Fish, Shellfish & Aquaculture Testing

Fish, Shellfish & Aquaculture Testing

Hill Labs is an RLP-accredited laboratory offering a wide range of fish testing, shellfish testing, and aquaculture analysis services to support the fishing and aquaculture industries. Fish, shellfish (such as mussels, oysters, and clams), and even seaweed are tested for compliance with domestic and/or export requirements. Commonly conducted analyses include chemistry testing for Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs), particularly heavy metals, as well as microbiological testing to ensure food safety.

Heavy Metal Testing

Water may become contaminated with heavy metals for many reasons. Many soil contaminants, such as heavy metals remain in biologically accessible states for extended periods of time, and are water-soluble, which means that they can bio-accumulate in fish and shellfish and potentially humans. As such testing soil, water, fruits and vegetables for heavy metals is commonplace. Hill Labs has an extensive suite of heavy metal tests for use on everything from soil through to honey. Our technical notes will help guide you through what test may be right for your needs.

Pathogen Testing

Hill Labs has an extensive array of pathogen-related tests that use either traditional culture, or molecular based detection. Our turnaround times are industry-leading and can be used with product or environmental swabs alike. Some of our routinely analysed pathogens are listed below:

  • Listeria species (by PCR)
  • Listeria monocytogenes (by PCR)
  • Salmonella (by PCR)
  • Aerobic plate count (APCs)
  • Enterobacteriaceae
  • Total coliforms
  • Faecal coliforms
  • E. coli
  • STEC E. coli ((including O157) by PCR)
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Camplyobacter

Pesticide Residue Testing

Hill Labs has extensive experience in the analysis of pesticide residues. We have developed award winning purification systems that ensure the best possible extraction of contaminants across the most diverse array of sample types available in New Zealand. Our test offering is IANZ accredited and suitable for use in both domestic and export-based situations. 

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Helpful links

Our team of testing experts has meticulously crafted these documents to offer recommendations tailored to your testing requirements.

Latest Stories

Hill News November 2025 - Update from our MD, Dr Jonno Hill

One truism in business is that everything starts with people, and so the ability to attract, retain and develop talent is critically important. We’re therefore very pleased to share the news below of two high-calibre senior appointments – one to our executive team and one to our Board – who we know will be valuable additions to our team. 
  20 Nov 2025

Coming Soon: Improvements to Invoicing & AR Processes

We’re excited to share that a major systems upgrade is on the horizon that will enhance how we manage invoicing and accounts receivable (AR). Scheduled to go live in the second half of 2026, this is part of a broader ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation project to support our evolving business.
  20 Nov 2025

Appointment of New GM Operations

Following a rigorous recruitment process, we are very pleased to announce that Mike Wink will be starting with us as our new General Manager - Operations on Monday 2nd February next year. Mike brings a wealth of experience and a strong alignment with Hill Labs’ values. His leadership style and operational expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow and navigate the increasing complexity of our multi-faceted business. 
  20 Nov 2025

What our customers have to say

"We've always found them to be responsive in getting results back and giving advice on problems we might be facing."

Andrew Hutchinson, Technical Manager, Turners & Growers

"We strongly recommend Hill Labs as a sound testing service provider to the honey industry."

Nick Walker, Technical Manager, Egmont Honey

"Their sample registration system has made things simple and seamless - collect, scan and send!"

Mathew Bannister, Compliance Manager, First Fresh New Zealand

Accreditations

As a New Zealand accredited laboratory by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), Hill Labs' commitment to quality is tantamount to our overall operating philosophy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work.