2010-03-15 11:47:19
WAM Dubai, March 15th, 2010 (WAM) -- A delegation of the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation recently visited the Dubai Municipality's Central Laboratory Department. The delegation was received by Eng. Amin Ahmed Mohamed Amin, Acting Director of Central Laboratory in the presence of heads of sections, technicians and laboratory specialists.

The visit comes within the framework of the exchange of knowledge in the field of tests on different products and strengthening cooperation with strategic partners of the Municipality.

The program included a familiarization tour to different laboratories in Dubai Central Laboratory such as the Consumer Materials Laboratory Section, which includes the gemstones and precious metals testing laboratory, textile laboratory, cosmetics testing laboratory, and the toys testing laboratory, and the Food and Environment Laboratory (Laboratory for Microbiological Analysis of Food).

The delegation was briefed on the techniques of test methods for detection of pork contaminants and allergens (using DNA-PCR) in addition to classical methods and advanced technology in the microbiological risk assessment in different food products, domestic and imported drinking water, and the equipment for Rapid Appreciation of the Bacteria Tests (RABIT) of dairy products.

The delegation was also briefed during its tour of the Engineering Materials Laboratories on the latest tools and equipment used in the examination of reinforced steel bars, which include mechanical and chemical tests according to internationally adopted standard test methods in order to make sure whether it complies with the specifications.

The customs delegation was also briefed on the equipment for the analysis of cement by X-ray to ensure that it conformed to the specifications in view of its impact on concrete mixtures and its performance under the prevailing climatic conditions. The visiting delegation expressed its admiration for the modern techniques used in the examination of road paint as it has an impact on the safety of users of vehicles.

The visit was aimed at making a close review on the services provided by the Central Laboratory and the mechanism in place using the best technology to accomplish these tests efficiently in the interest of health and safety of consumers. It is to be noted that many of these tests are approved by global ISO 17025 standards and are conducted using the best techniques and modern methods of testing in accordance with the approved standard test methods.

In order to become a reference laboratory at the global level and to ensure the accuracy of the results the DCL participates in the Proficiency Testing Programme organized by independent bodies and it has achieved the best results among the other laboratories participating at the global level in these programmes.

WAM/ES/AM