Lab Testing & Approval

AMS provides lab testing and approval services to facilitate domestic and international marketing of food and agricultural commodities.   

Lab Testing

AMS’ National Science Laboratories (NSL) is a fee-for-service lab network utilized by both industry and government. Through laboratories located in Gastonia, NC, and Blakely, GA, NSL provides chemical, microbiological, and bio-molecular analyses on food and agricultural commodities. NSL provides testing service for AMS commodity programs, other USDA agencies, Federal and State agencies, US Military, research institutions, and private sector food and agricultural industries.

Lab Approval

AMS approves, or accredits, labs to perform testing services in support of domestic and international trade. At the request of industry, other Federal agencies, or foreign governments, AMS develops and administers laboratory approval programs to verify that the analysis of food and agricultural products meet country or customer-specified requirements.

For more information, contact:

Kerry R. Smith, Ph.D., Director
Laboratory Approval and Testing Division
Science & Technology Program
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 3533-S
Washington, DC 20250-0272
Phone: (202) 690-4089
Email: KerryR.Smith@ams.usda.gov