Report

Kerala is on track to have its food safety laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in microbiology. This follows the launch of a new microbiology laboratory at the Government Analysts Laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

Timely Accreditation for All Laboratories

Health Minister Veena George confirmed that the state will achieve NABL accreditation for all three food safety laboratories within a defined timeframe. This recognition will enhance Kerala’s reputation in food safety, especially as the state has ranked first in the National Food Safety Index for two consecutive years. The Minister stressed the severity of food adulteration and assured the public that authorities would enforce strict measures against individuals violating food safety regulations.

Enhanced Capacity with New Laboratory

The new microbiology laboratory in Thiruvananthapuram will greatly enhance the Food Safety Department’s ability to detect harmful microbes in food products. Previously, similar facilities were available only in Ernakulam and Kozhikode. The laboratory, built to NABL standards, operates within the Government Analysts Laboratory, where staff process over 25,000 food samples from four districts annually.

Kerala Leads in NABL Accreditation

Kerala became the first state in India to complete the FSSAI NABL Integrated Assessment. In 2021, the state achieved accreditation for 75 parameters, a number that has since risen to 1,468, all of which have earned NABL recognition.

Mandatory Microbiology Testing for Various Food Categories

Microbiology testing is required under FSSAI regulations for several food categories, including milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables (and their by-products), spices and herbs, bottled and drinking water, meat and meat products, fish and fish products, eggs and egg-based items, health supplements, nutraceuticals, foods for special dietary use, and foods for specific medical purposes.

Source: The New Indian Express