Membres

SGS – Enhancing Food Safety and Combating Fraud

As the global food system grows increasingly complex, ensuring the safety, quality, and integrity of food products is critical. SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company, plays a pivotal role in this mission. By offering state-of-the-art laboratories and comprehensive testing services, SGS stands at the forefront of ensuring food safety and combating food fraud, particularly in the Middle East. With a focus on consumer health, regulatory compliance, and industry transparency, SGS is driving the region's food safety culture forward.

Systematic Approach to Food Safety and Fraud Prevention

SGS is a trusted leader in enhancing food safety and preventing food fraud. Through advanced testing methodologies, the company identifies risks ranging from contamination to adulteration across the food supply chain. SGS’s testing services are designed to detect added sugar in juices, sweeteners in beverages, and adulterated honey, protecting consumers from deceptive practices and ensuring product integrity. Another example of in-country testing capability to precisely identify meat species using RNA-based techniques contributes largely towards combating food fraud. This technology helps prevent fraudulent labeling, which is particularly crucial in the meat industry, where substitution fraud is a growing concern. By employing these advanced testing methods, SGS ensures that products meet legal and consumer expectations for authenticity.

Innovating for Emerging Food Safety Concerns

SGS is proactive in addressing emerging food safety challenges. One of the most pressing concerns in food safety today is the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food, water, and food contact materials. These harmful chemicals, linked to serious health issues, are being increasingly found in food-related products. SGS’s continued investment in research and development allows the company to stay ahead of these risks, offering advanced detection methods that ensure food and water safety.

Navigating Market Access and Regulatory Compliance

SGS provides vital support to businesses seeking to navigate complex regulatory environments. In the UAE, SGS offers certifications such as the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme for Honey and Energy Drinks, Organic Certification, and UAE Sustainable Agriculture Certification. These services help businesses meet stringent local standards, facilitating smoother market access.

For companies exporting to neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, SGS offers Certificates of Conformity for regulated food products, ensuring compliance with destination country regulations. The company also supports agricultural exporters to Oman by offering pesticide residue testing, ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural produce.

Halal Certification in the Middle East

In the Middle East, adherence to Islamic dietary laws is a significant consideration for food producers. SGS Middle East is a trusted provider of halal certification, ensuring that food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals comply with halal standards. This certification enhances the credibility of halal products and facilitates access to key markets across the region.

Commitment to Industry Support and Regional Collaboration

SGS’s commitment to food safety extends beyond testing and certification. The company is deeply engaged in the food safety ecosystem, working closely with industry stakeholders and regional authorities to promote best practices and regulatory compliance. SGS will showcase its latest advancements in food safety testing at the SGS Food Forum in Dubai on January 30, 2025. This event will serve as a platform for discussing emerging food safety challenges and innovations with key industry players.

Additionally, SGS actively participates in leading food industry exhibitions, such as the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition and Gulfood Manufacturing, reinforcing its role as a supporter of the food sector. SGS also demonstrates its commitment to the region by certifying agricultural projects like the first wheat & dairy farm in Maleha, further bolstering the local food safety and sustainability landscape.

A Cornerstone of Excellence in Food Safety

Through its continuous investment in cutting-edge technology and regulatory solutions, SGS Middle East remains a cornerstone of excellence in food safety. By offering innovative testing services, facilitating market access, and supporting regulatory compliance, SGS ensures that food products are safe, authentic, and of the highest quality. As food safety standards evolve and new challenges emerge, SGS’s proactive and systematic approach continues to set the gold standard for the industry.

SGS has established itself as a vital partner in advancing food safety across the Middle East, collaborating with key industry and government stakeholders. The company’s involvement in major events like COP28, EXPO 2020, and the Bahrain International Circuit highlights its commitment to promoting food safety, quality, and sustainability in the region. By providing expert testing, certification, and regulatory solutions, SGS supports the region's efforts to meet global standards and ensure the integrity of food products. Through its partnerships, SGS not only facilitates compliance with local and international regulations but also strengthens consumer trust, contributing to a safer and more transparent food supply chain. This active engagement underscores SGS’s role as a trusted leader in food safety, committed to supporting regional initiatives and driving the industry's growth and development.

By supporting both businesses and regulatory authorities, SGS is helping to shape a safer, more transparent, and sustainable food supply in the Middle East and beyond. With a commitment to consumer health, industry integrity, and continuous improvement, SGS is poised to remain at the forefront of global food safety efforts.