At PJLA (PJLA), we specialize in accreditation of labs and testing services, ensuring food, beverage, and consumer product safety and compliance. This Halloween, our focus turns to the treat bowl: how testing, allergen verification, and robust control help manufacturers, retailers and families enjoy the fun with confidence.

Why Food Testing Matters for Halloween Treats

Each year, candy and snack makers release special seasonal products like “fun sizes”, themed packaging, and limited editions. These variants may have different formulations or manufacturing lines, raising risks of unexpected allergens or cross-contact. In 2025, experts are echoing this concern. New York Family

For manufacturers and retailers, quality control and batch testing matter more than ever. For parents and families, label-reading and awareness are key.

Key Food Testing and Allergen Control Tips

 
For Manufacturers/Retailers:

• Validate that fun-size or holiday variants meet the same allergen control and labeling standards as regular products.
• Conduct allergen swab testing and verify certifications when using private label treats.
• Clearly label all packages, including mini sizes, with full ingredient panels and allergen disclaimers.

For Families:

• Don’t assume a mini size is identical to the regular bar. Check the label every time! FoodAllergy.org
• Avoid unlabeled items or homemade treats if you are managing a food allergy.
• Consider non-food treats to bypass allergen risk altogether, a point increasingly emphasized in 2025. Children’s Wisconsin

Manufacturers create the safely tested product; retailers distribute it; families consume or swap it. When all stakeholders play their part, Halloween becomes safer and smoother.

2025 Trends to Watch

• The expansion of the Teal Pumpkin Project (non-food treats) is driving stronger demand for “allergen-free” treat options. https://www.whsv.com
• More social-media and retail signage alerting trick-or-treaters to safe-house zones or non-food treat houses.
• Increased consumer expectation: limited-edition candies must have the same allergen rigor, or they will be rejected by allergy-sensitive households.
• Use of dedicated allergen-free manufacturing lines or certified nut-free facilities is no longer niche. It’s becoming mainstream in treat production.

Tips for Families Built on a Food-Testing Mindset

• Approach your candy haul like a quality sample: inspect, sort, verify.
• Retire any item with missing labels or ambiguous ingredient lists.
• Use your safe treats as “control samples” you trust.
• Consider hosting or attending a Halloween event where the hosts openly advertise allergen-safe or non-food treats.

At PJLA, we know that rigorous testing brings peace of mind and on Halloween night, that peace of mind means children can trick-or-treat, families can celebrate, and manufacturers and retailers can meet the promise of safe fun. Whether you’re producing the treats, lining the shelves, or testing the products, let’s make Halloween 2025 one where food safety, testing, and celebration all come together.

Have a Fun, Safe, and Allergen-Smart Halloween!

In the world of accreditation, impartiality is everything. Without it, the credibility of any conformity assessment body (CAB), whether a testing or calibration laboratory, inspection agency, or certification body, quickly unravels. Yet, as PJLA’s Technical & International Business Development Manager Dr. George Anastasopoulos has observed through years of accreditation assessments, many CABs still treat impartiality as a simple compliance box to check rather than a living, breathing part of their management system.

In his recent article, “Impartiality Under the Microscope: Understanding and Managing Risks in Conformity Assessment Bodies Accreditation,” Dr. Anastasopoulos explores why impartiality is often misunderstood and highlights the real-world risks that can quietly erode objectivity and trust.

Recognizing the Risks

Impartiality risks come in many forms, some obvious, others subtle. Among the most common are financial dependence on key clients, pressures to retain business, and conflicts of interest when the same personnel also act as consultants or trainers. CABs may also face governance risks, where owners or board members have ties to clients or industry groups that could influence outcomes.

Other threats are more personal. Over time, long-term relationships between auditors and clients can lead to “familiarity risk,” where friendliness replaces healthy scrutiny. Even marketing practices, like promising “guaranteed certification” or prioritizing customer satisfaction, can undermine public confidence in a CAB’s independence.

Dr. Anastasopoulos also points out that external pressures from regulators, industry associations, or political bodies can distort impartiality, especially when national prestige or commercial interests are at stake. Meanwhile, competence and resource limitations can create risks of their own, encouraging shortcuts and overreliance on client-provided information.

Managing Impartiality as a Living System

The good news is that accreditation standards, including those in the ISO/IEC 17000 series, do not expect CABs to eliminate every impartiality risk. Instead, they require organizations to identify, analyze, and control those risks systematically and to demonstrate that these controls are active and effective.

Effective CABs manage impartiality through:

• Structured risk assessments
• Independent impartiality committees/li>
• Conflict-of-interest declarations/li>
• Auditor rotation and governance oversight/li>
• Ongoing evaluation and improvement of controls/li>

What accreditation assessors look for is not a static statement of compliance, but a culture of impartiality, where risks are recognized, addressed, and continually monitored.

