On October 15, 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an important notice requiring all food testing labs to adopt specific test report formats. This update, which emphasizes the inclusion of the NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) emblem, aligns with the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, and the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017.

Key Points of the Notice:

• Mandatory Report Formats: Labs must now use designated formats, including “Form VII A – Report of the Food Analyst” and “Form XI – Certificate of Analysis by the Referral Food Laboratory,” when issuing test results. These formats, introduced as part of the Food Safety and Standards (First Amendment) Rules, 2022, ensure uniform reporting for all surveillance, enforcement, and appeal samples.
• Specific Requirements for Imported Food: According to the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017, notified or referral laboratories must submit laboratory analysis reports using FORM-2 for imported food products. This requirement guarantees consistent testing and reporting for imported items.
• Use of NABL Symbol: Laboratories certified under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 must include the NABL symbol in their test reports for tests conducted within their accredited scope. This criterion is based on the NABL 133 policy, which governs the use of the NABL symbol and accreditation claims.

Significance of the Changes

The FSSAI’s actions reflect its commitment to ensuring that food testing in India meets high standards of quality, reliability, and transparency. By standardizing test report formats and requiring NABL accreditation symbols, the FSSAI aims to enhance the credibility of food testing reports and foster greater trust in the food safety system.

These changes are expected to strengthen the enforcement of food safety regulations in the country and streamline regulatory processes. In the case of imported food, where strict compliance with testing requirements is crucial, this notification marks a significant advancement in bolstering food safety regulations in India. By adhering to these mandated formats, laboratories will contribute to a safer and more reliable food supply chain for consumers.

Source: Foodtech Network