RL Food Testing Laboratory

02/17/2026

Fermented foods don’t behave like conventional products. Because these products continue to evolve over time, testing isn’t just about a single result. Safety, shelf life, packaging, and labeling all depend on understanding how fermentation behaves after production.

This article breaks down what makes fermented food testing different and how data supports confident decisions across safety, packaging, and labeling: https://ow.ly/tg3O50YbeLi

Learn how food testing supports fermented food safety, shelf-life validation, packaging performance, and accurate labeling for evolving products.

02/12/2026

How long will your product really hold up on the shelf?

Shelf-life testing helps confirm that products stay safe, stable, and enjoyable throughout their intended lifespan. It goes beyond microbial safety to include oxidation, sensory changes, and real-world storage conditions.

Learn about common shelf-life testing methods and how each one contributes to reliable, science-based shelf-life decisions: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/shelf-life-testing-methods

Learn how food manufacturers use shelf-life testing to verify safety, stability, and quality, including real-time, accelerated, microbial, and oxidation testing.

02/10/2026

The FDA has updated how companies can use “No Artificial Colors” claims on food labels.

Manufacturers can now claim "No Artificial Colors" if a product doesn’t contain petroleum-based color additives — even if it uses naturally derived colorings. This gives food makers more room to feature natural alternatives without confusing labeling restrictions.

For food brands and product developers, this means clearer labeling and more flexibility in how you communicate clean ingredient choices to consumers.

Check out the full FDA bulletin for details: https://ow.ly/RLBg50YbeJy

01/27/2026

Gluten labeling is under closer FDA review.

The FDA has announced new steps to improve gluten ingredient disclosure on food labels, including a formal Request for Information (RFI). The agency is seeking data on the presence of gluten from grains like barley, rye, and oats, as well as information on cross-contact during manufacturing.

This is an early signal that gluten disclosure expectations may expand beyond current allergen requirements and is an opportunity to review ingredient sourcing, supplier documentation, and gluten testing strategies.

👉 Manufacturers and industry professionals can review and submit comments through the FDA’s RFI here: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding labeling and preventing cross-contact of gluten in packaged food.

01/22/2026

Do your natural preservation systems really hold up through distribution and storage?

Natural preservatives and antioxidants can help extend freshness, but how they perform depends on the formulation, storage conditions, and what actually happens outside the lab. Without solid testing data, it’s hard to know how a product will hold up over time.

This article takes a closer look at how shelf-life testing works for clean-label foods, what the research says about natural preservation, and why validation matters for both safety and quality.

Read: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/extending-shelf-life-naturally

Learn how natural preservatives and antioxidants extend shelf life, and why testing is key to ensuring safety, freshness, and clean-label performance.

01/20/2026

Pet food testing plays a critical role in product safety, quality, and compliance.

We support pet food and treat manufacturers with testing services that cover nutrition, safety, shelf-life, and heavy metals, helping ensure products meet regulatory expectations and consumer trust.

From guaranteed analysis and AAFCO labeling support to food safety panels and shelf-life testing, our lab provides reliable data you can build on.

Learn about all our Pet Food Testing services: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/pet-food-testing

01/15/2026

Accurate nutrition data affects more than just the label. It shapes how products are evaluated by retailers and how consumers understand what they’re buying. From calories and macronutrients to vitamins and minerals, nutritional analysis supports compliant Nutrition Facts labels and consistent product information.

Laboratory-verified Nutrition Analysis ensurses that you’re working with real data you can trust.

Learn more about our Nutrition Analysis Services: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/nutrition-analysis

01/13/2026

Protein is a headline ingredient. What does it take to prove what’s on the label is accurate?

Understanding protein verification is essential for accurate labeling, nutritional integrity, and regulatory compliance in today’s pet food market. This article breaks down testing methods, ingredient authenticity, and the documentation regulators expect from manufacturers.

Learn more: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/protein-verification-in-pet-food-testing-methods-accuracy-and-label-compliance

Two happy dogs presenting bowls of kibble and raw meat, showcasing different feeding choices for pets

01/08/2026

Food and beverage innovation in 2026 is being shaped by functionality, transparency, sustainability, and smarter ingredient choices. These trends reflect how manufacturers are responding to changing expectations across formulation, labeling, and production.

Which of these trends are you seeing most in your work?

01/05/2026

A big labeling change is coming to Canada in 2026.🍁

Starting January 1, many packaged foods will need a front-of-package nutrition symbol if they exceed Canadian thresholds for saturated fat, sugars, or sodium. That means new design rules, less flexibility, and earlier decisions around reformulation or Canada-specific packaging.

Learn more: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/canadas-front-of-package-nutrition-symbol-requirements

Learn what changes in Canada’s front-of-package nutrition rules in 2026 and how food manufacturers can prepare compliant labels

01/01/2026

Wishing our clients and partners a Happy New Year. Thank you for trusting RL Labs with your testing and compliance needs. Here’s to a year focused on quality, accuracy, and confidence in every product.

12/29/2025

Small labeling errors can lead to big consequences. From undeclared allergens to incorrect “Best By” dates, these mistakes are a leading cause of food product recalls.

Learn more about the current trends behind label-related recalls and how to prevent them:
https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/product-recall-trends-labeling-errors

Labeling mistakes like undeclared allergens, color additives, or date errors remain top causes of food recalls. Learn the key trends and prevention tips.