DAR ES SALAAM: THE Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) is pushing for wider use of its internationally accredited laboratory services as demand grows for scientific evidence in criminal investigations, consumer protection, public health and environmental safety.
Speaking at the ongoing 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), GCLA Director of Product and Environmental Analysis, Shimo Peter said the authority provides scientific analysis of samples linked to forensic investigations, product quality, chemical safety and environmental pollution.
He said GCLA, as Tanzania’s national reference laboratory, supports government agencies, law enforcement institutions, regulators, businesses and the public by providing reliable scientific evidence for decision-making.
“Through laboratory testing, quality assurance and evidence-based analysis, the authority supports public health protection, safer products, environmental management and informed policy decisions,” Mr Peter said.
He said the authority’s work also contributes to the government’s long-term development agenda, including Vision 2050, by strengthening scientific capacity in health and other strategic sectors.
Mr Peter said GCLA has expanded access to its services through laboratories and offices established across six geographical zones, with facilities in Dodoma, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, Geita, Tanga, Mtwara and Songea.
He said the decentralisation of services has reduced the need for individuals and institutions to travel long distances to access specialised laboratory testing.
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The authority also regulates the management and safe use of industrial and household chemicals, with Mr Peter urging manufacturers, importers, distributors and users to comply with the Industrial and Consumer Chemicals (Management and Control) law.
He said GCLA supervises laboratories conducting chemical analyses to ensure they meet national and international standards and produce accurate and reliable results.
Mr Peter added that all GCLA laboratories have achieved international accreditation, allowing their findings to be used in legal proceedings, regulatory decisions, scientific research and commercial activities.
The authority analyses food, water, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial products and environmental samples to help identify harmful substances, address counterfeit and substandard products, monitor pollution and strengthen consumer protection.