How Much Does It Cost to Test for a Full Nutrition Facts Panel?
Navigating the Updated FDA Nutrition Facts Panel: Ensuring Compliance with Medallion Labs
In 2020, the FDA finalized significant changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel for packaged foods, impacting both the nutrients listed and their presentation. These changes are crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance and ensuring accurate consumer information..
Nutritional Label Testing
Our testing services can help your brand meet compliance for Nutrition Facts Panels.
See our testing servicesMedallion Labs: Your Partner in Nutritional Label Compliance
Meeting these FDA requirements necessitates accurate nutritional testing. Medallion Labs offers comprehensive testing services to help your brand achieve and maintain compliance. Our expertise ensures your labels accurately reflect your product's nutritional content, protecting your brand and meeting consumer expectations.
| The 2020 Nutritional (NLEA) Screen Includes: | ||
| Nutrient | Test | Price |
| Calories | (Calculation requires ash, moisture, fat, protein) | $0.00 |
| Carbohydrates | (Calculation requires ash, moisture, fat, protein) | $0.00 |
| Ash | Ash Analysis | $25.00 |
| Cholesterol | Cholesterol Analysis | $150.00 |
| Fat (with Fatty Acid Profile) | Fat Analysis by Gas Chromatography | $250.00 |
| Fiber (Total - CODEX) | AOAC 2009.01 | $452.00 |
| Fiber (Total, Soluble, Insoluble - CODEX) | AOAC 2011.25 | $585.00* |
| Metals Screen I (Ca, Fe, K, Na) | Metals Analysis | $100.00 |
| Moisture | Metals Analysis | $25.00 |
| Protein | Protein Analysis | $30.00 |
| Sugar Profile (HPLC) | Sugar Profile Analysis by HPLC | $130.00 |
| Vitamin D | Vitamin D Analysis | $300.00 |
| Sample Processing Fee | $10.00 | |
| Total Price per Sample | $1,660.00* | |
*Total price per sample based on AOAC 2011.25 fiber method. Cost is lower using AOAC 2009.01.
Important Considerations:
- While Codex Fiber is recommended, it's not mandatory. If you're not fortifying with fiber or making a fiber claim, the AOAC 991.43 method (Gravimetric) offers a more budget-friendly option ($200).
- A mock nutrition facts label can be generated for an additional $55 per label, customized to your serving size.
Understanding Your Testing Options
How are Medallion Labs' tests different from cheaper alternatives?
Many tools calculate theoretical nutritional values from database information. While cost-effective, this approach carries risks due to ingredient and processing variability. Medallion Labs' ISO-accredited analytical testing guarantees accuracy, crucial for FDA compliance. The FDA uses analytical methods to validate claims during product testing.
Testing Process:
Samples are prepared and analyzed using chemistry-based methods to determine the true chemical and nutritional composition of your product.
Turnaround Time:
Standard turnaround is 7-9 business days. Rush testing (4-5 business days) is available at double the cost.
Sample Requirements:
Approximately 200g of sample is required for nutritional analysis.
Other Considerations:
- Added Sugars: Analytical testing cannot differentiate between naturally occurring and added sugars. This must be determined through record-keeping.
- Required Tests: The tests listed above are required components per the FDA Final Ruling. Testing for nutrients with expected zero values is only necessary for confirmation.
- Mock Nutrition Labels: Mock labels are for informational purposes only and are not suitable for packaging. Final labels must be prepared by your packaging company.
- Ingredient Decks: Medallion Labs does not provide ingredient decks. These are typically handled by the manufacturer or packaging company.
- Dual Panels: We can provide mock nutrition labels for dual panels (serving and package). Provide serving and container sizes in grams.
- Serving Sizes: Analytical testing is weight-based. Volume-based serving sizes require a customer-provided specific gravity or the addition of a specific gravity test.
- Recipe Changes: Changing recipes without retesting carries risks. Contact us to discuss potential impacts on nutritional values.
- Supplement Facts Panels: Our methods are applicable to supplements, but we do not support health claims. Refer to the FDA Final Ruling for supplement labeling requirements.
- Software Estimation: Estimating nutritional content with software carries regulatory risks. Analytical testing is recommended for FDA compliance.
Contact Us
Contact Medallion Labs today to discuss your nutritional label compliance needs and develop a cost-effective testing plan. We are committed to helping you meet FDA regulations while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and quality.
Let's Get to Work!
Submit your order online and ship your samples today. If you have questions, we are always here to help.
Medallion Labs+
A food testing program designed with mid-market and enterprise food and ingredient manufacturers in mind.