RL Food Testing Laboratory

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.

12/23/2025

Fortified pasta is no longer a niche—it’s becoming a global standard. With iron, folate, and B vitamins increasingly added to pasta, manufacturers face the dual challenge of rigorous nutritional testing and precise labeling across markets.

Our latest article examines:
✔️ Trends in pasta fortification
✔️ Nutritional testing requirements
✔️ Labeling regulations in the U.S., EU, and Canada

Find out more: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/fortified-pastas

Hashtags:

Explore trends in fortified pasta with iron, folate, and B vitamins. Learn how to meet FDA, EU, and Canadian label requirements and nutritional testing.

12/18/2025

How confident are you in your product’s shelf life?

Shelf life testing is about more than a date on a package. It supports food safety, product quality, and consumer trust. Using the right methods helps manufacturers make informed decisions and meet regulatory expectations.

In this article, we cover:
- Shelf life testing methods
- Key stability metrics
- How to interpret results

Read the full article here: https://www.rlfoodtestinglaboratory.com/understanding-shelf-life-testing-methods-metrics-and-meaning

Shelf-life testing helps food and supplement manufacturers ensure product safety, quality, and accurate labeling through scientific methods and real-world data.

12/16/2025

Have you seen the changes to Doritos and Cheetos? The popular snack brands introduced new products made without artificial dyes or artificial flavors, signaling a shift in how even legacy snack brands are responding to ingredient expectations and new federal regulations.

It’s a notable move for categories known for bold colors and flavors, and it raises questions about how consumers will respond.

Learn more about the new products from the PepciCo press release: https://www.pepsico.com/newsroom/stories/2025/cheetos-and-doritos-are-getting-naked

Have you tried the new products? What do you think?