-Pesticide residue analysis
-Mycotoxin testing
-Veterinary drug residue testing
-Contaminant screening
Microbiological Analysis
-Total Plate Count
-Yeast and Mold
-Coliform and E. coli
-Salmonella
-Listeria
-Staphylococcus aureus
-Pathogen detection in food and feed
Agricultural & Soil Testing
-Soil nutrient analysis
-Fertilizer composition
-Water quality for irrigation
-Feed quality analysis
-Grain quality testing
GSAB verifies that laboratories apply validated methods, maintain contamination control, evaluate measurement uncertainty, and ensure traceability to recognized standards.
Who Can Apply?
Food and Agricultural Accreditation is suitable for:
-Food testing laboratories
-Agricultural testing laboratories
-Animal feed testing facilities
-Government food safety laboratories
-Export inspection laboratories
-In-house food manufacturing laboratories
-Research and university laboratories
-Contract food analysis laboratories
Accreditation Criteria
GSAB accredits laboratories based on:
-ISO/IEC 17025
-Applicable ILAC and IAAC mandatory documents
-Relevant food safety and agricultural regulatory requirements
Accreditation confirms:
-Competence of technical personnel
-Method validation and verification
-Equipment calibration and maintenance
-Measurement uncertainty evaluation
-Proficiency testing participation
-Effective laboratory quality management system
GSAB operates in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, ensuring impartial and independent accreditation decisions.
GSAB follows a structured and transparent accreditation process:
1. Application & Scope Definition
Laboratory submits detailed food and agricultural testing scope.
2. Document Review
Evaluation of:
-Quality Management System documentation
-Analytical methods and SOPs
-Validation and verification records
-Equipment calibration records
-Proficiency testing participation
-Internal audit and management review records
3. On-Site Assessment
GSAB assessors evaluate:
-Test witnessing (chemical and microbiological)
-Sample handling and storage
-Contamination control measures
-Personnel competence
-Data integrity and reporting accuracy
4. Non-Conformity Review
Laboratory implements corrective actions where required.
5. Independent Accreditation Decision
Final accreditation decision made by an impartial authority.
GSAB assigns assessors based on:
-Expertise in food chemistry, microbiology, or agricultural science
-Industry-specific technical experience
-Knowledge of food safety and agricultural regulations
-Conflict-of-interest clearance
Assessment teams may include:
-Lead Assessor
-Technical Assessor (Food/Agricultural Specialist)
-Technical Expert (for specialized testing areas, if required)
All assessors are qualified and monitored under GSAB competence management procedures.
Apply for Accreditation
📧 info@gsab.org 🌐 www.gsab.org