Dubai Municipality launches a nanoparticle detection laboratory to enhance food safety

Dubai Municipality launched a laboratory for detecting nanoparticles in food using ICPMS technology, according to an advanced and specialized testing system aimed at accurately detecting titanium dioxide in manufactured food products and issuing test results within a record time not exceeding five minutes, thus enhancing Dubai’s leadership as a leading center for developing and applying globally recognized standards for laboratory testing and calibration certificates.

This launch comes within the efforts of the Dubai Central Laboratory of Dubai Municipality to develop a system of specialized laboratory tests and improve its technical and technological capabilities, and is a proactive step aimed at enhancing food safety and quality of products in the markets and raising the level of control in the food sector, in addition to enhancing the system’s readiness to deal with the rapid changes in the food industry sector, especially in light of the expansion of the use of nanotechnology applications in manufacturing and improving the properties of food products, whether in terms of color, texture or stability.

The Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department in Dubai Municipality, Eng. Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, confirmed that the launch of the laboratory for detecting nanoparticles in foods is a qualitative addition to the system of specialized laboratory services provided by the laboratory and enhances its role as a supportive reference center for regulatory authorities and public and private sector partners by providing advanced analytical solutions that respond to market needs and keep pace with technical developments and consolidate the emirate’s position as a leading global center in adopting best practices in laboratory control and testing.

She said that the new tests rely on advanced analysis techniques that enable the nanostructure to be characterized accurately and at a high speed of completion by measuring the size of particles, their distribution, and their physical and chemical properties, allowing the distinction between traditional forms of titanium dioxide and those manufactured in nanoscale sizes, and assessing the extent to which products conform to the approved technical requirements and requirements, which supports control efforts and enhances the safety of products traded in the markets.

She added that the development of this laboratory represents a starting point for expanded research and application fields, including in the future the sectors of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and packaging materials, in a way that enhances innovation in government services and allows the development of proactive solutions that support entities in formulating policies and legislation regulating the use of nanoparticles.

The Dubai Central Laboratory confirms its commitment to continue investing in developing its laboratory infrastructure and national competencies and anticipating future challenges in the areas of safety and quality in a way that supports Dubai Municipality’s vision of protecting community health and enhancing the quality of life.

Dubai Municipality had launched the “ViruGenetics” laboratory for advanced detection of food-borne viruses using the latest genomic technologies, in a step that is the first of its kind in the country and reflects its continued commitment to strengthening the food safety system and adopting innovation in laboratory services.

The laboratory operates with an operational capacity of about 60 samples per day, with the possibility of raising the operational capacity to 100 samples per day in emergency situations, completing tests and issuing results within a record period of time, which contributes to accelerating control procedures and making decisions based on accurate and reliable results.