how to reply customer's lab test report
Hi all,
We are manufacturer of ice, our customer will send our product for lab test at intervals. Lately they found out parameter pH at 6.43 , where standard is at least 6.5.
I was wondering how ur guys reply to customer on this issue. And appreciate whoever had experience in this industry , how to maintain pH in ice as for your information, we purely use water to freeze till become ice , nothing was added along the process.
Thanks in advance
I'd go back to the customer and ask for the reasoning for the limit. Just to help you understand and what the error is in their measurement might also be worth a check... I'd wager it's more like +/- 0.1 not +/- 0.01!
From a reply standpoint, I'd start by asking for a copy of the COA to review the testing method (as eluded to above, the test may have a margin of error you're falling into). The COA should also indicate the temp of the sample when it was received, and just from a quick google it appears that ph of water fluctuates at different temperatures (meaning if they let it thaw into water and sent it in a warm truck, the ph could've dropped below that spec).
If you've got a retain from that lot in one of your freezers, I'd send it in for independent analysis on your own. And I'd also send a batch of current ice you're producing for testing as well to help determine if you've got an issue with the incoming water you're using (which I assume would be city water, let me know if that's not accurate). I'd also have the lab test for chemical additives that the city uses (should be on their water report) to make sure the additives are all within spec.
My response would then depend on what is discovered through your investigation. Could range from "you mucked up the test" to "we're unable to duplicate your result" to "we have isolated a variable causing the discrepancy and performed a corrective action."
I'd go back to the customer and ask for the reasoning for the limit. Just to help you understand and what the error is in their measurement might also be worth a check... I'd wager it's more like +/- 0.1 not +/- 0.01!
Dear GMO,
Standard for pH 6.5 - 8.5 stipulated in Food Act.
Dear GMO,
Standard for pH 6.5 - 8.5 stipulated in Food Act.
It wasn't clear this was the US. Also I'm surprised over pH of 8 is acceptable.
Hi all,
We are manufacturer of ice, our customer will send our product for lab test at intervals. Lately they found out parameter pH at 6.43 , where standard is at least 6.5.
I was wondering how ur guys reply to customer on this issue. And appreciate whoever had experience in this industry , how to maintain pH in ice as for your information, we purely use water to freeze till become ice , nothing was added along the process.
Thanks in advance
Hey,
Best option is to check the water you are using. Water pH can fluctuate depending on the source, so maybe that's where the issue comes from. You can also check if you are using proper filters. Sometimes small pH differences can come from contaminants.
Also, it might help to monitor pH regularly to avoid issues in future.
Best redards :)