Merieux NutriSciences announced recently the closing of transaction with Inspection, Diagnosis and Analysis Lab Company (IDAC), a market leader for food testing services in the Kingdom, after obtaining the license from Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).
Following the approval of the SAGIA, the joint venture will operate under the new brand name, IDAC Merieux NutriSciences, and grow its service portfolio to meet rising demand from clients that face increased challenges in food safety and quality.
Licensed by Saudi Food & Drugs Authority (SFDA) as well as the Ministry of Agriculture, IDAC Merieux NutriSciences is now privately-held by Arabian Agricultural Services Company (Arasco, majority shareholder) and Merieux NutriSciences. It operates a 30,000 sqm testing facility, performing over 1,600 different tests in 13 specialized laboratories. It is well rooted locally with the nationally recognized Certificate of Accreditation by Saudi Accreditation Committee (SAC).
Moreover, IDAC Merieux NutriSciences is stated to be the only private food lab in the region that has international accreditation ISO 17025 by International Accreditation Services from the United States (IAS).
As of 2015, IDAC Merieux NutriSciences will launch a comprehensive range of solutions for clients in Saudi Arabia. By leveraging its testing capabilities, it will redefine food safety programs for restaurants, retailers and manufacturers.
On the other hand, consumer sensory evaluation will be added to its testing portfolio.
Haitham Altraif, who has been successfully developing IDAC over the past years, remains CEO of IDAC Merieux NutriSciences and will develop operations in the region. “We are very pleased to complete the transaction and to begin our operation in Saudi Arabia. By now, we are able to serve our clients in the region faster and better,” stated Philippe Sans, president and CEO of Merieux NutriSciences, at the official ceremony held on Jan. 27, at the Embassy of France in Riyadh to celebrate the partnership.