QCAP Ismailia branch
- As part of its ongoing leadership in supporting the access of Egyptian agricultural exports to global
markets, the Central Laboratory of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Food (QCAP)
has established its first branch outside Cairo in Ismailia Governorate. This step reinforces QCAP’s role in
conducting comprehensive chemical and microbiological analyses that ensure the safety and quality of
food.
Strategically located near major agricultural export hubs in Canal Zone, Sharqia, and Salhia regions, the
new QCAP Ismailia branch will significantly accelerate testing turnaround times for export crops
originating from nearby areas—most notably: peanuts, oranges, mangoes, strawberries, peaches, and
other key export commodities.
In addition to enhancing efficiency in testing, this branch will strengthen the oversight capabilities of
relevant regulatory bodies to verify the compliance of export crop farms with required standards and
ensure the safety and quality of food in surrounding markets. This will be achieved in collaboration with
the Agricultural Pesticide Committee and the National Food Safety Authority.
Following the submission of the proposal for the establishment of this branch by Prof. Dr. Hend
Abdellah, Director of QCAP, and her emphasis on its importance, the initiative received full approval
and support from Prof. Dr. Mohamed Soliman, President of the Agricultural Research Center.
Looking ahead, QCAP aims to establish additional regional branches near major Egyptian agricultural
production zones, in alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy, to support national efforts in
monitoring and optimizing the use of chemical inputs. These expansions also aim to reinforce
cooperation with all entities involved in food safety and quality assurance across Egypt.
Advanced Capabilities at QCAP Ismailia
The Ismailia branch is equipped with the latest analytical instruments for chemical contaminant residue
detection, including:
- LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry)
- GC-MS/MS (Gas Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry)
In addition, the branch houses a full suite of supporting laboratory equipment, such as:
- High-speed centrifuges
- Orbital shakers
- State-of-the-art grinding and sample preparation units
- Deionized water systems
- And various auxiliary devices
The branch will specialize in the analysis of
- Mycotoxins
- Pesticide residues
Highly qualified researchers and analysts—trained at the QCAP headquarters in Cairo and possessing
international experience—have been assigned to this facility.
All analytical methods implemented at this branch have been thoroughly validated. The lab is currently
in the process of being accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for pesticide residue and mycotoxin
analysis in food. Additional methods will be accredited upon client request in the near future.