Fruit and vegetable preserves

Our services for the safety of fruit and vegetable products

In the food industry, the fresh produce and vegetable preserves sectors play a crucial role. With increasing focus on quality, sustainability, and traceability of agricultural products, companies in the sector face ever-evolving challenges. Today’s market and consumer demands require a continuous commitment to ensuring the safety and compliance of fruit and vegetable products at every stage of the supply chain - from cultivation to processing and distribution.

The main regulations guiding the sector include Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on food hygiene, Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on labeling, and Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005 on pesticide residues.

At Lifeanalytics, we support producers, distributors, and processors of fruit and vegetable products with a complete and integrated service. Thanks to our extensive experience, we provide a package of specialized analyses, consulting, and targeted training to ensure product quality and compliance with both Italian and international regulations.

Fresh produce and ready-to-eat (fourth range) products: regulatory focus and operational support

In recent years, the regulation of fruit and vegetable products has introduced new legal references, such as Mipaaf Decree No. 3746/2014, which specifically addresses fourth range products.
This decree sets clear parameters for hygienic and health safety, as well as quality standards for packaged products like ready-to-eat salads and freshly cut vegetables preserved in a protective atmosphere.

At Lifeanalytics, we support companies in correctly interpreting and applying current regulations by offering audits, technical consulting, and assistance in drafting regulatory documentation. Our goal is to ensure a safe and compliant supply chain, reducing risks and enhancing the competitiveness of our clients.

To achieve this, some of the analytical services we offer include:

• Quality control and testing on fresh produce and vegetable preserves
  To ensure the safety, traceability, and authenticity of fruit and vegetable products, we provide a wide range of analyses on both fresh and processed matrices. Our services cover all critical aspects to ensure compliance with current regulations and meet the quality standards required by the market.
• Physicochemical and nutritional analysis
  Our physicochemical tests evaluate key qualitative and compositional parameters. Nutritional analyses provide information on proteins, sugars, fats, fibers, and micronutrients. We also prepare nutritional tables in accordance with EU regulations, which are essential for accurate labeling.
• Microbiological safety and MALDI-TOF technology
  Food safety begins with prevention. Using advanced technologies such as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, we can rapidly and accurately identify pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Our accredited laboratories ensure reliable results aligned with official protocols.
• Contaminant and residue testing
  Fresh products like fruits and vegetables can be contaminated with pesticides, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, and mycotoxins. Specifically, we refer to Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 for contaminants and Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005 for pesticide residues. We conduct thorough tests to ensure compliance with EU limits. In addition, we offer analyses for dioxins, PCBs, PAHs, MOSH-MOAH, PFAS, and other undesirable substances.
• Product authenticity and sustainability
  Our food fraud and authenticity tests confirm the origin and integrity of products. This service is essential for protecting the value of certified supply chains and preventing commercial fraud.
• Allergens, GMOs, and microplastics
  We provide targeted testing to detect allergens, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and microplastics, ensuring product safety and meeting consumer expectations.

Find the solution that best suits you
 

Shelf life, stability, and product development for fresh produce

Accurately determining shelf life is essential for the commercial success of fruit and vegetable products. Our research and testing help companies define realistic storage durations, contributing to reduced food waste and ensuring product quality up to the point of consumption.

We offer:

• Stability and shelf-life testing: We determine the shelf life of fruit and vegetable products through tests on longevity, microbial resistance, and sensory and nutritional changes. This is key to optimizing the logistics chain and minimizing food waste.
• Process development and validation: We work closely with companies during the development of new products and in verifying technological processes. Our studies ensure safety and compliance from the earliest stages of food product design.

Sensory analysis and consumer feedback on fresh produce and vegetable preserves

In the world of fruits and vegetables, understanding how consumers perceive taste is essential to enhancing flavor, texture, and freshness. In a market increasingly focused on quality, evaluating real consumer preference is a key strategy for innovation and success.

Our sensory analyses provide valuable insights to improve recipes and position products effectively, including:

• Panel tests and consumer tests: Through panel and consumer testing, we evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of products, such as taste, aroma, color, texture, and overall liking. Tests can be carried out in an accredited sensory lab or directly at consumers’ homes.
• Market research: We support our clients in studying consumer preferences and in strategically positioning their products on the market.

Discover more

Consulting and regulatory support for fresh produce

In addition to testing, we offer a complete consulting package to guide companies toward full regulatory compliance, including:

• Consulting for labeling and nutritional claims;
• Drafting HACCP manuals and support for self-monitoring;
• Internal and second-party audits;
• Assistance during ASL inspections and for health authorization (Reg. 852);
• Development of nutritional tables from recipes (RDP);
• Quality systems (BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000);
• Shelf-life plans and technical reports.

Our services are designed to ensure full compliance with current regulations, such as Regulation (EC) 852/2004, Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, and the requirements of BRC, IFS, and FSSC 22000 certification standards.

Export and international requirements for fruit and vegetable products

We also support you in preparing the Food Safety Plan for export to the USA and to other markets with specific safety and traceability requirements. From preparing technical documentation to ensuring compliance with local regulations and defining market entry strategies, we are by your side to support international expansion. In particular, we help companies comply with FDA regulations (Food Safety Modernization Act) to export to the United States.

Why choose Lifeanalytics for fresh produce and vegetable preserves 

Thanks to our network of ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited laboratories, a multidisciplinary team, and an integrated service offering, we are the ideal partner for companies in the fresh produce and vegetable preserves sectors. We guarantee speed, reliability, and full regulatory compliance, with tailored services for both artisanal and industrial businesses.

Lifeanalytics Food: discover the full range of services for the food industry

Lifeanalytics Food offers a comprehensive range of testing, consulting, and training services to ensure the safety and quality not only of fresh produce and vegetable preserves, but also of nuts and dried fruits, dietary foods, plant-based and vegan products, pasta, baked goods, and much more.

Our chemical, microbiological, nutritional, and sensory analyses - along with our consulting and regulatory update services - help producers comply with current regulations, protect consumer health, and maintain market trust. 

Want to learn more?
Fill out the form below and request personalized advice from our experts!

REQUEST A PERSONALIZED CONSULTANCY

You might be interested in: Nuts and dried fruits | Dietary Foods, Plant-Based and Vegan Food | Pastas and baked goods

Discover all Lifeanalytics food services for your business!