Inside the Abu Dhabi lab testing toxic food and products

A team of scientists at the Abu Dhabi lab is working tirelessly behind the scenes, testing hundreds of thousands of samples from the UAE.

from groundwater to fresh produce The team at the Abu Dhabi Quality and Compliance Council (QCC) Central Laboratory is doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of UAE residents.

Even food and drinks served at events such as Formula 1 Grand Prix and concerts are tested on-site to ensure they are safe to eat.

“It’s ultimately a collaborative effort,” lab director Manal Al Hashemi told National.

“We received specification lists from local authorities such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Agriculture, food safety Authority, we do all the necessary tests,” she said.

The committee provides a full range of testing services, including radiation and environmental testing, as well as sample testing for products such as food and beverages, water, building and construction materials, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and cosmetics.

Inspectors take samples from stores or from shipments passing through various borders.

Depending on the samples, they are either stored and sent to a lab for testing, or tested in the field.

Based on the results, a report is then issued and sent to the appropriate authorities for distribution or confiscation.

Over the years, the committee has worked to improve the safety and quality standards of products traded in Abu Dhabi to safeguard consumers, support industry and protect the environment.

QCC has one of the largest and most advanced testing laboratories in the country, using state-of-the-art equipment to test thousands of samples that pass through the laboratory every day.

“When the Covid-19 pandemic started, we tested thousands of hand sanitizers,” Ms Al Hashemi said.

“Those found to be counterfeit or harmful were confiscated.

“Ultimately, in recent years, local and international markets have known how stringent our testing procedures are, so very few products or products have been found to be harmful.

“Ultimately, traders want to sell their product and make a profit.

“I don’t recall a certain product or product that had to be completely taken off the market.

“Usually, like a product that had to be withdrawn a few years ago, it’s just a specific batch.”

Ms. Al Hashemi advised consumers to always read labels and check the expiration date when purchasing items.

“Our market is safe, but nothing is ever 100 percent or zero infection,” she said.

“As a consumer, I always check labels.

“Often, especially in summer, it is necessary to check that dairy products are stored at the proper temperature.”

Labels are especially important if a person has any allergies, she said.

Updated: August 1, 2022 at 10:15 am