Test a packaged food for phthalates and bisphenols

Every sample is analyzed on two panels. Concentrations are reported in ng/g of product, numerically equal to parts per billion.

This is testing of the finished food, not of its packaging. It measures what is in the product as sold, whatever the source — packaging, processing equipment, or ingredients — but it cannot say which source a chemical came from. Our phthalates guide explains the difference from packaging-compliance testing, and our bisphenols guide explains why bisphenol non-detects need care.

Packaged foods and drinks — including staples, sauces, oils, baby food, and supplements — that we can buy anonymously through standard retail channels. You identify each product with a direct link to a retailer’s product page, because packaging, size, and formulation vary between versions of the same product.

If you would rather arrange testing yourself, our guide to testing food for BPA and phthalates lists what to ask a laboratory.

We do not accept samples you send us; retail purchase keeps the samples representative of what any shopper would buy. If we cannot source a product, that product is fully refunded, or we will work with you to choose a replacement.

1. 01Choose a package. Pick 1, 5, or 10 products. Each product receives three samples and both chemical panels.
2. 02Send product links. Paste a direct retail URL for each product. A direct link pins down the exact product, size, and formulation we should buy.
3. 03We buy the samples anonymously. We purchase three separate samples of each product through normal retail channels, targeting different production lots, and record lot codes and order dates.
4. 04Light Labs analyzes them. Each sample is analyzed on the phthalate panel by GC-MS/MS and the bisphenol panel by LC-MS/MS at an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.
5. 05You receive the report. You get sample-level concentrations, lot-to-lot comparison, exposure context, and Light Labs certificates of analysis.

Exposure context compares estimated intake per serving with EFSA tolerable daily intakes, using the calculations in our methodology.

Reports are typically delivered 6–8 weeks after your order is confirmed. That time covers retail sourcing, shipping to the laboratory, analysis on both panels, data review, and report preparation. Timing is not guaranteed; we will tell you about any delays.

By default, results are published on laboratory.love as a public result page and in our open dataset, so other shoppers benefit from the testing you fund. You can opt out of publication in writing before testing begins. Your name and other personal information are never published.

Published results show every sample’s measurements with the order and test dates, lot codes, and methods we hold. See the results directory and our 2026 analysis of commissioned results for examples.

Sales are final once product sourcing begins. If we are unable to source or complete testing on a product for any reason, you receive a full refund for that product, or we will work with you to select a replacement. See the terms of service.

• Results describe the three samples tested at one point in time. Other lots, sizes, or later production can differ.
• A non-detect means the chemical was below the laboratory’s reporting limit in that sample, not that the product is free of it.
• A detection is not by itself evidence of harm. Exposure context depends on how much of the product you eat and on body weight.
• Testing is not a safety certification, a regulatory compliance test, or medical advice.