Key Update

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has launched India’s first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories. The initiative aims to make reliable, quality-assured and internationally benchmarked food testing services more accessible to communities. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the scheme will help extend accredited food testing beyond conventional laboratory settings.

A Framework for Mobile Food Testing

NABL developed the scheme to provide a clear framework for mobile food testing laboratories. It sets standards for laboratories to deliver reliable and quality-assured testing services while meeting internationally benchmarked requirements. The mobile model can take testing facilities directly to communities and areas where conventional laboratory access remains limited.

The initiative can help authorities strengthen food safety surveillance, identify risks faster and support quicker regulatory action. By bringing testing closer to communities, mobile laboratories can help authorities respond more efficiently to emerging food safety concerns.

Building Consumer Confidence

Reliable food testing helps regulators detect safety risks and enforce food safety standards. By expanding access to accredited testing, the new NABL scheme can improve the availability of trustworthy test results and strengthen consumer confidence in food safety systems. The initiative marks an important step towards making accredited food testing more accessible and strengthening India’s food safety surveillance network.

Source: The Hindu Businessline