Dietary Foods, Plant-Based and Vegan Food

Laboratory testing for safety, quality, and regulatory compliance

Plant-based and vegan food products represent one of the most innovative segments in the food market. Meat alternatives, plant-based burgers, plant-based beverages, dairy-free cheeses, and products with a high plant protein content require specific controls to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

To support manufacturers and brand owners, Lifeanalytics offers dedicated testing for:

• Plant proteins and protein alternatives: verification of protein content and nutritional composition of ingredients derived from soy, pea, oat, rice, and legumes.
• Vegan and plant-based claims: testing to verify the absence of cross-contamination from animal-derived ingredients and to support label declarations.
• Plant-based beverages and derivatives: specific analyses on plant-based milks, yogurts, and cheeses to monitor stability, quality, and safety.
• Authenticity and food fraud: verification of raw material origin and compliance to protect both manufacturers and consumers.
• Sensory quality and R&D: panel and consumer tests to evaluate taste, texture, aroma, and acceptance of meat alternatives, alongside analytical support for validating new plant-based formulations and optimizing product performance.

Thanks to an integrated approach combining microbiological, chemical, nutritional, and sensory analyses, we support the development of innovative, safe plant-based foods that meet market requirements.

Regulations and compliance in the plant-based, vegan, and protein alternatives sector

The plant-based, vegan, and protein alternatives sector is governed by stringent European requirements regarding labeling, hygiene, safety, and claims, including:

• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 – Food information to consumers
• Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 – Hygiene of foodstuffs
• Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 – Nutrition and health claims
• Regulation (EU) 2023/915 – Contaminants in food
• Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 – Pesticide residues

Our analyses support the operational verification of compliance, helping to make the production process safer and providing robust technical documentation to back the product.

Laboratory testing for plant-based, vegan, and protein alternatives

Our ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited laboratories provide reliable and defensible data to support sector companies during audits, official controls, internal validations, and retailer (GDO) audits, operating in the following areas:

• Microbiological safety: pathogen screening, hygiene indicators, molds, and yeasts (also utilizing rapid MALDI-TOF technology) to manage risks in plant-based raw materials, support HACCP plans, and prevent non-compliance.
• Chemical contaminants: analysis of heavy metals, mycotoxins, dioxins, PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, PFAS, and furfuryl alcohol to demonstrate compliance with legal limits and reduce the risk of trade blocks or product recalls.
• Allergens, GMOs, and authenticity: allergen screening (Reg. 1169/2011), GMO testing, detection of potential contamination from animal-derived ingredients, and Food Fraud prevention activities to protect consumers and validate vegan and plant-based claims.
• Nutritional analysis and composition: full proximate analysis (proteins, fats, fibers, carbohydrates), testing for vitamins, minerals, additives, and stabilizers to ensure consistency between the formulation and label claims.
• Shelf life and stability: real-time and accelerated stability studies, physicochemical testing, and challenge tests to monitor oxidation and sensory degradation in plant matrices, scientifically defining commercial shelf life.

Sensory analysis and consumer testing: panel tests with trained judges and consumer testing to evaluate taste, texture, and overall liking, supporting R&D, reformulation, and market positioning.

Your trusted experts for plant-based, vegan, and protein alternatives

Choosing Lifeanalytics means relying on a leading analytical partner for the plant-based, vegan, and protein alternatives sector, capable of turning laboratory data into operational safety and business protection. Every day, we help companies reduce the risk of non-compliance and recalls, and face audits and inspections with clear evidence to protect their brand value and market access.

At Lifeanalytics, we provide a comprehensive ecosystem of testing, consulting, and training services, backed by constant regulatory updates, to help companies make confident decisions and safeguard their business.

Why choose Lifeanalytics for quality and safety testing of dietary and plant-based foods

With a network of accredited laboratories and specialized teams focused exclusively on the food sector, Lifeanalytics experts support companies every day in bringing safe, high-quality products to market.

We offer tailored solutions to address the analytical and regulatory challenges of the industry, promoting innovation, compliance, and the competitiveness of your business.

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