Article 4.5. Commercial Laboratories of California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 7. >> Chapter 1.5. >> Article 4.5.

The director may accredit a commercial laboratory to test produce or environmental samples, including air, water, soil, and plant or animal tissue for regulatory pesticide residue purposes if the director finds all of the following conditions:
  (a) That the department laboratories cannot handle required testing in a timely manner or that the use of a commercial laboratory is more cost-effective to the department or a segment of agriculture.
  (b) That the laboratory agrees to and participates in a quality control oversight program as specified by the director.
  (c) That the laboratory's control and analytical protocols meet criteria established by the director.
  (d) That, as part of the quality control oversight program, the director may conduct unannounced onsite inspections of the laboratory during normal business hours.

The director may charge a fee for accreditation and quality control oversight in an amount sufficient to cover the reasonable costs of carrying out these programs.

The director may refuse to accredit, or may suspend any accreditation, if the applicant or the accredited laboratory, as the case may be, does any of the following:
  (a) Does not meet, or no longer meets, the requirements stated in Section 12591.
  (b) Fails to perform in accordance with the performance standards set forth in the quality control oversight program.

Analysis data developed by an accredited laboratory shall be subject to confirmation by a laboratory of the department prior to an official regulatory action of the director.

In the event of a dispute of the findings of a chemical analysis between or among two or more accredited laboratories or between an accredited laboratory and a laboratory of the department, an appeal analysis may be requested by letter, telegram, or other writing to the director. The sample to be analyzed in the appeal analysis shall be submitted to the headquarters laboratory of the department at Sacramento. The cost of the appeal analysis, including any sampling or shipping required, shall be at the expense of the requesting party. The findings from the appeal analysis are binding on all parties.