UNIDO and JICA operationalises the upgraded Meat Testing Lab to Boost Food Safety in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
Peshawar : (TW) __ The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) held an event, marking the upgradation and operationalization of a meat testing laboratory in collaboration with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety & Halal Food Authority (KPFS&HFA). The initiative is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a part of the Project for Agro-Food and Agro-Industry Development Assistance (PAFAID).
The upgraded laboratory is now equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including Real-time PCR and BAX Systems, which provide rapid and accurate results. These tests include rapid detection of Salmonella, yeast, and mold, as well as enumeration and identification of these contaminants. It can also now isolate Salmonella, E. coli, and coliforms, detect Pseudomonas species in water or food samples, and can also identify Listeria monocytogenes. The capacity of technical staff has also been enhanced through training in advanced sampling strategies and test culturing techniques. These improvements will enable the laboratory to more effectively detect food-borne pathogens, thereby ensuring the safety of meat products in the province.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Director General KPFS&HFA, Mr. Muhammad Wasif Saeed, termed it the first meat testing laboratory in KP province with the latest technologies having a wide range of meat testing capacity.
Secretary Food KP, Mr. Zarif-ul-Mani, praised UNIDO and JICA’s efforts under the PAFAID project for enhancing the capacity of the food testing lab. He emphasized the significant public health benefits resulting from the establishment of the meat testing lab
PAFAID is a four-year JICA-funded project being implemented by UNIDO in close coordination with the Government of Pakistan. It aims at improving pilot applications of compliance capacities and value-addition practices in the cattle meat value chain in KP province and the apple value chain in Balochistan province. For more information, please visit the website www.pafaid.org.