Voluntary Graphic Element & QR Code Guidelines for Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Food (LAAF) Program
Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) Program & Final Rule
The Laboratory Accreditation for the Analyses of Foods program, also referred to as the LAAF program, is a voluntary program that establishes a laboratory accreditation program for the testing of food in certain circumstances. Under the LAAF program, FDA will recognize accreditation bodies (ABs) that will accredit laboratories to the standards established in the final rule (referred to as LAAF-accredited laboratories).
QR Code
The following Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program QR code was developed to assist FDA and stakeholders with communicating the status of participants in the LAAF program. The QR code directs users to the FDA LAAF Data Dashboard. The dashboard is a public registry that displays the FDA-recognized Accreditation Bodies, LAAF-Accredited Labs, and the status of the LAAF-Accredited Labs scope.
Graphic Elements
The following Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program graphic elements were developed to increase awareness of the LAAF program. Before using the LAAF program graphic elements (graphic elements), please read these guidelines in their entirety. The graphic elements are available for use by FDA and for voluntary use by FDA-recognized ABs and LAAF-accredited labs. For example, recognized ABs and LAAF-accredited labs can use the graphic elements below in web badges, newsletter text, and social media posts to communicate their participation in FDA's LAAF program to their followers and subscribers.
These graphic elements are not required to be used by LAAF program participants. Recognized ABs and LAAF-accredited labs may use other means to signify and communicate their participation in the LAAF program. FDA is making the graphic elements available for use without cost. However, use of the graphic elements is limited to recognized ABs and LAAF-accredited labs in good standing in the LAAF program.
Members of the public are encouraged to independently verify the LAAF program participation status of any entity that appears to use the graphic elements. To confirm an entity’s LAAF participation status please visit the FDA LAAF Data Dashboard.
If you have any questions, contact the LAAF program at:
Note: To use the images shown below, copy and paste or right-click on the image and save to your computer.
The three distinct LAAF program graphic elements provided below are in the following orientations: square, vertical and horizontal. These options allow LAAF program participants to choose the graphic element that best suits their specific webpage, social media or newsletter layout needs.
Downloads
Right-click on each image or filename below and choose "Save As" to download
LAAF Web Badge 240x120px (PNG)
LAAF Web Badge 480x120px (PNG)
LAAF Web Badge 240x240px (PNG)
General Guidelines
The LAAF program graphic elements were created in 2023 to be used by both FDA and LAAF program participants to increase awareness of the LAAF program.
To create the most effective communication initiative possible and to avoid consumer confusion, all LAAF program participants who use the graphic elements should follow the following guidelines. These guidelines explain FDA’s expectations for the use of the graphic elements and illustrate possible applications.
- The graphic elements may not be altered, rotated, dissected into parts, or otherwise distorted. However, the web address may be used independently of the image.
- The graphic elements should never be used to imply that FDA endorses the user’s labels, ideas, products, or services. When the graphic element and web address appear on products, programs, systems, or any other venture, in any application, including packaging, exhibits, signage, floor and counter displays, or any other promotional materials, it does not imply, in any way, FDA endorsement.
- The graphic elements may not be used in an organization’s name or logo, product name or logo, or website domain name.
- The graphic elements may not be used in a manner that would disparage the FDA or any other entity.
- The graphic elements may not be associated with organizations that are not recognized or accredited participants in the LAAF Program.
- The graphic elements are intended to be used only by FDA-recognized ABs and accredited CBs in the LAAF program.
- LAAF Program participants are responsible for their own proper use of the LAAF graphic elements, as well as use by their authorized representatives, such as ad agencies, contractors, and companies that produce promotional items on their behalf.
- A clear space should surround the graphic element at all times. No other mark elements, such as text or images, should appear directly adjacent to the mark.
- The marks may be resized, but the original proportions, as displayed above, must be maintained. The lettering inside the marks must remain legible when reproduced for print or electronic formats.
Graphic Element Use
The LAAF graphic elements help program participants communicate their participation in the LAAF.
Examples of permitted uses of the program graphic elements include, but are not limited to:
- LAAF Program participant presentations to note their participation in the LAAF program;
- On web pages that provide organization-wide information, such as an “Accreditation Standards” or “Audit Capabilities” page, to note the organization’s participation in the LAAF program.