2025 Check Sample Program

Fostering Analytical Excellence in Global Spice Industry Laboratories

Overview

The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) Check Sample Program is an initiative that aims to foster analytical excellence within global spice industry laboratories. The program strengthens laboratory credibility and promotes high levels of accuracy within and among laboratories using standard analytical test methods for spices and herbs. It is designed to allow spice laboratories to evaluate their performance for a common range of analyses for spices significant to the spice trade. It also allows individual laboratories to evaluate their performance against industry standards, providing an opportunity for continuous learning and improvement.

Registering for the ASTA Check Sample Program is a straightforward process that begins with selecting from the options available for the year. For 2025, participating labs can choose from:

Red Pepper Chemistry – HPLC Heat, ASTA Color, Water Activity
Black Pepper Chemistry – Volatile Oil, Moisture, Piperine, Water Activity
Oregano Chemistry – Total Ash, Acid Insoluble Ash, Moisture, Volatile Oil, Water

2025 Check Sample Dates

Q1: February 10, 2025
Q2: May 12, 2025
Q3: August 12, 2025
Q4: October 31, 2025

If you are a member, please remember to log in as a member while ordering to receive the member rate.

Program Details

The ASTA Check Sample Program is not just a testing platform—it is a community of laboratories committed to ensuring the highest levels of accuracy in their testing procedures. By participating in this program, laboratories have the opportunity to compare their performance with peers, identify areas for improvement, and ensure their testing aligns with industry standards.

A key component of the Check Sample Program is the use of ASTA’s Official Analytical Methods. These methods provide a uniform way to measure results within and among laboratories, thereby promoting consistency and accuracy in analyses.

Open to both members and non-members worldwide, the program is administered in four rounds annually. Participants receive samples, instructions, and data reporting forms with each shipment, ensuring they have all the resources needed to participate effectively in the program. All studies are open for thirty days, during which all participants may enter their data via a secure online data entry website.

The ASTA Check Sample Program is administered by BIPEA, a scientific and independent nonprofit organization that provides proficiency testing programs and external reference materials for testing laboratories that are concerned with quality control and analytical accuracy.

Check Sample Program FAQs

The January registration deadline is for participation in all four quarters of the Check Sample Program. While we recommend that labs participate in all four quarters for maximum benefit, you may enter the program after it has started. Labs that register late will only participate in the upcoming quarters and will not receive past samples.

BIPEA offers extensive support for all participants in the Check Sample Program. At the beginning of each program year, we will host an introductory webinar to explain the program’s procedures. Participants will also receive a welcome booklet, detailed instructions for inputting and submitting results, and a guide for understanding the report.

BIPEA also provides support for technical issues throughout the duration of the program.

The Check Sample Program allows labs to evaluate their analytical methods and compare their performance against the performance of other labs. This program allows laboratories to verify that their testing is in line with industry standards, and it can also help identify areas for improvement or training. Participants also receive a certificate of participation, demonstrating a lab’s commitment to excellence and accuracy.

Yes, the Check Sample Program is available for both members and non-members. ASTA members receive a reduced price for registration.

Participant Information

Unique Lab Number Required

When you register for the ASTA Check Sample Program, you will receive a unique lab number. This number is crucial for maintaining confidentiality throughout the program, and it is used in place of your lab’s name in all communications and data entries.

You will also be provided with a secure login to the BIPEA member area. This is where you will access all the necessary information about the program, submit your results, and view comparisons with other labs.

Once registered, your laboratory will receive a shipment every quarter. Each shipment includes samples, instructions, and data reporting forms. You will have 30 days from the BIPEA shipping date to enter your data via the secure online data entry website.

Please note that participating in the ASTA Check Sample Program requires the use of ASTA’s Analytical Methods Manual. ASTA members can download individual methods for free or purchase a hard copy of the manual at the member rate. Non-members can purchase the manual at the non-member rate.

When the submission period has closed, BIPEA will begin statistical treatment. Each participant will receive two reports: an individual report and a global report, which includes the results of all participating labs.

Participant Resources

Participant Handbook

How to Submit Your Results

Understanding the Report

Video: Instructions for Participants

Participant FAQ

Once you receive your shipment, you’ll have three to four weeks to submit your results. You should receive an email with detailed information about your submission deadline. You’ll also receive reminders five days and two days before the deadline. Once the deadline has passed, you will no longer be able to submit your results.

Each participant will receive multiple reports: an individual report, a global report, and a summary of the results. Guides to understanding each report are available in the member area of the BIPEA portal.

The Check Sample Program is designed to be straightforward and easy to use. We have a number of resources available for participants (see above for Participant Resources). If you still have questions, contact BIPEA Sales & Marketing Manager Sabrina Hellali by email at [email protected], or by calling +33 1 40 05 26 42.

Customs issues can sometimes arise when shipping samples internationally. BIPEA, our third-party provider, works closely with participants and shipping providers to navigate these challenges. We provide guidance on customs documentation and procedures, and we work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible to ensure minimal disruption to the program.