This department undertakes chemical, physical and organoleptic analysis on various food and agricultural products and produce including drinks (Beverages) to ascertain quality and level of compliance with applicable standards. There are five (5) laboratories under the department which perform various analyses:-
Food laboratory which undertakes chemical analysis, organoleptic tests etc. on food and agricultural products and produce.
Drinks laboratory which perform various chemical analysis and organoleptic tests on beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Mycotoxins and Histamine laboratory which perform analysis to ascertain the level of toxins in food products and agricultural produce (e.g. cereals and legumes, fish and fishery products).
The laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 in the area of Fish and Fishery products, cereals and cereal products, nuts and derived products.
Metallic Contaminants Laboratory which perform analysis to ascertain level of contaminants as well as essential and other elements in various products/produce.
The laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 in the area of heavy metals in Fish and Fishery products.
Pesticides Residues Laboratory which perform analysis to ascertain level of pesticides residues and other residues (including veterinary drug residues) as well as active ingredient in formulations. The laboratory also undertakes analyses for PAH and related compounds e.g. in smoke fish as well as quantification of level of poisons etc. in various samples/products. The laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 in the area of low fatty matrices (fruits and Vegetables, cereals etc.)