DOST XI Launches New Laboratory for Local Halal Industry
The DOST Davao Region launched the newly established Halal Verification Laboratory situated at the DOST Regional Office last November 24, 2017 as a show of support to the Halal Industry in Mindanao.
Among the officials who graced the launching are Norhaida M. Lumaan, Regional Director of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and Engr. Edgar I. Garcia, Director of Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).
This project is integrated with the OneLab Project which has established a DOST-wide system with a comprehensive database that amplifies public access to the wide array of services of all DOST laboratories.
The 50-million facility is funded by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development or (DOST-PCIEERD). “This offering will be a great boost to our fellow Halal manufacturers and consumers. We are optimistic that through this we can optimize and take advantage of the global Halal opportunities presented to us,” Dr. Anthony C. Sales said.
The analytical Services to be offered by the Halal Verification Laboratory are as follows:
- Porcine DNA Detection – this test method will determine the presence or absence of pork (porcine DNA) using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
- Alcohol Content Determination – this test method will analyze the concentration of ethanol by using head space Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). The sample scopes are fermented foods, sauce, vinegar, herbs, spices, carbonated and premix drinks.
- Amino Acid Profiling – this test method will determine the relative amount of 17 amino acids in raw collagen, gelatin and capsules by using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.
Method-validation of the new halal tests will commence after the training of the Chemists in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on the first quarter of 2018.
The DOST initiated the actualization of the Halal Verification Laboratory to support the mobilization of the recently instituted Republic Act 10817 known as the Philippines Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 which recognizes the role of exports of Halal industries to the national economic development.
DOST XI S&T PROMOTIONS
Noted by:
Anthony C. Sales, Ph.D., CESO III
Regional Director