THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Davao Region formally launched its Halal Verification Laboratory and will be fully operational by January next year.
A series of method-validation of the new halal tests will commence after the training of the chemists in Dubai, UAE on January 2018. As published in previous reports, four chemists, two are Muslim and are graduates of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, were sent to Dubai on November 20 to 23, 2017 for the training they would need in connection to the operations in the lab.
Analytical services to be offered by the Halal verification Laboratory are (1) Porcine DNA Detection, which will determine the presence or absence of pork using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR); (2) Alcohol Content Determination, this will analyze the concentration of ethanol by using head space Gas Chromatography. The sample scopes are fermented foods, sauce, vinegar, herbs, spices, carbonates, and premix drinks; (3) Amino Acid Profiling, this will determine the relative amount of 17 amino acids in raw collagen, gelatin, and capsules by using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.
In an interview with DOST-Davao Director Anthony Sales he said the laboratory shall play a key role in the export and trade regulation of halal products, processes, and services by offering globally competitive laboratory tests and services relative to research and product development as well as quality assurance.
“Consumers will have greater confidence with purchasing halal products in the Davao Region as we bring this verification laboratory here,” he said recognizing that everyone can also avail of these halal certified products as they are not limited to the Muslim community only.
DOST, who supports the mobilization of recently instituted R.A. 10817 known as the Philippines Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 and a bona fide member of the Halal Board, launched the initiative for the establishment of these laboratories.