Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council releases novel food evaluation guidelines

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), in collaboration with the ADAFSA and the ADIO, has developed a new guideline that sets out an integrated framework for conducting tasting and sensory evaluation of novel foods safely. The guideline opens new opportunities for scientific research, innovation and investment in the emirate’s advanced food technology sector.

The Abu Dhabi Guideline for Tasting and Sensory Evaluation of Novel Foods provides a clear pathway for assessing new food technologies before full UAE market approval; these include cell-cultivated foods, alternative proteins, precision fermentation products and other innovative food ingredients.

The guideline was developed in close collaboration with international novel food technology companies, together with academic institutions, experts and regulators. This reflects Abu Dhabi’s approach of engaging directly with industry, listening to its needs and developing practical solutions to the challenges that food innovators face.

ADIO contributed to the guideline through the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, inviting companies specialising in novel foods to join the working group that prepared it. The step forms part of ADIO’s efforts to attract innovative food companies to Abu Dhabi, connect them with regulators and provide an environment that makes it easier for them to establish and grow their businesses in the emirate.

Under the framework, companies can conduct tasting and sensory evaluation studies within a controlled research environment. This addresses an important gap between early-stage product development and commercial market entry, allowing companies to advance their research, refine their products and gather data that informs investment decisions and future commercialisation plans.

Abu Dhabi’s population and cultural diversity give companies a strategic advantage when conducting these studies in the emirate, with access to participants from many nationalities, cultural backgrounds and demographic groups. Companies can use this to gauge consumer acceptance, understand differing preferences and generate research data for developing food products aimed at regional and global markets.

His Excellency Engineer Abdulla Al Yazeedi, Acting Secretary General of ADQCC, said: “The future of food will be determined not by innovation alone, but by our ability to turn scientific discoveries into solutions that are safe, reliable and commercially viable.

“Through this initiative, we are creating an environment where new food technologies can be developed and evaluated with confidence. By bringing together scientific excellence, advanced testing capabilities and regulatory expertise, we are strengthening the quality infrastructure that enables innovation, attracts international investment and supports the development of future industries. In this way, quality infrastructure becomes a strategic enabler of economic diversification, industrial competitiveness and long-term food security.”

The guideline sets out clear requirements for product safety assessment, laboratory testing, regulatory oversight and the protection of participants in tasting trials. ADQCC’s Central Testing Laboratory will play a central role in providing laboratory verification and technical evaluation services, while ADAFSA will review trial applications and issue the regulatory approvals needed to conduct them in a controlled environment.

His Excellency Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, said: “The future of food security depends on our ability to adopt new technologies while upholding the highest standards of safety and protecting public health.

“This initiative provides a clear and responsible pathway for developing novel foods, supporting a more diverse, resilient and sustainable food system. It also affirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing innovation while keeping consumer safety at the heart of food technology development.”

Beyond its scientific and regulatory value, the initiative strengthens Abu Dhabi’s appeal to international investors. It gives greater clarity on the regulatory requirements for early-stage research, makes it easier for innovators to work with regulators and opens new opportunities for global food technology companies to set up research and development operations in the emirate.

His Excellency Badr Salim Sultan Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: “Through the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, and in collaboration with regulatory authorities, we are developing an integrated ecosystem in Abu Dhabi that supports the growth of innovative food companies, enabling them to advance their research towards commercial application. The new guideline represents an important addition to this ecosystem, providing a clear and structured pathway for testing and developing products in line with international best practices.”

The initiative is expected to stimulate research partnerships, increase demand for specialised laboratory testing services, attract advanced food technology companies and support investment in emerging industries, while strengthening the emirate’s position in the global food technology value chain.

By bringing together industry-led innovation, scientific excellence, a diverse population and a supportive investment environment, Abu Dhabi is laying the foundations for a future food economy that turns new technologies into new industries and economic opportunities, contributing to sustainable food security and the emirate’s global competitiveness.