The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has inaugurated its first state-of-the-art Food Testing Laboratory and Research Centre in Hayatabad, Peshawar.
Built for Rs. 905 million, this facility is the first permanent food testing lab in KP, equipped with cutting-edge technology to assess food quality and identify harmful substances. The centre features specialized units for food microbiology, chemistry, nutritional analysis, pesticide and mycotoxin detection, as well as heavy metal testing. It is capable of analyzing a wide range of products, including milk, meat, and edible oils, and can even conduct sensory evaluations.
The laboratory brings together eight sub-labs under one roof and is supported by an online reporting platform and a modern Management Information System (MIS) to streamline data management and reporting.
Meeting international ISO standards, the lab can test up to 1,500 parameters across more than 100 food categories. It is designed to detect hazardous chemicals like aflatoxins and formalin, as well as bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and various molds. The facility also offers water and beverage testing for heavy metals and can provide detailed nutritional profiles, including fat, protein, moisture, ash, and calorie content.
According to the Chief Minister, the establishment of this lab is in line with the vision of Imran Khan, aiming to deliver high-quality services and improve public health standards. The lab is also equipped to check for antibiotic residues in meat and dairy, and can issue halal certifications by verifying the absence of prohibited or harmful animal ingredients.
To facilitate sample collection, over 20 Food Authority offices across the province will serve as collection points, with a digital tracking system in place to ensure transparency and public access to test results.
The Chief Minister commended the swift completion of the project and emphasized the importance of keeping the facility updated with the latest advancements. He issued a stern warning against food adulteration, labeling it a grave threat to public health, and made it clear that only products approved by this laboratory would be permitted for sale. The lab’s services will also be available to other government departments and agencies.
