Iran FDA Highlights Modern Laboratory Methods to Detect Food Fraud

A technical official at Iran’s Food and Drug Administration emphasized the need for modern laboratory methods to detect food fraud, assess product authenticity, and support quality control.

The Need to Improve Laboratory Methods for Food Oversight

According to a report attributed to IRIB News Agency dated October 22, 2026, Hossein Sanei-Fard, speaking on the sidelines of the specialized meeting “The Country’s Scientific and Industrial Capabilities in Service of Public Health” in Arak, highlighted the importance of identifying differences between the actual composition of food products and the specifications declared by manufacturers. He explained that food fraud may involve nonconforming raw materials, the addition of foreign substances, undisclosed changes to formulations, or products whose characteristics differ from the information printed on their packaging.

How Laboratory Testing Helps Detect Food Fraud

According to the report, examining labels alone is not sufficient to establish product authenticity and quality. Actual product characteristics should also be evaluated using suitable laboratory methods. Laboratory testing can help identify certain compositional discrepancies, examine chemical and microbiological characteristics, and compare results with technical specifications and relevant criteria. The test method must be selected according to the product, the suspected risk, and applicable technical requirements.

Special Attention to Fortified Foods

Another issue discussed was the need to examine fortified food products. Milk, yogurt, and other foods marketed as containing added vitamins, minerals, or particular nutrients should be evaluated for the identity and quantity of added components and their consistency with declared specifications. Valid laboratory methods can help detect potential discrepancies and improve the reliability of quality-control findings.

The Importance of Specialized Food Testing Laboratories

Specialized laboratories are an important part of the food quality and safety assessment process. Physical, chemical, and microbiological tests appropriate to each sample can provide useful information about raw-material and finished-product quality. Proper sampling, suitable methods, controlled equipment, and accurate recording of results are also important to the reliability of laboratory reports.

IGI Laboratory Services

International Commercial Goods Inspection Company (IGI) provides specialized laboratory services, including food and microbiology testing, to help manufacturers, importers, and other businesses examine sample characteristics. Testing scope and methods depend on the sample type, laboratory capabilities, and agreed technical requirements. Learn more about IGI laboratory services and the food and microbiology laboratory.

Conclusion

The reported emphasis on modern laboratory methods highlights the importance of scientifically evaluating actual food composition alongside product-label checks. Stronger laboratory capabilities, validated test methods, and ongoing food monitoring can help identify discrepancies, improve supply-chain transparency, and protect consumers.

Source: Republication of IRIB News Agency report, October 22, 2026