Laboratories Section FAQs

This is a service provided by the Laboratory Section to analyze all products related to public health to ensure their safety, quality, and compliance with local and international standard specifications.

The Public Health & Safety Department – Laboratories Section is responsible for providing the product testing service.

The purpose of testing food and environmental products is to ensure products meet safety and quality standards. This helps protect public health by identifying harmful contaminants such as bacteria, chemicals, or allergens, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Yes.

Both individuals and commercial establishments can benefit from our product testing services. Whether you are a consumer concerned about product safety or a business needing to meet regulatory standards, our testing services are available to ensure the quality and safety of your food and environmental products.

We offer testing services for a wide range of products, including but not limited to:

• Food products & Beverages (Microbiological, Chemical analysis and Physical Analysis - Safety& Quality Testing)

• Water samples “Bottled or Unbottled” (Microbiological, Chemical analysis and Physical Analysis - Safety& Quality Testing)

• Cosmetics and personal care products (safety)

• Environmental samples (Various Kinds of water samples, soil samples and plants)

• Packaging Materials testing

The sample must be delivered in a condition that compiling its physical properties, sealed and free of any apparent damage, considering the following conditions: - Chilled: ≤ 5°C - Frozen: -18°C to -4°C - Dry/Water: ≤ 25°C Water samples must be collected in sterilized bottles.

Yes, it is better for imported products to undergo testing before they can enter the market. This ensures that the products meet safety and quality standards required by local regulations, helping to protect both consumers and businesses.

If all testing is required the minimum sample size required for testing is 1 kg or 1 L for food, water samples.However, certain products, such as saffron, honey, and cosmetics, may have different requirements. For these types of samples, we recommend consulting with our Samples Management Team prior to submission or calling (072282029).

• The service is provided directly by the customer by visiting the Ras Al Khaimah Government website (“RAK Digital”) as described in the detailed service description.

• You can also use printing offices, consult specialists in the laboratory department (samples management area) for assistance, or call the direct number (072282029)

• For individuals: Emirates ID.

• For companies: Commercial License. All: Product Image.

The time it takes to complete the analysis and deliver the results depends on the type of tests required and ranges from:

• Most samples: 5–10 working days.

• Legionella: up to 15 days.

No, tracking is currently not available online.

Results shall be sent via email as a digital report.

No, fees apply depending on sample and test type.

The cost depends on the type of sample (e.g., food, cosmetics, or environmental) and the test category (e.g., chemical, microbiological, or physical). VAT is added during payment. Tests are determined based on approved local and international specifications and standards. For more information, please consult the specialists in the laboratory department (sample management area) or call the direct number (072282029).

For example:

• To determine the water's compliance with drinking water specifications, the following tests are performed:

General appearance, Escherichia coli count, coliform count, Pseudomonas aeruginosa count in drinking water, pH, free residual chlorine determination, and total dissolved solids determination. The total cost is estimated at approximately AED 505 excluding tax.

• To determine honey's compliance with honey specifications, the following tests are performed:

General appearance, yeast and mold count, total sugars (honey), moisture assessment, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content assessment, diastase activity, and antibiotic residues (optional). The total cost is estimated at approximately AED 825 excluding tax and approximately AED 1,525 (including antibiotic residue testing).

Visa/MasterCard, mRAK app, and kiosk machines.

Yes, an official report with a Statement of Conformity is issued.

Yes, the lab is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.

Non-compliant report will be sent to the food control section to take the action.

Primarily UAE and GSO; ISO and Codex/FAO- EU also used if needed.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Different foods have different limits depending on the standard; it requires direct consultation with lab.

Yes, including heavy metals testing.

You can consult the specialists in the laboratory department (sample management area) or call the direct number (072282029).

Yes, mention urgency during submission.

Yes, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Monday - Thursday)