The Importance of Lab Testing and Third-Party Testing in Kanna
Lab testing verifies the quality, purity, and safety of supplements. Third-party testing involves independent laboratories evaluating products to confirm they meet standards and are free from contaminants. This process builds consumer trust by providing objective verification beyond internal manufacturer checks. In the supplement industry, where regulations vary, such testing ensures products contain claimed ingredients at specified levels and lack harmful substances.
Why Screening for Pesticides and Residual Solvents Is Important, Especially for Extracts
Pesticides are chemicals used in plant cultivation to control pests, but residues can remain on botanical materials. Screening detects these residues to confirm they are below acceptable limits, preventing potential exposure in consumed products. Residual solvents are organic chemicals used during extraction processes to isolate active compounds from plants. Testing identifies any leftover solvents, as they can be toxic if present in significant amounts.
For botanical extracts like those from Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum), screening is critical because the extraction process concentrates not only active alkaloids but also any contaminants present in the raw material. This concentration can amplify risks if pesticides or solvents are not adequately removed, making thorough testing essential for product purity.
Why Pesticide and Solvent Testing Is Not Common in the Supplement Industry
In the supplement industry, pesticide and solvent testing is often limited due to regulatory gaps. Many manufacturers adhere only to minimum legal requirements, which may not mandate comprehensive contaminant screening for all products. Cost is a factor, as advanced testing increases production expenses without always being enforced. Additionally, some ingredients with antimicrobial properties can complicate testing methods, leading to incomplete protocols. As a result, a significant portion of supplements may not undergo full pesticide or solvent analysis, relying instead on basic quality checks.
How to Read a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document that certifies a product meets specified standards, detailing test results for quality, purity, and safety. To read a COA effectively:
- Verify the lot or batch number matches the product label to ensure the results apply to your item.
- Check the product identity section to confirm the tested material matches the claimed ingredients.
- Review potency or strength results, such as alkaloid levels, to see if they meet label claims.
- Examine purity tests for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, and microbials, ensuring levels are below acceptable limits.
- Note the testing methods used, such as HPLC or mass spectrometry, for reliability.
- Look for the lab's name, accreditation, and date of analysis to confirm third-party independence and timeliness.
How Kanna Extract Co. Goes Above and Beyond with Lab Testing
At Kanna Extract Co., lab testing exceeds industry norms. Every batch undergoes third-party analysis for potency, purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents, ensuring high standards for our Kanna extracts. This includes testing in FDA-inspected, GMP-certified facilities to verify alkaloid levels and absence of contaminants. By prioritizing these measures, we provide transparent, reliable products for mood support, energy, and vitality. Third-party lab test results are available in the images section of each product page on KannaExtract.com, allowing customers to review detailed Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
