Consumer Wellness Testing Results Explained

All tests conducted via HPLC-MS-TOF instrumentation, which is a mass spec system that simultaneously scans for a broad spectra of molecular masses. Although capable of detecting parts per billion concentrations for many chemicals, this system is not as sensitive as a triple quad mass spec system that can focus on specific masses. Thus, even when test results show "clear," it is possible that a more sensitive instrument could detect trace levels of such chemicals that are below the LoD (Limit of Detection) of the HPLC-MS-TOF system. It is also feasible that a different technology such as NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) could identify the presence of chemicals which are unable to be properly identified by an HPLC-MS-TOF system.

Additionally, certain highly volatile chemicals may not be easily detected via liquid chromatography, or they may not have been successfully extracted during sample prep (which uses acetonitrile as the primary solvent). Thus, a rating of "clear" does not always mean that zero molecules of such chemicals exist in the original sample. Rather, it means that no measurable quantities of such chemicals were detected by the HPLC-MS-TOF system after extraction into a liquid matrix. While this approach is suitable for tens of thousands of potential chemicals, it does not cover every possible chemical in existence. Some chemicals require gas chromatography, for example, or a GC-MS-MS approach for accurate quantitation.

All chemical identification is based on NIST-traceable standards from reputable reference material suppliers such as Cerilliant. Chemical databases used for identification of analytes are acquired from Agilent, and analytes are identified using up to five confirmations:

  • Accurate mass
  • Retention time
  • Isotopic ratios
  • Isotopic spacing
  • Ion fragmentation ("all ions") molecular fingerprint analysis

The Consumer Wellness Center only uses ISO-17025 accredited laboratories for product testing and analysis.

CLEAR - Indicates that no such chemicals were detected by the HPLC-MS-TOF system (see technical limits of instrumentation, above).

TRACE - Chemicals were detected, but exist in "trace" levels that are common for the class of item tested (i.e. non-organic products, which are expected to contain pesticides and other chemicals).

CONCERN - One or more chemical was detected at an unusually high concentration that stands out in great contrast to other products in the same general category (organic, conventional, seafood, dog food, etc). While it may not violate FDA, USDA or EPA regulations, consumers may wish to exercise caution. Typically if we identify a product with a concern, we will acquire subsequent production lots and conduct repeat testing to determine whether the chemical of concern persists across multiple manufacturing lots.

AVOID - Contains such a high amount of a substance that the CWC recommends avoiding this item completely. Even so, this item may not necessarily violate current FDA, USDA or EPA regulations, which allow virtually unlimited quantities of many chemicals in the food supply. This is a rare designation.

NOT TESTED - The category was not tested.

FINAL SCORE - A final score between 1 and 100, calculated based on the following:

  • Each product begins with a "perfect" score of 100.
  • Each "clear" designation does not alter the score.
  • Each "trace" designation subtracts 5 points from the score.
  • Each "concern" designation subtracts 10 points from the score.
  • Each "avoid" designation subtracts 20 points from the score.

INGREDIENTS SCORE - A letter grade score from "A" to "F"

  • Each "negative" ingredient drops the letter grade score one grade. Negative ingredients include: Partially hydrogenated oils, hidden MSG, refined sugars, chemical preservatives, artificial colors, chemical sweeteners and artificially modified fats.
  • A designation of "Non-GMO Project Verified" adds a bonus of one letter grade to the ingredients score.
  • A designation of "USDA organic" with at least 95% organic adds a bonus of one letter grade to the ingredients score.
  • For heavy metals, any score "A" or above does not alter the final score.
  • A heavy metals score of "B" subtracts 10 from the final score.
  • A heavy metals score of "C" subtracts 20 from the final score.
  • A heavy metals score of "D" subtracts 30 from the final score.
  • A heavy metals score of "F" subtracts 40 from the final score.
  • For the ingredients column any score of "A" does not alter the final score.
  • An ingredients score of "B" subtracts 10 from the final score.
  • An ingredients score of "C" subtracts 20 from the final score.
  • An ingredients score of "D" subtracts 30 from the final score.
  • An ingredients score of "F" subtracts 40 from the final score.

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