Food testing lab to go hi-tech

The laboratory will be shifted to an independent building

The food testing lab in Mysore will be provided sophisticated testing equipment to enable complex examination procedures

The only food testing laboratory in the Mysore division is set to go high-tech: it is being shifted to an independent spacious building on the campus of the District Surgeon’s office at Tilak Nagar here, from its original home at the office of the District Health Officer.

Once the lab is shifted to its new premises, sophisticated testing equipment will be installed to enable complex examination procedures, according to the authorities here.

The lab building has been constructed with funding from the World Bank. The equipment, some costing as much as Rs. 2 crore, have been procured with collective funding from the State and Union governments, the World Bank, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSA).

“As food safety is essential, the lab will be equipped to conduct tests on all types of foods to determine whether food is adulterated, contaminated or contains harmful chemicals,” said Chidambara, Designated Officer, Food Safety and Standards Wing, Mysore.

He told The Hindu that accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) would be sought once the upgrade was complete. The lab will certify foods as per the standards laid down by the FSSA. There are also plans to install equipment to test the nutritive value of foodstuffs, he added.

A microbiology unit will also be established by year-end to test prepared food such as rice, chapathis, sambar, sweets, snacks and so on. Prepared food served in hotels can be checked once the unit is set up.

Food samples for tests are collected based on complaints, suspicion, and random inspection. Dr. Chidambara said Food Safety Officers in each taluk were entrusted with the job. “It is mandatory to collect four food samples in case of complaints or suspicion. Only one sample is sent for lab tests, while the others are kept in my custody if they are collected in random inspection,” he said.

If food is found to be unsafe for consumption, for reasons such as contamination or the presence of harmful chemicals, or threatens to pose a serious health hazard to the public, a case is booked against the concerned parties who are liable for punishment and a heavy penalty, according to Dr. Chidambara.

He said concerned citizens could also submit food samples for tests; however, they will need to furnish credible information on the samples and certain documents to justify their argument.

In case of food poisoning, samples can be tested at the Mysore lab instead of sending them Bangalore, he added.

The laboratory will be shifted to an independent building and provided sophisticated equipment