This is a fair question, and one I appreciate being asked.
At this time, Earthy Crunch UK doesn't offer laboratory testing or food-grade safety certificates for my products. That choice is intentional, and it comes from a commitment to honesty rather than reassurance I can't responsibly guarantee.
What lab testing and certification actually involve
Laboratory testing and safety certification aren't one-off tick boxes. To be meaningful, they require regular, batch-specific laboratory analysis, certified food-grade handling and premises, ongoing documentation and traceability, and regulatory oversight and compliance costs.
Without operating as a regulated food business, offering partial or selective testing would risk creating a false sense of security. A single test can't account for natural variation between batches, regions or seasons, especially with materials as variable as clay. I think it's more honest to say what I can't guarantee than to imply certainty where none exists.
Why I've chosen transparency over reassurance
Natural clays aren't standardised ingredients. Their mineral composition can shift depending on where and how they're sourced, and even clays from the same location can differ over time.
Because of this, any claim of being "tested" or "certified" without full food-grade infrastructure would be misleading. Rather than offering selective reassurance, I'd rather be clear: my products aren't food-grade, they aren't laboratory tested for ingestion safety, and I don't provide safety certificates. That way you can make an informed choice without assumptions or implied guarantees.
About my own at-home testing
I'll share this openly: I do use at-home testing kits on self-foraged materials for my own curiosity and learning. These can be useful for understanding things like general mineral presence or basic environmental indicators.
However, at-home tests aren't a substitute for certified laboratory analysis, and they're not something I can currently present as official product testing. That said, I'm genuinely interested in exploring whether there's a responsible way to share this learning with the community, clearly labelled, educational, and without presenting it as certification or assurance. Think curiosity and transparency, not promises. It's something I'd love to develop further in future, if it can be done properly and honestly.
What this means for you
If you're looking for products that come with formal safety certificates or food-grade laboratory reports, Earthy Crunch UK might not be the right fit, and that's okay. If you value openness, clear boundaries, and an honest explanation of what is and isn't offered, then you're in the right place.
Going forward, I'm committed to clear communication over marketing language, honesty about my limitations, respect for your autonomy, and staying curious. I believe trust is built by being upfront, not by overstating certainty. If you have questions about sourcing, preparation styles or sensory use, I'm always happy to talk openly.
Disclaimer: My clay and chalk products are natural materials sold for sensory, hobbyist and ASMR use only. They're not certified food-grade, and I don't sell them as food, supplements or medicine. This article is general information based on my own research and experience, not medical advice, and I'm not a doctor or nutritionist. If you have any concerns about pica, geophagia or ingesting non-food materials, please speak to a GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
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