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Fruit and vegetable preserves

Laboratory testing for safety, quality, and regulatory compliance

 

The fresh produce and vegetable preserves sector is characterized by complex supply chains and risks related to contaminants, pesticide residues, post-harvest storage, and processing and preservation methods.

To ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, Lifeanalytics supports manufacturers, processors, packers, and distributors through accredited laboratory analyses dedicated to:

  • Pesticide residue and contaminant control: monitoring pesticide residues, nitrates, and other contaminants.
  • Raw material quality verification: assessing the quality and integrity of plant-based raw materials.
  • Post-harvest and shelf life monitoring: tracking post-harvest storage conditions, the cold chain, and product shelf life.
  • Microbiological control: testing fresh produce, fresh-cut (IV range) and pre-cooked/convenience (V range) products, and vegetable preserves.
  • Commercial and retail support: providing technical assistance for quality programs, export markets, audits, and retailer (GDO) requirements.

Thanks to an integrated approach, we help companies prevent non-compliance and recalls, protect corporate reputation, and guarantee competitiveness in both national and international markets.

 

Regulations and compliance in the produce sector

The sector is governed by a stringent European regulatory framework regarding hygiene, contaminants, and consumer information, including:

  • Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 – On the hygiene of foodstuffs
  • Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 – Food information to consumers
  • Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 – On maximum residue levels of pesticides (MRLs)
  • Regulation (EU) 2023/915 – On maximum levels for certain contaminants in food

Our experts support companies daily in the operational application of regulatory requirements throughout the entire supply chain, from the field to the finished product, reducing regulatory and reputational risks.
 

Laboratory testing for fresh produce and vegetable preserves

Our ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited laboratories provide reliable and defensible data to safeguard brands during audits, official inspections, and retailer (GDO) compliance checks, supporting them in the following areas:

  • Researcher in a laboratory examining a slice of strawberry under a microscope, wearing blue gloves and a white lab coat, with fresh strawberries in the foreground — symbol of Lifeanalytics' food, fruit and vegetable, and preserves testing serviceMicrobiological safety: screening for pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli), hygiene indicators, and spoilage organisms (yeasts/molds) to validate HACCP plans and verify the biological stability of pasteurization or sterilization processes.
  • Chemical contaminants and pesticides: multi-residue pesticide screening and monitoring of heavy metals, nitrates, mycotoxins, PFAS, and dioxins to ensure compliance with maximum residue levels (MRLs) and prevent customs holds or market recalls.
  • Nutritional analysis and labeling: determination of the proximate profile (fiber, sugars, salt) and allergen screening to ensure the correct drafting of the nutrition declaration and the legal compliance of the food label.
  • Authenticity and supply chain control: analyses aimed at verifying geographical origin and the compliance of plant-based raw materials, as well as preventing fraudulent practices, thereby supporting corporate Food Fraud and supplier qualification programs.
  • Shelf life and stability: real-time and accelerated stability studies to monitor physicochemical and microbiological evolution over time, scientifically defining the "best before" date, expiration date, and post-opening product stability.

 

Your trusted experts for the produce sector

Woman holding a jar of tomato sauce in a supermarket, examining the label in front of a food products shelf — symbol of Lifeanalytics' food, fruit and vegetable, and preserves testing serviceChoosing Lifeanalytics means relying on a leading partner for laboratory testing in the fruit, vegetable, and vegetable preserves sector. 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.

 

Want to learn more? Fill out the form below to request your Personalized Consultancy!

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