Food Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, May 15, 2026

A recent food recall involving a California-based company is underscoring the serious risks and high costs associated with food contamination. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company recalled a lot of fruit puree baby food after testing revealed elevated levels of patulin, a toxic substance produced by certain molds that can grow on fruits such as apples.

Patulin exposure can pose health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. The FDA notes that long-term ingestion may lead to adverse effects including immune suppression, nausea, fever, and possible nerve damage.

While no illnesses were reported, the recall required the company to remove products from retailers nationwide, a costly process that can involve product disposal, lost revenue, reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, and potential legal liabilities.

“Food recalls often occur when contaminants go undetected before distribution,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “In this case, elevated patulin levels were identified during FDA monitoring, prompting the recall to protect public health. Patulin is just one of many contaminants that can affect foods, particularly fruit-based products, juices, and baby foods.”

To help prevent these types of situations, LA Testing offers comprehensive food safety and analytical testing services designed to help California-based companies identify contamination risks before products reach the marketplace.

Testing capabilities include:

• Mycotoxin testing — including patulin detection in fruit-based foods and beverages
• Microbiological analysis — identifying harmful pathogens
• Chemical contaminant testing — supporting regulatory compliance
• Quality control testing — helping ensure product safety and shelf stability

By detecting hazards early, LA Testing helps food producers reduce risk, meet regulatory requirements, protect consumers, and safeguard their brands.

For more information about LA Testing’s food safety and microbial testing services, visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794.

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, and San Diego.