{"id":105520,"date":"2026-05-08T13:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T09:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/?p=105520"},"modified":"2026-05-08T13:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T09:00:08","slug":"dubai-launches-virugenetics-lab-for-food-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/dubai-launches-virugenetics-lab-for-food-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Dubai Launches ViruGenetics Lab for Food Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dubai Municipality<\/a> has launched the ViruGenetics Lab, an advanced testing facility dedicated to detecting foodborne virus using the latest genomic technologies at Dubai Central Laboratory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The establishment of the first facility of its kind in the UAE reflects Dubai Municipality\u2019s continued commitment to strengthening food safety, safeguarding public health, and advancing innovation in laboratory services. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance quality of life in Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ViruGenetics Lab has the capacity to process approximately 60 samples per day. However, this can be scaled up to 100 samples in emergency situations. In addition, it delivers results within record turnaround times, which accelerates inspections and supports timely, data-driven decision-making based on reliable findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, the new facility represents a strategic addition to Dubai Central Laboratory\u2019s portfolio in line with international best practices in food control. It also supports Dubai Municipality\u2019s objective to develop and implement globally recognised standards for laboratory testing and calibration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of technology, the laboratory leverages digital PCR (dPCR), one of the most advanced molecular analysis methods in the world. This provides exceptional precision and sensitivity in the quantitative and qualitative detection of viral pathogens linked to foodborne virus risks. These include norovirus as well as hepatitis A and E viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, this technology is particularly effective in handling complex food samples such as dairy products, seafood, juices, and fresh produce. It maintains accuracy even in the presence of analytical inhibitors. All testing procedures are conducted in accordance with ISO\/IEC 17025 standards, ensuring the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commenting on the launch, Eng. Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department at Dubai Municipality, said the opening of the ViruGenetics Lab is part of a broader initiative to establish specialised laboratories equipped with the latest global technologies. She added that this milestone underscores Dubai\u2019s position as a global leader in food safety and health oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the ViruGenetics Lab also serves as a scientific platform that supports collaboration with universities and research centres. It aims to develop a national database of foodborne virus and advance research in this critical field. It further strengthens the health safety ecosystem by providing precise genetic data on viruses associated with the food chain, enabling proactive, science-based decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, this development reinforces Dubai\u2019s ambition in food safety innovation and laboratory excellence. The launch of the ViruGenetics Lab marks a significant step in strengthening monitoring systems for foodborne virus, ensuring faster response, higher accuracy, and improved public health<\/a> protection in the UAE.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dubai Municipality has launched the ViruGenetics Lab, an advanced testing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":105522,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54,9624],"tags":[2023,1867,77,73],"contributor":[9732],"class_list":["post-105520","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-tech","category-smart-sectors","tag-digital-transformation","tag-middle-east","tag-technology","tag-uae","contributor-news-desk"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Testing-Lab.jpg.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Rabab","author_link":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/author\/rabab\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t