FTS Laboratories, headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a specialized analytical laboratory offering food testing, sampling, and inspection services across the United States. With a strong focus on quality, speed, and regulatory compliance, FTS Laboratories serves a wide array of industries including food processing, agriculture, and import-export businesses.
Founded by Jeffrey Abels, a professional with over two decades of experience in food safety and compliance, the laboratory was established to meet the increasing demand for reliable, science-backed analytical services. The facility supports both routine and advanced microbiological, chemical, and nutritional analyses required for food safety validation and regulatory submission.
Core Business and Services
FTS Laboratories provides a comprehensive suite of services, including:
- Microbiological Testing: Analysis for pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and other microbial contaminants.
- Chemical Testing: Detection of heavy metals, mycotoxins, and other chemical residues.
- Nutritional Labeling: Accurate nutrient profile analysis aligned with FDA requirements.
- Shelf-Life Studies: Predictive and real-time testing for product stability.
- Environmental Monitoring: Swab testing and air quality assessments for production facilities.
- Sampling & Inspection Services: On-site support for raw material and finished product inspections, particularly critical for importers and exporters.
Specialization and USP
FTS Laboratories is known for its rapid turnaround time, often delivering microbiological test results within 24 to 48 hours. This is made possible through its state-of-the-art equipment and optimized sample processing workflows. The lab places strong emphasis on customized service, providing tailored testing packages based on specific client needs and product types.
Another key differentiator is its on-site sampling and inspection service — a rare offering among U.S. testing labs. This allows FTS to serve as a one-stop solution for companies seeking compliance verification both at the origin and destination points of their supply chains.
Financials
As a privately held laboratory, specific financial details for FTS Laboratories are not publicly disclosed. However, the company’s continued investment in laboratory infrastructure, high-grade testing instruments, and qualified personnel is indicative of a stable and growth-oriented financial position.
Shipment and Trade Records
While exact shipment values are not publicly listed, FTS Laboratories is listed as a service provider on several food import/export platforms and collaborates with companies involved in global food trade. Their inspection and sampling services are frequently leveraged for FDA compliance verification of imported food goods. Platforms such as ImportYeti and Volza indicate FTS’s frequent mentions in logistics documentation tied to high-volume shipments, particularly in seafood and produce categories.
Target Market
FTS Laboratories serves:
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Importers and exporters of food products
- Retail brands requiring compliance for nutritional labeling
- Third-party logistics firms handling perishable goods
- Agricultural cooperatives and seafood processors
Their clientele spans across North America, with a growing focus on assisting companies managing FDA import alerts or requiring USDA and FSIS documentation.
Capabilities
- ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation pending (internal source)
- In-house microbiologists and chemists with over 20 years of combined experience
- Real-time client portal for report access
- Temperature-controlled sampling equipment for off-site inspections
- Customized client protocols and emergency testing availability
Certifications and Compliance
FTS Laboratories follows Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and aligns with:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements
- AOAC International testing methodologies
Internal documentation indicates they are in the process of acquiring ISO 17025 accreditation, a globally recognized standard for laboratory competence.
Client Testimonials
"FTS Labs has transformed our food safety operations. The speed and clarity of their reports help us make informed decisions within hours, not days."
— Operations Director, Mid-Atlantic Food Processor (via LinkedIn)
"What sets FTS apart is not just their accuracy, but their ability to walk you through the testing process. That consultative approach is rare."
— Quality Assurance Manager, U.S. Seafood Importer (via client case study)
Major Achievements
- Trusted lab partner for over 25 regional seafood processors along the U.S. East Coast.
- Maintains a 98% on-time report delivery rate as per internal performance KPIs.
- Cited in multiple FDA compliance cases as a validated third-party testing source.
- Developed proprietary workflows to reduce sample testing time by 30%, allowing faster market clearance for perishable goods.
FTS Laboratories continues to grow its presence as a trusted partner for food safety and regulatory assurance, driven by its commitment to precision, compliance, and responsive service delivery.