New molecular biology lab boosts food safety testing in Taizhou

A woman works in a laboratory at the Taizhou Food Inspection Institute. [Photo/Taizhou Food Inspection Institute]

The Molecular Biology Laboratory of the Taizhou Food Inspection Institute was recently put into operation, filling a technical gap in food source identification and genetically modified (GMO) detection. To date, the lab has already completed more than 100 testing tasks with high efficiency.

The Food Inspection Institute began building the lab earlier this year in order to more precisely identify food quality and ensure food safety.

According to lab technicians, traditional food testing methods have limitations in tracing ingredients. By applying molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid extraction and gene amplification, the lab achieves greater accuracy and specificity compared to conventional chemical or sensory testing. It can uncover previously hard-to-detect adulteration issues, such as verifying lotus content in lotus root powder, authentic beef content in beef sauce, and whether soybeans are genetically modified.

During the trial phase, the lab not only provided precise technical services to enterprises, helping local food producers enhance internal control standards and quality management systems, but also organized public science outreach activities. These demonstrations allowed residents to better understand testing processes and improve their ability to identify food quality.

From risk monitoring and industry support to consumer protection, the new laboratory has established a more advanced and precise food safety assurance system, marking a major step forward in the strengthening of the city's food safety framework.