- The CoA confirms the quality and parameters of a specific batch of raw material.
- The document should include, amongst other things, the batch number, test results and analytical methods.
- Particular attention should be paid to the traceability and reliability of the data.
- The parameters assessed in the CoA vary depending on the type of raw material.
- Regular verification of documents helps to mitigate quality and purchasing risks.
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is one of the key documents in the trade of raw materials used in the food, cosmetics and chemical industries. It serves as official confirmation of the quality of a specific batch of product, showing the results of laboratory tests against established specifications. For purchasing, quality and technology departments, the ability to correctly interpret a CoA is essential, as it allows them to assess the raw material’s compliance with regulatory requirements and the company’s internal standards.
What exactly is a Certificate of Analysis?
A CoA is a document assigned to a specific batch of a product, containing a set of laboratory test results confirming its quality parameters. It covers both the identification of the raw material and detailed data on its physicochemical, microbiological and technological properties. The most important function of a CoA is to confirm that a given batch meets specific quality requirements and complies with applicable standards and the supplier’s specifications. The document forms the basis for assessing the raw material before it is used in production.
What information should a valid CoA contain?
A correctly prepared certificate of analysis should be a complete and transparent document. In practice, this means the presence of several key elements:
- the exact name of the product along with its specifications (e.g. form, quality grade),
- a batch number enabling full traceability,
- manufacturer or supplier details,
- test results for individual parameters along with their limits,
- analytical methods used,
- information about the laboratory carrying out the tests,
- date of manufacture and date of analysis,
- signature of the person responsible for approving the document.
The absence of any of the above elements may significantly reduce the reliability of the certificate and hinder its use in the quality control process.
Key elements requiring particular attention
When analysing a CoA, one should focus not only on the results themselves, but also on their context. Of particular importance are:
- Product and batch identification – each certificate must clearly refer to a specific production batch. The absence of a batch number or its vague nature may indicate problems with the traceability of the raw material.
- Test methods – a reliable CoA should contain information on analytical methods compliant with ISO, AOAC or EN standards. The absence of such references makes it difficult to assess the reliability of the results.
- Laboratory data – it is essential that the laboratory is verifiable and, ideally, holds ISO 17025 accreditation. This enhances the reliability of the results and guarantees their compliance with international standards.
- Analysis and production dates – the difference between the production date and the analysis date should be logical and justified. Excessive discrepancies suggest that the document does not relate to the actual batch.
Warning signs in the Certificate of Analysis
Experienced quality specialists pay attention to certain irregularities that may indicate the unreliability of the document. One such situation is where all results fall perfectly within the specification limits. In reality, laboratory results always show some natural variation, so consistency with the limit values may raise doubts.
Certificates without batch identification, featuring generic numbers or duplicate markings used across multiple deliveries, are also cause for concern. Such documents lose their value in terms of traceability. Another warning sign is a lack of independent testing. If all analyses come exclusively from the supplier’s laboratory, without external verification, it is worth exercising particular caution – especially in the case of high-risk raw materials. Vague descriptions of testing methods and a lack of references to analytical standards may also raise concerns. Modern certificates should clearly specify the procedures used.
Parameters varying according to raw material category
Each product group requires the analysis of different quality parameters. For example:
- vegetable oils – peroxide value, FFA, fatty acid profile,
- spices and herbs – essential oil content, colour, microbiological purity,
- nuts and seeds – aflatoxins, moisture content, oxidation value,
- plant and animal proteins – protein content, amino acid profile,
- dried fruit – SO₂ levels, moisture content, pesticide residues,
- juices and concentrates – Brix, acidity, sugar profile,
- frozen products – physical parameters, raw material quality, purity,
- pulses and plant products – moisture content, uniformity, chemical residues.
Selecting the appropriate parameters is essential for assessing whether the raw material meets technological and quality requirements.
How should CoA data be properly verified?
The process of evaluating a certificate of analysis should be multi-stage. Firstly, the results should be compared with applicable European Union regulations, as meeting the supplier’s specifications does not always mean compliance with the law. The next step is periodic verification through independent laboratory testing. This allows for the confirmation of data consistency and the detection of any discrepancies.
It is also important to check the laboratory’s accreditation and the analytical methods used. Certificates should be verifiable in the official registers of accreditation bodies. A good solution is to build your own database of certificates, which allows you to analyse quality trends for individual suppliers and detect irregularities more quickly.
CoA – the key to quality control and safe purchasing decisions in the raw materials industry
The CoA is a fundamental tool for assessing the quality of raw materials in modern industry. Correct interpretation of the document requires not only an analysis of the results, but also an understanding of the context, testing methods and the reliability of the source. The ability to read a CoA allows you to effectively minimise purchasing risk and ensures the stability of production processes in any industry that uses high-quality raw materials.
