New Testing Requirements from U.S. Retailers

Retailers like Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods are expanding food testing requirements for products being sold in their stores, often ahead of regulatory mandates. Manufacturers who supply these stores are navigating a growing list of expectations related to heavy metals, allergens, and microbial risks. 

Retailer Food Safety Standards Are Quietly Getting Stricter 

In the past, U.S. food manufacturers largely followed federal food safety guidelines set by the FDA, USDA, and FSIS. But in today’s marketplace, large retailers are creating a second layer of safety expectations—ones that can be more demanding than current food regulations. 

Big-box stores and grocery chains are now requesting in-depth testing data from suppliers, particularly for heavy metals, allergen presence, and microbial contamination. While these expectations aren't always outlined in public-facing documents, suppliers are increasingly required to show batch-level test results, certificates of analysis (COAs), and third-party verification before products can be approved for retail sale. 

This shift is being driven by consumer pressure, liability concerns, and a desire by retailers to protect their brand reputation. As a result, manufacturers are adapting their quality assurance and testing protocols to align with retailer-specific requirements that go beyond basic compliance. 

What Retailers Like Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Are Asking for in Testing Reports 

Retailer requirements vary by category and brand relationship, but certain testing demands are becoming more common across the board. 

Target: Heavy Metals and Product Transparency 

Target’s supplier expectations have evolved in response to public concern over contaminants in baby food and wellness products. Manufacturers working with Target’s private-label brands are now expected to provide COAs and third-party lab results showing low or non-detectable levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic in finished products. 

Following a baby food recall in 2025 linked to elevated lead levels, Target is now proactively enforcing internal contaminant limits that are stricter than FDA guidance. The retailer has also introduced a Restricted Substances List (RSL) that applies to packaging materials and certain food ingredients. 

Kroger: Allergen and Pathogen Control 

Kroger requires Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification for all private-label food suppliers. But the chain also places high importance on allergen testing and documentation, especially in gluten-free and organic product lines. Suppliers are expected to have controls in place for cross-contact risks and are often required to test for undeclared allergens like sesame, now classified as a major allergen under U.S. law. 



Kroger also monitors microbial risks closely, requiring verification testing for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Shiga toxin–producing E. coli strains in high-risk categories like deli items, produce, and ready-to-eat meals. 

Whole Foods Market: Third-Party Testing and Transparency 

Whole Foods Market is known for its strict ingredient standards and clean label positioning, but the retailer also mandates enhanced testing protocols for many suppliers. For its 365 Everyday Value brand, Whole Foods performs third-party heavy metal testing on every lot of baby food, publicly posting results to demonstrate compliance with internal and external thresholds. 

Although formal food contaminant testing guidelines are not posted publicly for other product categories, suppliers report being asked to submit test results for heavy metals—especially for items containing rice, oats, or root vegetables, which tend to absorb contaminants from soil. 

Strategies for Navigating Evolving Food Testing Requirements 

Although these testing requirements are often framed as “recommended” rather than mandatory, in practice, failing to meet them can delay onboarding, lead to product rejections, or damage supplier relationships. For that reason, many manufacturers are beginning to treat enhanced food safety testing as a standard part of operations. 

Food suppliers may benefit from:

• Proactively mapping testing requirements by retailers to avoid duplication and ensure compliance before audits. 
• Choosing ISO/IEC 17025–accredited laboratories that offer customizable testing panels and fast turnaround times. 
• Embedding testing timelines into production cycles, allowing time for retesting or reformulation if thresholds are exceeded. 
• Documenting test results at the batch level, even if not explicitly required, to build trust and supply chain resilience. 

Why Staying Ahead of Retailer Testing Policies Matters 

Retailer-driven food safety testing isn’t replacing government regulation—it’s building on it. As Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods lead the charge in setting their own standards for contaminants, allergens, and pathogens, food manufacturers are learning that regulatory compliance alone may not be enough. 

As the retail food industry shifts toward transparency and proactive risk management, food safety testing is becoming a competitive differentiator. Manufacturers that can demonstrate clean ingredients, low contaminant levels, and robust QA systems are better positioned to retain shelf space and expand into new categories. 

This is particularly relevant for brands operating in sensitive sectors like baby food, organic snacks, plant-based alternatives, and dietary supplements. In these spaces, a single lab result, or the absence of one, can determine whether a product reaches store shelves. 

Even in categories not currently flagged by regulators, retailers are beginning to apply the same caution they’ve shown in higher-risk segments. Manufacturers who track these trends and adapt early will be better prepared for long-term success.