Project Case Study — Quality Assurance

Malaysia Cocoa
Sample Collection
& Laboratory Testing

Project Type: Factory Inspection & Lab Testing
Location: Malaysia
Commodity: Cocoa Beans & Products
Outcome: Certified Lab Report Delivered
Project Overview

End-to-End Quality Verification
from Factory to Lab

Novexa Global Sourcing was engaged by an international food-grade buyer to conduct a complete quality verification project for cocoa beans and cocoa-derived products sourced from a Malaysian processing facility.

Our team executed a full-cycle inspection engagement — attending the factory floor in person, collecting representative samples under strict chain-of-custody protocols, preparing compliant documentation, and coordinating delivery to an internationally accredited independent laboratory.

The project delivered a certified laboratory test report covering microbiological safety, heavy metal analysis, moisture content, fat content, and mycotoxin (aflatoxin) levels — giving the buyer full confidence in product compliance before committing to a commercial order.

5
Process Steps
12
Tests Conducted
3
Sample Batches
100%
Compliant Result
Methodology

5-Step Inspection Process

Every engagement follows a structured, repeatable methodology designed to eliminate sampling bias, maintain chain-of-custody, and deliver legally defensible test results.

01
Step One
Factory Visit
Our inspector conducted an unannounced on-site visit to the Malaysian cocoa processing facility. The visit included a full walkthrough of storage warehouses, production lines, and packaging areas. Key observations included cleanliness standards, pest control records, temperature and humidity conditions, and batch traceability documentation. Worker hygiene practices and production hygiene certificates were reviewed and photographed.
On-Site Inspection Facility Audit GMP Compliance Check
02
Step Two
Sample Collection
Random stratified sampling was performed across three production batches. Samples were drawn from the beginning, middle, and end of each batch using sterile collection equipment. All samples were labelled with unique reference codes, batch numbers, date, and inspector ID at point of collection. The sampling procedure followed ISO 2859 acceptable quality level (AQL) guidelines to ensure statistical representativeness of the full production lot.
ISO 2859 AQL Stratified Random Sampling Sterile Equipment
03
Step Three
Sample Packing & Documentation
Each sample was sealed in tamper-evident bags and packed in temperature-controlled transport containers. A chain-of-custody (CoC) document was prepared, signed by the factory representative and Novexa's inspector, recording quantity, sealing time, and transport conditions. Photographic evidence of all sealed samples was archived. Product data sheets, supplier certificates of analysis, and batch manufacturing records were collected and attached to the documentation package.
Chain of Custody Tamper-Evident Sealing Cold-Chain Packing
04
Step Four
Delivery to Independent Laboratory
Sealed samples were transported by our trusted logistics partner under monitored conditions to an accredited third-party laboratory. Upon arrival, the laboratory confirmed sample integrity via tamper-evident seal inspection and issued a receipt with intake reference codes that were cross-matched against our CoC document. No samples exchanged hands without dual signature verification, ensuring the integrity of the testing chain from factory to lab intake.
Third-Party Lab Accredited Facility Dual Sign-Off
05
Step Five
Laboratory Submission & Testing
The independent laboratory performed a full panel of tests against international food safety standards including EU regulations, Codex Alimentarius, and buyer-specific specifications. Results were reviewed by Novexa's quality team and compiled into a final client report with full interpretation, pass/fail annotations, and sourcing recommendation. The completed certified report was delivered to the client within the agreed 10-business-day timeline.
EU Food Safety Standards Codex Alimentarius Certified Report
Quality Assurance

Quality Control &
Laboratory Testing

Independent testing was performed against EU Regulation (EC) 1881/2006, Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP-1, and buyer-specific product specifications.

🔬
Microbiological Testing
Full microbial panel to verify food safety and shelf-life compliance.
  • Total Plate Count (TPC)
  • Salmonella spp. Detection
  • E. coli & Coliform Count
  • Yeast & Mould Count
  • Staphylococcus aureus
⚗️
Chemical & Contaminant Analysis
Heavy metal and mycotoxin screening essential for EU and US import compliance.
  • Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2
  • Ochratoxin A (OTA)
  • Lead (Pb) & Cadmium (Cd)
  • Arsenic (As) & Mercury (Hg)
  • Pesticide Residue Screen
📊
Physical & Composition Testing
Key physical parameters that determine product grade, pricing tier, and suitability for processing.
  • Moisture Content (%)
  • Fat Content (Cocoa Butter %)
  • Shell Content (%)
  • Bean Count per 100g
  • Cut Test — Fermentation Grade
📋
Certification & Reporting
All deliverables fully documented for import authority submissions and buyer due diligence.
  • ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Lab Report
  • Novexa QC Summary Report
  • Chain of Custody Records
  • Photographic Evidence Archive
  • Sourcing Recommendation Letter
Why It Matters

Client Benefits

What a Novexa sample collection and lab testing engagement delivers for your business — before you commit to a commercial purchase order.

🛡️
Eliminate Import Risk
Know before you ship. A certified test report gives customs authorities and your quality team documented proof of compliance, preventing costly port holds and rejections.
🤝
Independent Verification
Our inspectors are your eyes on the ground. No supplier influence, no self-reporting. Every sample is collected and documented by a neutral Novexa-employed inspector.
⚡
Faster Purchasing Decisions
Stop waiting months to evaluate a supplier's credibility. Our streamlined process delivers a full inspection and test report within 10–14 business days of engagement.
📈
Supplier Leverage
Armed with lab data, you negotiate from a position of knowledge — pushing back on inflated claims, renegotiating price on quality variances, or confidently approving the supplier.
🌍
Global Regulatory Coverage
We test against EU, US FDA, UK, and destination-country-specific food safety standards so your product is compliant in every market you sell into.
🔄
Scalable Across Commodities
The same rigorous methodology we applied to cocoa is available for spices, edible oils, tea, rice, grains, frozen food, and industrial raw materials across Asia.
Ready to Start?

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& Testing Project

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