Food safety gatekeepers in the laboratory (Photos: Siu Yat Chung)

Government Information Bureau

2023-11-10 15:55

The Laboratory Division of the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) continually monitors the quality of drinking water, swimming pools and beaches in Macao, and conducts testing of imported fresh food, cold chain food and food safety supervision samples. It will also provide assistance to other public departments and entities with research and laboratory testing.
The laboratory is equipped with a range of advanced testing instruments and equipment to ensure the reliability and accuracy of test results.
Since the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan in 2011, the IAM has been taking strict risk management measures on the radiation levels of imported foods to ensure their consumption safety. Laboratory technicians receive daily imported food testing sample, where they prepare samples for radionuclides detection.
After preparing samples for radionuclides detection, laboratory technicians use various types of professional instruments to detect for radionuclides in imported foods to determine whether the samples comply with local food safety standards.
According to the Food Safety Law, the IAM coordinates the supervision and management of food safety. Laboratory technicians use different types of instruments and equipment to detect for pesticides and veterinary drug residues, heavy metal content and sulfur dioxide residues in food samples to provide technical support to ensure food safety.
According to the Food Safety Law, the IAM coordinates the supervision and management of food safety. Laboratory technicians use different types of instruments and equipment to detect for pesticides and veterinary drug residues, heavy metal content and sulfur dioxide residues in food samples to provide technical support to ensure food safety.
According to the Food Safety Law, the IAM coordinates the supervision and management of food safety. Laboratory technicians use different types of instruments and equipment to detect for pesticides and veterinary drug residues, heavy metal content and sulfur dioxide residues in food samples to provide technical support to ensure food safety.
The IAM continually collects various food samples for testing at the point of entry into Macao and on the market, building a "double line of defence." More than 3,000 food samples on the market are randomly inspected every year, and more than 10,000 items are tested. This year, the IAM has launched the “mystery shopper” sampling method to obtain samples of food and beverage products and for inspection.
Laboratory technicians of the IAM conduct microbiological sample isolation and confirmation in biological safety cabinets. Food samples often use Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay immunoanalyzer for preliminary microbiological screening tests. If Salmonella is detected, serological tests will be used for bacterial identification.
Laboratory technicians of the IAM conduct microbiological sample isolation and confirmation in biological safety cabinets. Food samples often use Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay immunoanalyzer for preliminary microbiological screening tests. If Salmonella is detected, serological tests will be used for bacterial identification.
The IAM's laboratory obtained the ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation certificate in 2003. Keeping pace with the times, the Laboratory Division continues to improve and optimise testing technology, and maintain compliance with international standards to safeguard the water and food safety of residents.