Processed Food

Processed Food

Hill Labs provides accredited methods for pesticides, heavy metals, nutritional information, allergen and microbiological testing in processed foods, including condiments such as herbs and spices.

Heavy Metal Testing

Food 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, fruits, vegetables, 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 using 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. A complete listing of available pesticide test options can be found in our easy-to-read technical note documents.

Allergen Testing

Testing products for allergens such as gluten, egg white and milk products Is important when wanting to ensure that a product conforms to its stated food labelling claims. Hill Labs offers a number of allergen tests for a variety of different products and drinks. 

Nutritional Panel Testing

Understanding the nutritional information of food, especially processed food is a food labelling requirement. Nutritional panel testing includes getting an understanding of a product’s, energy, protein, fat (total and saturated), carbohydrate (total and sugars) and sodium. Assessing so many components within multi-component food groups can provide a number of analytical challenges, however Hill Labs team of expert analysts have made the process simple and convenient. Simply complete one of our test submission forms and sample and we will take care of the rest.

Contact us for more info

Helpful links

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

Latest Stories

Christmas Hours 2023/2024

With the holiday season fast approaching, our hours will differ from usual. Click here to view our opening hours over the 2023/2024 festive season or they can also be found on our website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us on 0508 44 555 22 or email us at mail@hill-labs.co.nz
  20 Nov 2023

Hill News November 2023 - Update From Our CEO, Dr Jonno Hill

The cliché “change is the only constant” is as true now as it’s ever been. Within our changing climate, we have apparently just kicked over from La Nina to El Nino, which is likely to lead to more rain on the west coast and more drought on the east. Hats off to our farmers, who must do the best they can within unpredictable and sometimes severe weather events.
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In the heart of Marlborough, we have a dedicated beverage testing laboratory with local knowledgeable staff and precision equipment. Leading the charge in supporting the beverage industry is Vanessa Burrows - our Blenheim Site and Key Account Manager - who is backed by an experienced team that have built an extensive network of clients across New Zealand.
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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

"My overall experience with Hill Laboratories is friendly, competent, trustworthy."

Dr. Jakob Kleinmans, Forage Nutritionist, NutriAssist Ltd

"The fact that their experienced agricultural Client Services team are always there to give their input is a fantastic resource."

Ben Meehan, Agronomic Support, Gavins Limited

“I can wholeheartedly recommend Hills, not only for their range of testing capabilities but also for their excellent client service."

Jared White, Audit Manager, BioGro New Zealand Ltd

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.