Sometimes the noise has a purpose. Generic reports can give you a general sense of a supplier's quality—if they bother to test at all. They're also a starting point for a conversation. Ask: "Can you provide a batch-specific COA?" If the answer is yes, great. If it's a hard no, that's useful information.

Similarly, a report that lists extra tests beyond regulatory requirements can signal a supplier that goes above the minimum. But only use that as a tiebreaker, not as the main reason to buy.

So, noise isn't entirely useless—it just shouldn't be the basis for your decision.