Laboratory Testing Services change: tests offered after 1 July

Cawthron Institute has confirmed the sale of its Marlborough Laboratory and environmental chemistry testing, which is managed from its Nelson laboratory, to R J Hill Laboratories.

As part of the sale, Cawthron's wine and microbiological testing services provided from its Blenheim offices will be transferred to Hill Laboratories. Additionally, Cawthron's environmental chemistry testing division, previously located in Nelson, has been amalgamated into Hill Laboratories' environmental testing division.

Until the settlement date, 27th of July, service will be provided as usual. A transition plan is being worked through until that date, with more detailed information being provided to affected customers.

The Institute has refocused its business to concentrate on supporting the food and functional food industries by facilitating access for products to local and international markets. It is also maintaining its core microbiology services for both environmental and food testing.

Cawthron's Analytical laboratory will continue to provide a full service from its Nelson Laboratory in the following areas:

Food testing in all kind of foods ranging from oils and health foods to fish products

Chemistry
- Label claims, nutritional panels, trace elements
- Export certification
- Active ingredients eg vitamins
- Shelf life testing
Microbiology
- Water quality
- export certification
- production & factory hygiene monitoring
Natural Products and Dietary supplements (GMP certified)
- Microbiological testing
- Assays
- Chemical testing
  - Assays
  - Purity
  - Shelf life testing
Wine Testing

Nutritionals
Metals
Label alcohols for local wineries.

Natural toxins Testing

Marine biotoxins
Freshwater toxins
Contaminants (Tutin, Melamine, etc.)

Our international recognised laboratory accreditations (ISO 17025 – IANZ and GMP) will continue, and we are committed to providing on-going high quality analytical services to theses export sectors.

After the settlement date, we will continue to provide a drop off point for local customers who require samples forwarded to Hill laboratories for analysis.