MUSCAT, July 17 - The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources has activated eight sub-laboratories for testing food and water samples in the wilayats of Barka, Saham, Al Buraimi, Musandam, Ibri, Nizwa, Ibra and Sur. The sub-labs will function in coordination with the ministry’s central food and water laboratory to ensure the food and water products in the market are safe for human consumption. The central lab provides analysis of food and water samples check for compliance with the standard specifications of imported and home-grown products.
Last year a total of 18,200 samples were tested in the central and sub-laboratories. An addition of new sections in the future will see the central lab transformed into an integrated referral lab that carries out all the necessary tests related to the safety of food and water products. The central lab is currently pursuing the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation having already obtained the ISO/9001 Quality Management certification.
The central lab was part of a team formed by the Al Mawaleh Central Market administration to perform pesticide residue analysis in fruits and vegetables. The central lab also conducts lab testing of pesticide residue levels in fruits and vegetables, food-borne mycotoxins and heavy metals in food and water as well as other necessary tests to ensure food and water safety.
Muzna al Fahdiyah
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