ABU DHABI: M42, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), has launched the UAE’s first and only fully equipped honey testing laboratory at the Central Testing Laboratory (CTL). This state-of-the-art facility, Honey Quality Laboratory, is supported by M42’s Environmental Sciences team and is designed to ensure the quality, safety and authenticity of honey products, setting new standards for the industry.
The Honey Quality Laboratory is equipped to test a variety of factors, ensuring that honey products are free from additives and other contaminants. It will also verify the unique characteristics of different honey types, such as the popular Abu Dhabi Sidr honey, and assess sugar content, moisture levels and acidity to ensure compliance with international standards.
Abdulla Al Muaini, Executive Director, CTL, at Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, said, ‘By establishing this advanced testing facility with M42, we aim to support local producers and enhance the market posit
ioning of Abu Dhabi honey on a global scale. Our efforts contribute to the broader goals of the ADQCC in maintaining high quality and conformity standards. This initiative ensures that local and international standards are met, fostering trust and confidence among consumers and stakeholders.’
The laboratory uses state-of-the-art technology, enabled by proprietary data and an AI-enhanced Lab Information Management System (LIMS). This ensures efficient, accurate and optimized testing processes. The specialised team of experts perform a wide range of tests to assess honey quality, from unique genetically modified organism-testing mechanisms, to detecting any form of adulteration the honey might have undergone.
Albarah Elkhani, Senior Vice President, Operations, M42, said, ‘By leveraging advanced technology and scalable capabilities, we are not only contributing to the local economy and national goals, but we’re also setting a benchmark for global applicability. M42 focuses on people, not just patients; health,
not just healthcare; prevention, not just treatment.’
He added, ‘Our ‘One Health’ approach highlights the vital connection between planet and human health. By ensuring high-quality standards in products like honey, we indirectly support biodiversity and look to safeguard the health of people, communities, and ecosystems alike.’
M42’s collaboration with ADQCC is underpinned by a 10-year agreement, signed at COP28, to enhance the CTL laboratories in Abu Dhabi. This partnership supports various government entities, including the Abu Dhabi Food Safety Authority, providing critical testing services that ensure public health and safety.
Dr. Wael Elamin, Medical Director, Environmental Sciences, M42, said, ‘Our partnership with ADQCC enables us to enhance testing capabilities and optimize operations utilizing AI solutions, providing critical insights and vital data to government agencies, businesses and consumers. Our honey testing service is a key component of our food and beverage testing portfolio, making us t
he leading, and only, lab in the region with such holistic and fully equipped testing capabilities to provide real-time insights for decision-makers.’
M42 optimises Central Testing Laboratory operations utilising AI, with the goal of strengthening current testing and conformity services in areas such as food and beverages, water, medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, agriculture, packaging materials, food contact materials, radiation and environmental checks.
Source: Emirates News Agency