The Bottom Line

Impartiality is not about perfection; it is about awareness and management. As Dr. Anastasopoulos emphasizes, the true measure of a CAB’s impartiality framework lies not in the absence of risk, but in its ability to recognize, manage, and justify how those risks are controlled.

By treating impartiality as a dynamic part of everyday operations, CABs can strengthen both their credibility and the confidence of the clients and communities they serve.

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For more insights, read Dr. George Anastasopoulos’s full article on LinkedIn here or contact him directly at [email protected].

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In his recent LinkedIn article, PJLA’s Technical & International Business Development Manager, Dr. George Anastasopoulos, reflects on why process-based auditing, though introduced with ISO 9001:2000, continues to challenge auditors/assessors more than two decades later.

Drawing from years of experience as an auditor, assessor, and auditee, Dr. Anastasopoulos notes that many audits/assessments remain focused on paperwork, checklists, and documented procedures instead of exploring whether processes truly deliver value. He suggests that this often stems from two main causes:

• Gaps in competence, auditors/assessors who are less confident in evaluating processes beyond documentation.
• Comfort zones, auditors/assessors who rely on familiar tools rather than engaging directly with people and activities where processes happen.

This trend risks reducing the credibility of audits/assessments and leaves organizations viewing them as routine box-ticking exercises.

Yet, the outlook is far from bleak. Dr. Anastasopoulos emphasizes that process-based auditing is not only possible but transformative, if auditors embrace a shift in perspective. By stepping out of the meeting room, following the flow from inputs to outputs, and assessing whether processes achieve their intended results, audits/assessments can once again serve their purpose: building trust, driving improvement, and delivering assurance.

👉 Read the full article here: Management Systems Process-Based Auditing: Mission Impossible!

Article from Dr. George Anastasopoulos

🔗 Read the full article

Intermediate checks—quick, periodic performance verifications conducted between full calibrations—are a critical but often overlooked requirement in ISO/IEC 17025. Unlike full calibrations, these checks provide ongoing assurance that equipment remains accurate, reliable, and fit for use.

Dr. Anastasopoulos explains that ISO/IEC 17025:2017 explicitly requires labs to establish procedures for intermediate checks (clauses 6.4.10 and 7.7.1). The frequency must be determined through a risk-based approach, considering factors such as equipment stability, usage, environmental conditions, and potential consequences of inaccurate results.

Key takeaways:

• Intermediate checks ≠ internal calibrations — they are faster verifications, not full recalibrations.
• They cannot be replaced by proficiency testing (PT) or interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs)—they serve a distinct, complementary role.
• Proper planning, documentation, and recordkeeping are essential to demonstrate compliance during audits.
• Benefits include early detection of drift, reduced risk of invalid results, stronger audit evidence, and greater client confidence.

Ultimately, neglecting intermediate checks risks nonconformities, reputational damage, and compromised measurement integrity. When performed and documented correctly, they are a powerful tool for ensuring continuous confidence in laboratory results.

By Dr. George Anastasopoulos

Read the full article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/accredited-adaptive-unlocking-power-flexible-scope-anastasopoulos-w1xmc/

In today’s fast-paced testing, inspection, and certification industries, agility is essential. Dr. George Anastasopoulos of Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) offers an insightful and practical guide to Flexible Scopes of Accreditation — game-changing approach that allows accredited organizations to quickly adapt their services without waiting for lengthy reassessments.

This comprehensive article explores:

• What a flexible scope is and how it differs from a fixed scope
• How it empowers Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to act swiftly within validated boundaries
• CAB responsibilities, including internal controls, validation, and risk management
• Examples across ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, ISO/IEC 17020, 17024, and 17065 contexts
• The role of Flex Codes (F0–F5) in defining permissible flexibility
• Accreditation Body (AB) assessment priorities and common risks

Key Takeaway:

Flexible scopes are not about loosening standards—they’re about enabling qualified organizations to move faster without sacrificing integrity. Properly implemented, they boost responsiveness, foster innovation, and uphold trust in accreditation.

For questions or deeper insights, contact Dr. Anastasopoulos at: [email protected]

At PJLA, we take great pride in fostering strong client relationships and delivering top-tier assessment experiences. We were honored to receive a heartfelt note of appreciation from Kareem Farouk Ismail, Quality Assurance Manager and Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at NAWAH Scientific, following a recent successful accreditation assessment.

In his message to PJLA President, Tracy Szerszen, Kareem shared sincere gratitude for the dedication and professionalism shown throughout the process, stating:

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for the tremendous efforts you dedicated during our recent assessment. Your support, especially in resolving scheduling challenges, was instrumental to its success—without it, the process would not have been possible.”

Kareem went on to praise PJLA team members Alessandro and Matt for their outstanding contributions during the on-site visit.

“Alessandro’s performance—as always—was outstanding. He was incredibly helpful throughout, and I must say, PJLA is truly fortunate to have him on your team. As for Matt, words fall short in expressing my appreciation for his support and understanding during the visit. His contribution made a significant difference.”

