University of Karachi sets up dedicated Halal product testing lab

The University of Karachi’s (UoK) International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), has turned its attention to dedicated testing of Halal cosmetics and other Halal products by setting up a special laboratory at its Industrial Analytical Centre.

Safety is the most important health concern with halal cosmetics.

Not only with the final product but also with the raw materials, ingredients, equipment, apparatus, utensils, labels, packaging material, technology, and the process employed in the production, which need to be deemed safe to use and should not pose any health risk.

The move by the UoK to set up the lab was explained by Director ICCBS-UoK, Professor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Chaudhry, while talking to a delegation of scientists at ICCBS-UoK, a statement on Sunday said.

Dr. Chaudhry said that the objective of the establishment of this laboratory is to provide the industry and government with a platform to assist in fulfilling the role of an authentic halal testing laboratory and a certifying body.

“ICCBS is the institution of higher learning, which imparts highest quality research training to its students in frontier fields of science and technology,” says Dr Chaudhry.

“The Centre for Bio-equivalence Studies and Clinical Research (CBSCR) is also one of new research facilities, which is offering for the first time in Pakistan a unique facility of certified reference laboratory that conducts bio-equivalence evaluation and development of generic pharmaceutical products in full compliance with the regulatory authorities in Europe, USA and Japan.”

ICCBS also aims to provide future leaders in the Halal industry

He continues that the ICCBS also aims to provide future leaders in the Halal industry arena as well as the required well-trained human capital to cater the needs of the Halal industry in the research, development, innovation and commercialisation of Halal consumer products as well as various Shariah-compliant service industries like tourism and hospitality.

“ICCBS is the only research establishment in the country where the scientists are working day and night on various sciences fronts,” he adds.

The laboratory is working under experienced and qualified scientists, including Professor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Bhanger, Dr Kamran Azim, Dr Syed Ghulam Musharraf and Dr Shakeel Ahmed.

Dr Iqbal Chaudhry adds that the ICCBS has strong academic and research strength and a conducive environment for working on this front.