The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation announced the successful completion of the international accreditation assessment of the Reference Laboratory for Poultry Production Control at the Animal Health Research Institute, affiliated with the Agricultural Research Center, in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, by the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC).
Dr. Samah Eid, Director of the Animal Health Research Institute, stated that the assessment was accompanied by an expansion of the laboratory’s accreditation scope through the addition of 12 new tests, bringing the total number of accredited tests and services to 48. These cover poultry disease testing, the safety of food products of poultry origin, poultry feed testing, and laboratory equipment calibration. Experts from the Egyptian Accreditation Council conducted a comprehensive and thorough review of all procedures and technical processes followed by the laboratory over two days.
The Director of the Animal Health Research Institute explained that this renewal confirms the continued technical competence and professional expertise of the laboratory’s research staff. The laboratory has maintained its leading role in supporting the poultry industry since it first received accreditation in 2005, demonstrating its ability to keep pace with the latest global developments in veterinary control and diagnostics.
She noted that the expanded accreditation scope includes four new microbiological tests covering the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, the total coliform count, the detection of Escherichia coli O157, and the detection of Vibrio species.
The accreditation has also been extended to include six advanced molecular tests using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique to identify and classify Salmonella strains, including Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Kentucky, and Salmonella Enteritidis, as well as Campylobacter bacteria, Listeria, and Escherichia coli O157.
She further explained that the accreditation strengthens the laboratory’s quality control system through the addition of two new areas of measurement equipment calibration: digital thermometer calibration and the calibration of temperature and humidity measuring instruments (thermohygrometers). These additions ensure the highest levels of accuracy and reliability in the laboratory environment and in the analyses it produces.
The Director of the Animal Health Research Institute emphasized that the renewal and expansion of accreditation represent a significant enhancement of the Institute’s capabilities and strengthen its pivotal role in protecting Egypt’s poultry wealth and ensuring the provision of safe and healthy food products to citizens.
She added that accreditation granted by a reputable body such as the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC) provides confidence in the accuracy of test results, reports, and certificates issued by the laboratory. She stressed that the Institute prioritizes the continuous modernization of its infrastructure and technical capabilities to support the healthcare and veterinary systems and contribute effectively to achieving national food security.
Dr. Eid expressed her sincere appreciation and gratitude to all employees of the Reference Laboratory, as well as the management and quality team. She praised their dedicated efforts and ongoing commitment to applying the highest international laboratory standards with precision and professionalism, noting that their work played a major role in achieving this accomplishment and maintaining the Institute’s distinction and prestigious standing.
🖋️Source: The National Media Authority Online Portal