The collaboration between PJLA and NAWAH Scientific extends beyond this recent visit. Kareem and Alessandro have worked together on four assessments across multiple laboratories since 2020, reflecting a strong and enduring professional rapport.

We thank Kareem and the entire team at NAWAH Scientific for their trust and continued partnership—and we look forward to many more successful assessments in the future.

About Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.

PJLA is a global leader in accreditation services, offering ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, 17065, and other internationally recognized standards. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and continual improvement, PJLA supports laboratories and organizations across industries in achieving globally recognized conformity.

We are proud to share that Dr. George Anastasopoulos is in the June 2025 edition of Quality Magazine. He is the Technical and International Business Development Manager at Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA). He titled his article “The Modified FINK Risk Analyzing Method for Conformity Assessment Bodies.” Dr. Anastasopoulos is a well-known leader in conformity assessment. He has decades of experience in laboratory accreditation, risk assessing, and quality management. His article presents a new way to evaluate risk for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). It builds on the FINK model and changes it to fit the needs of accredited organizations better.

About the Article

In “The Modified FINK Risk Analyzing Method for Conformity Assessment Bodies,” Dr. Anastasopoulos shares a useful method. This method helps CABs find, study, and handle operational risks. The modified model emphasizes:

• Improved objectivity in risk identification
• Alignment with ISO/IEC standards for accreditation bodies
• Custom applicability for organizations seeking continual improvement
• Integration with existing quality management systems

The article explains the theory behind the method. It also gives real case examples to show how to use it and its benefits. This makes it a valuable read for quality professionals, auditors, and decision-makers in testing, inspection, and certification sectors.

Why It Matters

Risk-based thinking is a key part of modern quality management systems. Organizations that want or need ISO/IEC 17025 and similar accreditations are extremely important. Dr. Anastasopoulos’s new method gives CABs a strong way to manage risks. This improves both compliance and credibility.

A Legacy of Expertise

Dr. Anastasopoulos has been instrumental in expanding PJLA’s global reach and strengthening its technical foundations. His thought leadership continues to shape best practices in laboratory accreditation and quality assurance worldwide.

We invite professionals in quality and conformity assessment to read the full article on Quality Magazine’s website. Read the article here.

About Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc.

PJLA is a global leader in accreditation services, offering ISO/IEC 17025, 17020, 17065, and other internationally recognized standards. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and continual improvement, PJLA supports laboratories and organizations across industries in achieving globally recognized conformity.

PJLA Joins the Global Celebration

World Accreditation Day (WAD), an annual global initiative led by ILAC and IAF, returns on June 9, 2025, to spotlight the essential role of accreditation in supporting quality, safety, and global market access. This year’s theme centers on “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)”, acknowledging the vital contributions these businesses make to innovation, employment, and local economies.

Despite their importance, SMEs often encounter significant hurdles, such as limited resources and tough market competition. Accreditation can play a transformative role in helping them overcome these challenges. Through accredited conformity assessment, SMEs can demonstrate compliance with recognized standards, boost their reputation, access new markets, and gain the confidence of customers, regulators, and investors alike.

For SMEs aiming to enhance product quality, streamline operations, or qualify for funding and incentives, accreditation provides a reliable foundation for growth. By partnering with accredited conformity assessment bodies, these businesses signal their commitment to excellence and reduce perceived risk for stakeholders.

Internationally, the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) and ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) enable accredited results to be accepted across borders—eliminating duplicate testing and inspections, and promoting seamless global trade.

As part of this celebration, ILAC and IAF will host a virtual event on June 9, with more details to be shared on social media (@ILAC_Official on X and ILAC on LinkedIn).

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) is proud to join in the celebration of World Accreditation Day 2025, reaffirming our commitment to advancing the benefits of accreditation for SMEs and organizations of all sizes. Together, we continue to promote trust, quality, and global cooperation.

Learn more and join the celebration: World Accreditation Day 2025 Event Info

Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at the World Conference on Quality & Improvement (WCQI), held May 4–7, 2025, in Denver, CO. It was a pleasure connecting with so many professionals across the quality industry and engaging in insightful conversations about laboratory accreditation and quality assurance.

As one of the leading events in the quality field, WCQI is a premier global forum that brings together experts dedicated to advancing quality management, continuous improvement, and organizational excellence. This dynamic conference fosters collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of best practices—empowering attendees to make impactful changes within their organizations and beyond. You can learn more about WCQI HERE.

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“It was great to meet our colleagues in the quality industry and attend several invaluable training sessions.”

– Tracy Szerszen, PJLA President

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Whether you’re just learning about accreditation or looking to take the next step with PJLA, we’re here to help. If you’d like to continue the conversation or learn more about Our Services, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Phone: (248) 519-2603
Email: [email protected]

We look forward to staying connected and working together to elevate quality across the industry. Thank you again for being part of an incredible event!