Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, QCC, the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure and raising awareness on quality standards in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has introduced an innovative method to detect dangerous pathogens in food and the environment, a major step in preventing diseases and infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.
Developed by the Life Science Laboratory of QCC’s Central Testing Laboratory, CTL, the high-tech method uses recombinant bacteriophage proteins to detect Salmonella species, E.coli O157, Campylobacter species and Listeria in less than 19 hours, a significant improvement compared to traditional methods that require up to four days for detection.
The method has been accredited by UKAS, United Kingdom Accreditation Service, which is internationally recognised through the Multilateral Recognition Agreement of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation, ILAC.
Mohammed Helal Al Balooshi, Marketing and Communications Acting Director at Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, QCC, said, “Pathogenic bacteria species account for most food/water related illness and outbreaks and result in an increasing number of fatalities worldwide. The new capability puts CTL on a par with the leading laboratories of the world and further augments Abu Dhabi’s already exemplary capacity to prevent and control outbreaks of food borne diseases.”
He added, “The method has been developed in line with QCC’s priority to build and leverage our internal capabilities for the greater benefit of Abu Dhabi society, helping us consistently meet the testing requirements within the emirate through sustained innovation, research and development.”
Pathogens are biological disease-causing agents. Human beings come into contact with different forms of pathogens every day such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, but most often the body’s immune system destroys them before they cause harm.
QCC’s Central Testing Laboratory was established by consolidating Abu Dhabi’s nine government laboratories into one central facility to develop national testing capabilities. CTL’s current capabilities include testing of food, water, pharmaceuticals and construction materials.
The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council was established in 2009 to raise the quality of the emirate’s exports and locally traded products, while protecting the interests of consumers and supporting the UAE’s competitive economy.
This is achieved through empowering regulators to establish and implement product safety, legal metrology and conformity schemes. QCC also sets guidelines and benchmarks to identify and verify that the products manufactured and traded in Abu Dhabi conform to the highest quality standards.
