Laboratory & Testing
Food Laboratory Testing Fundamentals
A free introduction to the analytical and microbiological tests behind food safety decisions, and how to read a laboratory report correctly.
4.5(2 ratings)
0 students enrolled
Last updated 08/2026
English
Online, self-paced
Course Preview1h 49m
What you'll learn
Explain what common microbiological and chemical food tests measure, and their limitations
Design a representative sampling plan appropriate to the question being asked
Interpret a certificate of analysis, including limits of detection and uncertainty
Decide when testing is the right control and when it is not
Course Description
A short, free introduction for anyone who commissions or interprets food laboratory testing without being a laboratory scientist. It covers what the common microbiological and chemical tests actually measure, how sampling affects the answer, what a limit of detection means, and how to read a certificate of analysis without over-reading it.
This course is offered free by QCS Global as an entry point into our laboratory and testing programmes.
Who this course is for
- QA staff commissioning external testing
- Procurement and technical teams reviewing supplier certificates of analysis
- Anyone new to food laboratory work
Requirements
- No prior laboratory experience required
Free
Instant access — no payment required
This course includes:
- 1h 49m of structured content
- 6 lessons across 1 modules
- 1 assessment, pass mark 70%
- Full lifetime access
- Access on mobile and desktop
- Certificate of completion
- Certificate valid 12 months
Accreditation
Introductory programme