UAE lab’s PCR test checks if your food is halal

  • Date: 05-Mar-2021
  • Source: Khaleej Times
  • Sector:Agriculture
  • Country:UAE
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UAE lab’s PCR test checks if your food is halal

An RT-PCR test for Covid-19 is common knowledge, but did you know it can also tell if your food is halal?

Yes, the Abu Dhabi-based Aman Lab is using the same DNA technology to find out if food and cosmetic products in the UAE contain pork DNA.

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A variety of food products are produced through the use of animal proteins and meat, and it is difficult to identify the presence of hidden meat in processed food. Some items often contain traces of pork when produced in non-Muslim countries. Aman Lab uses the RT-PCR technology to check for contamination in food products.

Laboratory manager Shijil Erunamcheri said the technique helps detect pork DNA in food samples from public and private sector clients. “Through this method, it is easy to find the meat adulteration and even dead cells of other DNAs up to the finest level of measurement. Presence of genetically modified organism (GMO) can also be detected through this method. The main importance of RT-PCR is to find out the pork content in food and cosmetic products. RT-PCR