#United States #Denver #Food Safety #SGS #Murray-Brown

SGS Expands Food Safety and Nutraceutical Testing Capabilities

On February 12, 2026, SGS, a prominent global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, announced a strategic acquisition of Murray-Brown Laboratories, a well-known food testing laboratory located in Denver, Colorado, USA. This acquisition is a significant move for SGS as it aims to broaden its services within the food safety realm, addressing the evolving needs of North American producers, manufacturers, and retailers.

Murray-Brown Laboratories is recognized for its expertise in testing food, pet food, and nutraceutical products to ensure they meet the stringent safety and compliance standards. With a focus on advanced microbial and analytical chemistry, the lab offers specialized capabilities such as pesticide and mycotoxin detection. This partnership enhances SGS's commitment to superior food safety services, reflecting the growing demand for rapid and precise testing services among clients in North America.

Rising Demand for Testing Services

In recent years, the landscape of food safety has been heavily influenced by stricter regulatory frameworks spearheaded by the FDA and USDA, alongside rising incidences of foodborne illnesses. Jodi Jurgens, Head of SGS’s Food Group in North America, commented on the increasing demand from clients for swift and advanced testing services. She emphasized the necessity for accurate and timely results, especially as consumers increasingly prioritize safety and quality in their food supply chain. With Murray-Brown Laboratories onboard, SGS is delighted to broaden its service offerings and enhance its geographical presence in microbiological testing.

The addition of Murray-Brown's facilities to the SGS Food Testing Network is set to significantly improve the capacity for testing services in the region. This acquisition is also expected to optimize the delivery of precise results to both SGS and Murray-Brown Laboratories' clients, thereby safeguarding public health. The acquisition marks a pivotal enhancement to SGS's operational framework, empowering the company to support its clientele more effectively in meeting safety standards.

Strengthening Nutraceutical Testing

Moreover, this acquisition enriches SGS's services concerning the nutraceutical sector. With Murray-Brown's expertise in testing for products like kratom, kava, and hemp, SGS can now provide a broader spectrum of analytical services. The expanded capabilities will include PCR and advanced microbial pathogen detection technologies that utilize DNA-based molecular methods to identify contaminants swiftly. As the FDA maintains a record number of microbial assays year-over-year, the importance of microbial testing in early pathogen detection cannot be overstated, aiming to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

For over 27 years, SGS has been a key player in food and pet food testing services across North America and has built a global reputation over its 35 years of operations. The company operates six advanced ISO 17025 accredited laboratories throughout the United States, underscoring its status as a leading provider of food safety testing services globally. The acquisition complements SGS's efforts to achieve its corporate strategy, 'Strategy 27,' which aims to double North American sales from 2023 to 2027. This strategy aligns with ongoing megatrends that demand safe and high-quality food products and nutritional transparency.

About SGS

SGS stands at the forefront of testing, inspection, and certification globally, armed with a widespread network of over 2,500 laboratories across 115 countries, supported by a dedicated workforce of more than 100,000 professionals. With a legacy of excellence stretching back over 145 years, SGS embodies the precision and accuracy associated with Swiss industry standards, equipping organizations to meet high quality, compliance, and sustainability objectives. The enduring brand promise of SGS—'when you need to be sure'—highlights its commitment to trust, integrity, and reliability, empowering businesses to succeed with confidence. The acquisition of Murray-Brown Laboratories is a testament to SGS's ongoing dedication to advancing food safety standards and ensuring public health protection through reliable testing solutions.