AMDC's Life Sciences Lab has reached a significant milestone by earning the prestigious ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certification. This achievement not only validates the lab’s commitment to maintaining high-quality testing standards but also marks a pivotal step in advancing food and water safety in the Maldives.
A Milestone for Food Safety in the Maldives
During a ceremony at Jen Hotel, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim underscored the need for a stronger regulatory framework to ensure food safety. He acknowledged that while the Maldives ratified the Food Safety Act in August, much work remains to enhance the country's food testing capabilities.
“The level of food testing in our laboratories is still modest,” Minister Nazim said, emphasizing that this limitation presents a significant challenge for both the National Laboratory and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA).
Citing alarming statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), the minister highlighted that unsafe food consumption causes over 400,000 deaths globally each year, with Southeast Asia being the most affected region.
AMDC's Role in Raising Testing Standards
AMDC's CEO, Kishore Asokan, emphasized the lab’s critical role in improving testing standards to meet international requirements. “Our laboratory is committed to providing faster and more reliable testing services for food and water, ensuring the safety of everyone who depends on these essential resources,” he said during the ceremony.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certification reflects the lab’s rigorous processes and technical competence, enabling it to deliver high-accuracy results. This achievement also aligns with global best practices, positioning the AMDC lab as a key player in enhancing food and water safety in the region.
Cutting-Edge Testing Capabilities
Launched in March last year, AMDC’s Life Sciences Lab offers comprehensive testing services for food and water. Among its advanced capabilities is the ability to test for Legionella bacteria, which previously required samples to be sent overseas. By providing such services locally, the lab eliminates delays and reduces the logistical challenges faced by businesses and regulatory authorities in the Maldives.
The lab's streamlined processes not only save time but also help stakeholders address potential health risks more effectively. This capability is expected to play a vital role in ensuring compliance with the recently enacted Food Safety Act.
Strengthening National Food Safety Efforts
Minister Nazim highlighted the lab’s importance in supporting the broader national agenda for food safety. “With this certification, AMDC’s laboratory is setting a benchmark for food and water testing in the Maldives, which is essential to protect public health and boost consumer confidence,” he said.
The minister’s remarks were echoed by AMDC Chairman Adam Naeem, who handed the certification to the lab’s department head during the ceremony. This certification is expected to pave the way for more robust food safety measures and reinforce the Maldives' reputation as a safe destination for locals and tourists alike.
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