Sample Delivery Process

1. Upon delivery of sample, make sure that your sample packaging is labelled correctly with the correct:
   • Client Name
   • Sample Name / Code (will appear on the Certificate of Analysis)
   • Date of Delivery
2. Sample must be well packaged/covered to avoid cross contamination.
3. Make sure to complete an Analysis Request Form (ARF) in the sample dropbox (ask for assistance if you need one).
4. Completing an ARF:
   • Please note that one ARF per sample.
   • Complete the top part with your (client) information. Provide a phone number and email address so that we can send you updates on the analysis of your sample and invoice.
   • Complete the following boxes:
     1. Tick the type of service you require: Testing (if you want your sample tested), Sampling (if you want your samples collected at your premises).
     2. Method of Delivery: (By Hand, By Air, By Boat, etc.)
     3. Sample Type: (Powdered, Grains, Liquid, etc.)
     4. Client Sample Code: (Name of Sample as you want it to appear on the result)
     5. Sample Urgency Detail: Tick a box to confirm urgency details of sample to be analyzed, whether it is urgent or normal turnaround time. If urgent, complete next box with turnaround date and time.
     6. Test Method(s) requested: Name of test(s) that will be used to analyze your sample. List of test methods and prices available upon request.
   • The rest of the boxes on the ARF will be completed and signed off by a VBSLS staff ONLY.
5. The completed ARF will then be taken to the Lab along with your sample for analysis.

NOTE: We will inform you once your sample has been analyzed and an invoice will be sent to you. The Certificate of Analysis (CoA) / Test Result will be made available to you only once payment is sorted.

Thank you,

Laboratory Services

1. Laboratory Testing

VBS Laboratory provides laboratory services to local farmers for both local consumers and export purposes in terms of testing.

Testing is the process in which samples are analyzed in a controlled environment using scientific methods with specialized equipment to assess food safety, quality, and composition according to industry standards and health regulations.

Why Laboratory Testing?

• To ensure food safety
• Verify nutritional content
• Prevent contamination
• Support product development

Common Types of Testing in the Laboratory

• Chemical testing
• Microbiological testing
• Nutritional analysis
• Shelf-life testing
• Food science testing

Food testing helps protect people’s health, build consumer trust, and ensure that product quality is consistent.

2. Product Development

Product development is the process of creating a new product or improving an existing one to suit or meet customer needs, export standards, or local market demands. VBS assists in testing products and provides information on how to develop them.

3. Metrology

VBS Laboratory also provides metrology services such as calibration of instruments to ensure that the instruments are accurate and provide reliable measurements.

4. Inspection

VBS Laboratory plays an important role through inspections in warehouses, as well as in conformity assessments and product testing.