The Malta National Labora-tory has received the prestigious ISO 17025 quality certification from the Malta Standards Authority.

The National Laboratory was set up six years ago and services the public and private sectors. It carries out various tests, including tests on food and drinks, tests on the quality of water and the environment, analysis of metals, pharmaceutical products and textiles as well as various crime-connected tests, including forensic tests and fingerprint analyses.

Presenting the certificate, Investments and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt said the Malta National Laboratory was set up with the aim of having all the different laboratories in government departments form part of this new setup. This was cost effective, reduced duplication of work and improved the possibility of research and innovation.

On his part, Competitiveness Minister Censu Galea said the accreditation was important in terms of competitiveness and also because it guaranteed a level of service according to international standards.