LUCKNOW: After proving its mettle in detecting heavy metals (such as Lead), trace metals, insecticides and pesticides in food items through Trace Metal Analysers, the Aliganj-based food laboratory has got NABL accreditation. The NABL accreditation would not only enhance the authenticity of the food test reports of these labs, but would also help the officials, as the test reports would be considered valid in any court of law.
Confirming the development, officer in-charge of the food testing laboratory SK Pant told TOI, "We got accreditation on January 29, and we are the first (FSDA/FDA) laboratory in entire north India to get the coveted NABL accreditation." He further stated that the reports of the NABL accredited laboratories are globally accepted and also in any court of law.
NABL stands for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. "It is a body, which is under the Union ministry of Science and Technology, and the accreditation is subjected to surprise inspection by concerned officials in a span of every 10-11 months," Pant said and added that if the standard is not maintained or adhered to, then the accreditation can be suspended or even withdrawn.
The Lucknow laboratory has got accreditation in two categories - milk and dairy products and cereals. The other categories in which NABL accreditation has been sought are: sweets, oil, spices and miscellaneous. Officials also admitted that earlier labs of the state were not NABL-accredited, hence the reports were challenged by the manufacturers of various food items. The in-charge officer of the food laboratory also acknowledged the help he got from principal secretary Hemant Rao and FSDA commissioner BK Singh for expediting the entire process in getting the coveted accreditation. Officials also maintain that as per the provisions of the Food Safety Act, all the food testing laboratories should be NABL-accredited.
Confirming the development, officer in-charge of the food testing laboratory SK Pant told TOI, "We got accreditation on January 29, and we are the first (FSDA/FDA) laboratory in entire north India to get the coveted NABL accreditation." He further stated that the reports of the NABL accredited laboratories are globally accepted and also in any court of law.
NABL stands for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. "It is a body, which is under the Union ministry of Science and Technology, and the accreditation is subjected to surprise inspection by concerned officials in a span of every 10-11 months," Pant said and added that if the standard is not maintained or adhered to, then the accreditation can be suspended or even withdrawn.
The Lucknow laboratory has got accreditation in two categories - milk and dairy products and cereals. The other categories in which NABL accreditation has been sought are: sweets, oil, spices and miscellaneous. Officials also admitted that earlier labs of the state were not NABL-accredited, hence the reports were challenged by the manufacturers of various food items. The in-charge officer of the food laboratory also acknowledged the help he got from principal secretary Hemant Rao and FSDA commissioner BK Singh for expediting the entire process in getting the coveted accreditation. Officials also maintain that as per the provisions of the Food Safety Act, all the food testing laboratories should be NABL-accredited.
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