I want to know where I can take some bakery items (ie. cookies,
muffins) to be analyzed for fat and calorie content.  I have heard
that there are FDA approved laboratories that do this kind of work,
but I have been unable to locate them.  I would prefer a laboratory
that is close to W. Los Angeles, and I would like to know how much it
costs to get one item analyzed. 

Hello, 
This was interesting and I'm not sure I've been able to locate all you
were looking for.  My source for information was:
Guidance for Industry FDA Nutrition Labeling Manual --  
A Guide for Developing and Using Data Bases 
 
(On the Web):  
&lt;a href=&quot;<a href="http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/nutrguid.html">http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/nutrguid.html</a>&quot;&gt;<a href="http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/nutrguid.html">http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/nutrguid.html</a>&lt;/a&gt; 
 
I quote from this site: 
 
&amp;quot;Selecting an Analytical Laboratory 
 
There are many laboratories in the United States that analyze food
products for nutrition labeling purposes. It is beyond the scope of
this manual to identify all such laboratories. The names and locations
of appropriate laboratories can be found in publications of, for
example, the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), the
American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC), the American Oil
Chemists Society (AOCS), and the Institute of Food Technologists
(IFT), as well as in numerous trade journals and similar publications.
 
Laboratories performing nutrient analyses should be able to
demonstrate that they operate under a documented Quality Assurance
program that provides assurance that samples are adequately logged,
stored, sampled, analyzed, and archived (if needed); that the
integrity of the data collected is maintained; that analysts are
appropriately trained; that equipment is calibrated; that analyses are
conducted by appropriate calibrated methods and according to standard
operating procedures; and that data are checked for errors and for
reasonableness of results. Standard operating procedures for each
method should include the use of Standard Reference Materials, spiked
samples, or other validation materials.
 
&amp;quot;Cost: 
The cost considerations are an important factor, particularly if data
bases for several products are contemplated. For example, using the
1997 estimate of $750 (above), analysis of 144 samples could cost
$108,000.&amp;quot;
 
My comment:  the cost factor was quoted from a 1997 estimate of
$750.00.  Being that was 5 years ago, it's likely it's a bit more
expensive now.
 
In addition, while reading the paper - I was able to determine you
don't actually need to take the cookies/muffins to the laboratory,
because if you comply with correct shipping procedures the food can be
shipped.
 
I hope some of this answers your query. 
Good Luck to you, 
tlspiegel-ga 
 
I hope some of my answer to you was helpful.  Good Luck.  Sounds like  

---

Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 24 May 2002 11:33 PDT

edited: 
I'm interested in what you find out.  Please post here if and when you 
receive your answer. Since I'm into nutrition and content labeling, 
I'd be curious if you found a mistake in labeling.  Good Luck to you! 
tlspiegel-ga  

I wanted to request a 1/2 refund because the researcher was not able to
answer my question.  The research was not able to locate a laboratory in
Los Angeles to do the analysis I need.  I request a 1/2 refund because the
researcher certainly tried.

laurel-ga, 
 
It was difficult to find a lab in the Los Angeles area, but I did
locate a lab in Colorado that would provide the testing you require,
and it could easily be sent via mail to them. I felt this lab would be
appealing since they offer quotes for services online, you can find
out exactly how much the analysis you require will cost.
&lt;a href=&quot;<a href="http://www.warrenlab.com/">http://www.warrenlab.com/</a>&quot;&gt;<a href="http://www.warrenlab.com/">http://www.warrenlab.com/</a>&lt;/a&gt; 
For the page about prices quotes:
&lt;a href=&quot;<a href="http://www.warrenlab.com/pricequote.htm">http://www.warrenlab.com/pricequote.htm</a>&quot;&gt;<a href="http://www.warrenlab.com/pricequote.htm">http://www.warrenlab.com/pricequote.htm</a>&lt;/a&gt;
(There is a section at the end for comments, you could describe your
problem there and they could suggest appropriate testing.)
 
Additionally, should you discover that the food is mislabeled, you can
report it to the FDA (Food &amp;amp; Drug Administration):
&lt;a href=&quot;<a href="http://www.fda.gov/graphics/mastheadart/problem.gif">http://www.fda.gov/graphics/mastheadart/problem.gif</a>&quot;&gt;<a href="http://www.fda.gov/graphics/mastheadart/problem.gif">http://www.fda.gov/graphics/mastheadart/problem.gif</a>&lt;/a&gt;
 
Food labeling is a very tricky business and what many people would
consider to be low fat often isn't what is required for labeling, or
can be misread by consumers. I suggest you familiarize yourself with
the labeling to better understand the analysis of your food. The guide
to labeling can be found at:
&lt;a href=&quot;<a href="http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html">http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html</a>&quot;&gt;<a href="http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html">http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html</a>&lt;/a&gt;
 
Good luck! 
~mechante 
 
Google search terms: Association of Official Analytical Chemists and
nutrition  

I previously requested a partial refund to my question, but the next
day another person answered the question.  I no longer need a refund.

thanks,
Laurel Kline

It would be helpful to know, and most likely facilitate an answer,
...why do you want this analysis done?  Is it for your own personal
knowledge or are you intending to market the bakery items? Is there
another reason?

Thank you.

I want to know for personal reasons... just some foods I eat. There is
an item that is being sold as "low cal", but I think the nutrition
label is inaccurate.  I want to check.