Eurofins Hemp Testing Program

The History

The US Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, better known as the 2018 Farm Bill, ended the hemp prohibition era and boosted new opportunities for hemp and hemp-derived products. To ensure a high standard of quality and safety in these products, Eurofins services includes tests for contamination from microbes, pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and residual solvents.

Eurofins laboratories provide unbiased, third-party testing. Our laboratories follow requirements and/or recommendations of third-party organizations including the US Hemp Authority, American Herbal Pharmacopeia, American Herbal Products Association, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and USDA Interim Final Rule for Hemp.

What We Test For

Pesticides and Heavy Metals Testing

The US Hemp Authority Certification program requires pesticide and heavy metals testing for certified growers, processors, and manufacturers of hemp and hemp-derived products. Eurofins screens products for a comprehensive list of more than 400 compounds and utilizes ISO17025 accredited methods methods to ensure the products test below the limites set by the US Hemp Authority Guidance and other third-party organizations.

Mycotoxins Testing

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by certain fungi that can be present in the hemp material if mold growth is not controlled during cultivation, harvesting, drying, and storing of the material. Eurofins hemp testing meets the requirements and recommended limits of the US Hemp Authority and American Herbal Products Association. This testing includes screens for the mycotoxins ochratoxin and aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2.

Residual Solvents and Processing Chemicals Testing

Solvents are often used in the extraction, processing, and manufacture of hemp-derived products. Small quantities of these solvents (also known as, residual solvents) can sometimes remain in the product. Eurofins performs residual solvent testing required by the US Hemp Authority for its third-party certification program for processors and manufacturers of hemp and hemp-derived products to ensure the products test below the limits set by the US Hemp Authority and other third-party organizations.

Microbiology Testing

Eurofins partners with hemp processors and manufacturers to mitigate microbial contamination risks to hemp and hemp-derived products. They follow FDA, AOAC, and USP methods as appropriate for the product type to ensure safety for consumers consumers and that products test below the limits set by these organizations.

Cannabinoid Potency/Strength Testing

Cannabinoid potency/strength testing tests for the concentration of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids. It is necessary to legally identify a product as hemp. The US Hemp Authority requires that potency methods must be accurate and precise at concentrations of around 0.3% THC. Cannabinoid potency and strength testing performed by Eurofins guards against the release of products that exceed 0.3% THC.