Abu Dhabi’s Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and Investment Office (ADIO) have developed a guideline for safe tasting and sensory evaluation of novel foods. The 8 October announcement says it covers cell-cultivated foods, alternative proteins, precision-fermentation products and other innovative ingredients. The framework is aimed at research before full UAE market approval; it is not a general authorisation for commercial sale.

Companies may conduct tasting studies in a controlled research setting. ADQCC’s Central Testing Laboratory will provide laboratory verification and technical evaluation, while ADAFSA will review applications and issue the regulatory approvals needed for trials. The announced requirements include product-safety assessment, testing, oversight and participant protection. Officials say Abu Dhabi’s diverse population can help research consumer preferences, but the notice gives no study results, participant counts or list of products already approved.