No surprises or unexpected charges. Let us customize the plan for your product type, and you will have the known cost before we start.
Collaborative Study with Texas A&M University
This study is conducted in partnership with Texas A&M University. As part of the collaboration:
Sample Submission Instructions
📦 To Food and Ag Lab:
Please send the following items:
Shipping Address:
Food and Ag Lab LLC
300 Brushy Creek Rd, Suite 205
Cedar Park, TX 78613
📦 To Dr. Shannon Combest at Texas A&M:
Please send the following items:
Shipping Address:
Dr. Shannon Combest
Department of Food Science and Technology
373 Olsen Blvd, Cater-Mattil 130
2253 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843
The lab will let you know the product arrived, and if there are any issues.
Once the process has started it will take around 40 days to get your report.
Our lab will send you our report, and send a copy to Dr. Combest
Dr. Combest will review our data and put his report together including the items she measures.
Q: How long does the study take?
A: Acidified product studies typically take approximately 40 days.
---
Q: What kinds of products are allowed for this study type?
A: This study is designed only for shelf‑stable, fully sealed acid and acidified foods. Examples include:
• Salsa
• Hot sauce
• Salad dressings
• Pickled products
• Barbecue sauces
• Pasta sauces
If you’re unsure whether your product qualifies, please contact Dr. Combest:
ph: 979.314.3845 | email: shannon.schmidt@ag.tamu.edu
---
Q: What kinds of products are NOT allowed for this study type?
A: This study cannot be performed on:
• Refrigerated products
• Teas
• Coffees
• Soft drinks
If you’re uncertain whether your product fits the criteria, please contact Dr. Combest:
ph: 979.314.3845 | email: shannon.schmidt@ag.tamu.edu
---
Q: How should we package products for shipping?
A:
• Each item must be labeled with the product name and packaged in retail-style packaging.
• Include your sample submission form and quote inside the shipment.
• Ship early in the week and request overnight delivery.
• For fragile containers, add bubble wrap or other cushioning.
• For liquids and sauces, double‑bag the containers and tape lids closed to prevent leaks.
---
Q: Will I receive a written report?
A: Yes—two reports will be provided:
1. One from Food and Ag Lab
2. One from Dr. Combest
All interpretations, opinions, and anticipated shelf‑life determinations will come from Dr. Combest.
---
Q: What is typically measured?
A: The study evaluates common microbiological quality indicators with established thresholds for determining end of shelf life, including:
• Lactic acid bacteria
• Aerobic plate count bacteria
• Yeast
• Mold
---
Q: How much does it cost?
A: As of December 2025, the fees are:
• $75 — Texas A&M AgriLife fee
• $241 — Food and Ag Lab fee
---
Q: How should we package the product?
A:
• Tape all lids securely.
• Ensure the product is clearly labeled to match the name on your submission form.
• Double‑bag the product.
• Add multiple layers of cushioning (e.g., bubble wrap) around each item.
Q: How long does the study take?
A: Acidified product studies typically take approximately 40 days.
---
Q: What kinds of products are allowed for this study type?
A: This study is designed only for shelf‑stable, fully sealed acid and acidified foods. Examples include:
• Salsa
• Hot sauce
• Salad dressings
• Pickled products
• Barbecue sauces
• Pasta sauces
If you’re unsure whether your product qualifies, please contact Dr. Combest:
ph: 979.314.3845 | email: shannon.schmidt@ag.tamu.edu
---
Q: What kinds of products are NOT allowed for this study type?
A: This study cannot be performed on:
• Refrigerated products
• Teas
• Coffees
• Soft drinks
If you’re uncertain whether your product fits the criteria, please contact Dr. Combest:
ph: 979.314.3845 | email: shannon.schmidt@ag.tamu.edu
---
Q: How should we package products for shipping?
A:
• Each item must be labeled with the product name and packaged in retail-style packaging.
• Include your sample submission form and quote inside the shipment.
• Ship early in the week and request overnight delivery.
• For fragile containers, add bubble wrap or other cushioning.
• For liquids and sauces, double‑bag the containers and tape lids closed to prevent leaks.
---
Q: Will I receive a written report?
A: Yes—two reports will be provided:
1. One from Food and Ag Lab
2. One from Dr. Combest
All interpretations, opinions, and anticipated shelf‑life determinations will come from Dr. Combest.
---
Q: What is typically measured?
A: The study evaluates common microbiological quality indicators with established thresholds for determining end of shelf life, including:
• Lactic acid bacteria
• Aerobic plate count bacteria
• Yeast
• Mold
---
Q: How much does it cost?
A: As of December 2025, the fees are:
• $75 — Texas A&M AgriLife fee
• $241 — Food and Ag Lab fee
---
Q: How should we package the product?
A:
• Tape all lids securely.
• Ensure the product is clearly labeled to match the name on your submission form.
• Double‑bag the product.
• Add multiple layers of cushioning (e.g., bubble wrap) around each item.