New food testing lab in Dubai to screen for contaminants

A new food testing lab of the Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) has been set up in the Fruits and Vegetables Market in Warsan to test vegetables and fruits for pesticide residues.

The lab is divided into specific sections according to international specifications, which include a receiving section, a preparation lab and a testing lab which conducts electronic tests of pesticide residues in foods including fresh vegetables and fruits, milk, grains, honey, spices and rice.

In the process of developing the #Dubai Central Laboratory, @DMunicipality Director General Dawoud Al Hajri launched the new food testing laboratory in the vegetable and fruit market in Al Warsan area and reviewed the mechanisms used to examine pesticide residues. pic.twitter.com/1tM2apAz2p

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 7, 2020

“We are always striving to develop our services to keep pace with recent scientific developments in the fields of testing in general, and testing of food products in particular, to ensure that they are free from any contaminants or materials that violate the UAE and international standards for food products,” WAM quoted as saying.

“The process of setting up a lab to test residues of insecticides in food with the latest technologies and advanced specialised devices are part of the ongoing development chain of the DCL.

“The first of its kind lab constitutes a qualitative addition that provides services to the food suppliers in Dubai and enhances consumer confidence in the products available in the market,” he added.

The lab has obtained multiple international certifications to ensure that it conforms to high standards. These include the ISO 17025:17 certificate for testing and calibration, the ISO 45001:18 certificate for occupational safety and health management systems, and the ISO 14001:15 certificate for environmental management systems.

“The DCL, which offers a number of tests that serve the food control system on the goods imported to the country, continuously monitors food in the outlets and markets,” said Al Hajri.