New structure adds controls for food and drug safety

The Zhuhai Institute for Food & Drug Inspection has commenced operations at a new food-testing building to improve safety standards and inspection capability.

The well-equipped building opened on Aug 15 with floorage of 2,139 sq m. It is prepared to conduct product testing, R&D, and the development of standard-settings.

The staff and equipment can examine 141 food categories and identify 503 materials. These include heavy metals such as lead and arsenic plus additives such as preservatives, synthetic pigments, and sweeteners. Levels of non-food substances such as melamine, Sudan red dye, veterinary drug residues, and pesticide residues can also be detected.

Capacity will be strengthened until the facility is able to detect more than 80 additional substances including bromate and plasticizers. Further enhancement will be finished this year, according to an official.