Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been
established under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
as a statutory body for laying down science based standards for articles
of food and to regulate manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and
import of food so as to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food
for human consumption.
There is requirement of large numbers of food testing laboratories for successful implementation of FSS Act, 2006 because all food testing has to be done in recognised laboratories. At present, the capacity is highly inadequate, both for testing food for regulation purpose or otherwise by FBO. Under the provision of Section 43(3) of FSS Act, 2006, the Food Authority may frame regulations specifying the functions of food laboratory and referral laboratory The FSSAI intends to invite applications from NABL or other accredited Food Testing laboratories for recognition as FSSAI Recognised Food Testing Laboratories. The applicant’s lab must be accredited for the required scope of testing and should be well equipped in terms of manpower, equipment & other infrastructure for laboratories, requirements of analysis/ test requirements for food items as per FSS Regulation and should be able to offer consultancy/ advice to the concerned State Government/ Central Government / any other agency.
Background
Under the Section 43(3) of FSS Act, 2006, the Food Authority may frame regulations specifying the functions of food laboratory and referral laboratory and the local area or areas within which such functions may be carried out; the procedure for submission to the said laboratory of samples of articles of food for analysis or tests, the forms of the laboratory reports thereon and the fees payable in respect of such reports; and such other matter as may be necessary or expedient to enable the said laboratory to carry out its functions effectively. Food laboratories in public sector has very important role to play in food safety as all legal samples are tested in these laboratories. FSSAI intends to recognise NABL or other accredited laboratories for the analysis of food samples sent by Authorized Officer/ Food Safety Officer/ consumer/ Food business operator.
The recognition scheme is applicable to laboratories, which are functioning independently irrespective of being an in-house laboratory or linked directly or indirectly to any of the manufacturing / processing unit /organization/ Institution to the satisfaction of FSSAI provided the laboratory demonstrates that there is no conflict of interest.
Scope of work
FSSAI has been mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for performing the various functions related to Food Quality and Safety. These functions in addition to others include “Laying down procedure and guidelines for recognition of laboratories and notification of the accredited laboratories”. Accredited laboratories before submitting their proposal should satisfy themselves on the following points:-
The laboratory shall follow the scientific protocols laid down for handling/testing the food samples.
Maintaining high standards of accuracy, reliability and credibility in the operation of the laboratory and achieving and maintaining the required levels of reliability.
Laying down mechanism for ensuring that personnel of the laboratory adhere to high professional standards and discipline.
Laboratory will gain International/ National recognition for its commitment to quality, competency and reliable results. It will help to assure customer that the laboratory has technical competence to provide reliable and accurate test or calibration results.
It will assure that the recognized laboratories are operating in accordance with its efficient management system
For more information, visit the Link
There is requirement of large numbers of food testing laboratories for successful implementation of FSS Act, 2006 because all food testing has to be done in recognised laboratories. At present, the capacity is highly inadequate, both for testing food for regulation purpose or otherwise by FBO. Under the provision of Section 43(3) of FSS Act, 2006, the Food Authority may frame regulations specifying the functions of food laboratory and referral laboratory The FSSAI intends to invite applications from NABL or other accredited Food Testing laboratories for recognition as FSSAI Recognised Food Testing Laboratories. The applicant’s lab must be accredited for the required scope of testing and should be well equipped in terms of manpower, equipment & other infrastructure for laboratories, requirements of analysis/ test requirements for food items as per FSS Regulation and should be able to offer consultancy/ advice to the concerned State Government/ Central Government / any other agency.
Background
Under the Section 43(3) of FSS Act, 2006, the Food Authority may frame regulations specifying the functions of food laboratory and referral laboratory and the local area or areas within which such functions may be carried out; the procedure for submission to the said laboratory of samples of articles of food for analysis or tests, the forms of the laboratory reports thereon and the fees payable in respect of such reports; and such other matter as may be necessary or expedient to enable the said laboratory to carry out its functions effectively. Food laboratories in public sector has very important role to play in food safety as all legal samples are tested in these laboratories. FSSAI intends to recognise NABL or other accredited laboratories for the analysis of food samples sent by Authorized Officer/ Food Safety Officer/ consumer/ Food business operator.
The recognition scheme is applicable to laboratories, which are functioning independently irrespective of being an in-house laboratory or linked directly or indirectly to any of the manufacturing / processing unit /organization/ Institution to the satisfaction of FSSAI provided the laboratory demonstrates that there is no conflict of interest.
Scope of work
FSSAI has been mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 for performing the various functions related to Food Quality and Safety. These functions in addition to others include “Laying down procedure and guidelines for recognition of laboratories and notification of the accredited laboratories”. Accredited laboratories before submitting their proposal should satisfy themselves on the following points:-
The laboratory shall follow the scientific protocols laid down for handling/testing the food samples.
Maintaining high standards of accuracy, reliability and credibility in the operation of the laboratory and achieving and maintaining the required levels of reliability.
Laying down mechanism for ensuring that personnel of the laboratory adhere to high professional standards and discipline.
Laboratory will gain International/ National recognition for its commitment to quality, competency and reliable results. It will help to assure customer that the laboratory has technical competence to provide reliable and accurate test or calibration results.
It will assure that the recognized laboratories are operating in accordance with its efficient management system
For more information, visit the Link
