Meet the member:
Outsource Laboratory

We are a full-service food testing laboratory in Glenrothes. The business evolved as Duncan is a microbiologist and has worked across several sectors in the industry  such as beef, salmon and bakery. He had been a “dreaded” BRCGS and SALSA auditor and mentor for 19 years but the travelling throughout the UK and further wasn’t as much as fun as it was. We were approached by a COVID lab in Halifax looking into a food testing lab through PCR. Duncan is passionate about microbiology and advances in the food industry and thought we can do this in Scotland! So, in November 2023, we opened the doors!

With Duncan having been on site in most factories throughout Scotland during his years as an auditor, it put us in a fantastic position of being known and trusted by the industry. We understand the operational, commercial and technical pressures food manufacturers are up against daily, so the way we run the lab is first and foremost in accordance with  ISO 17025 and to understand what our customers need from a lab.

We offer PCR, lateral flow, traditional methods, shelf life, allergen, water, pathogens, spoilage tests. All food producers can be reassured by testing with Outsource Laboratory.

We have seen a big rise in shelf-life analysis. This is due to fresh food production, novel foods e.g. kombucha and a challenge to previously accepted production techniques.

We can turn around tests carried out by PCR within 24 hours and for alternative tests 2 days. PCR testing ensures absolute certainty of results and stock can be released for sale therefore reducing refrigeration costs and the prospect of a potential expensive and damaging brand reputation recall.

PCR technology is amazing. It is based on the DNA being exposed and combined with the test re-agents. The sequence of DNA at molecular level will identify the target pathogen precisely and accurately. This was the technology the world used to keep the COVID 19 virus at bay through testing the population. If you recall, you would have your results 24 hours after going to a drive through testing centre. The same is for our PCR customers samples – a 24-hour turnaround.

We are working with a variety of both established and new business of all sizes. We have customers in the fish, seafood, bakery, butchery, fresh produce, raw dog food and food service sectors. We would love to work with any manufacturer!

Customer demand. We are now a team of 5 including a driver for collections and soon to have  a further expansion to the team with our ISO 17025 certification. We acknowledge the testing landscape in Scotland has gone through a series of changes in the last few years and we want to offer first class customer service and accuracy of results from highly trained and dedicated staff.

It certainly does! Duncan looks after the operational and scientific side of the lab alongside purchase ordering and invoicing.  I think I have the fun side of sales, marketing, HR and logistics! The lab team operate the analysis, and the driver is busy driving throughout Scotland to collect the all-important samples.

Outsource Laboratory at its very core is here to provide an essential service to the food industry. We have a combined wealth of knowledge covering 70 years in the food, drink and laboratory sectors. We differ in our approach as every customer is treated as an individual and we respond to their specific needs and  requirements. We love to host customers, and the kettle is always on for a chat and a lab tour!

We know we will be expanding due to customer demand, and we already have further lab space identified. Outsource Laboratory is committed to adopting new technologies that advance and enhance food testing and food safety.

We talk with them and give them the knowledge of the type of testing they do need and the reassurance of the tests they don’t need so they aren’t spending unnecessarily. We suggest a lab tour so they can see how and where the tests will take place. We are on hand to answer any questions throughout the testing process including results to aid their compliance and communication with customers and authorities.

Absolutely. Pick up  the phone or send an email and Duncan will go through everything to make sure the business knows what is required in terms of the parameters of testing as well as advising on improvements that can be made with their productions processes.

Outsource Laboratory is absolutely delighted to be part of Food from Fife – it is a great platform and networking opportunity.  As a Fifer myself, from St Andrews, we are passionate about being able to help such a vibrant and diverse food scene on our doorstep. We use networking and word of mouth to grow our customer base and enhance the quality of service and support to the industry. We would be very happy for any member to recommend Outsource Laboratory.

Please call, email, or send a message through LinkedIn and we will be delighted to start testing for you.