No more fake cheese? state gets 1st FDA Microbio lab for reliable food tests

New Delhi: The first microbiology laboratory of the state food and drug administration (FDA) is slated to open at BKC on Sunday. The facility is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and purity of milk, fruits, meat and meat products by combating adulteration.

To be inaugurated by PM

• Three labs coming up in the state under the Strengthening of Food Testing System in the Country project of the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI), New Delhi

• But these will comprise just a fraction of the extensive food-testing infrastructure required for the sheer number of restaurants and food processing units in the state

• Rs 4.5cr Funding provided from the central government for the labs

• Inauguration | The microbiology lab, the most advanced among the food testing labs, will be opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a virtual ceremony

Why you should care

• Till now, FDA didn’t have the technology to test food for microbiological contamination. Hence, such samples that were under suspicion couldn’t be checked

• Now they can test milk and milk products, water, spices, fruits, vegetables products, meat and meat products

• At least two skilled experts will be appointed on PPP basis. Swift test results will expedite the punishment process for counterfeiters

India’s food lab infra

• 900 laboratories to test edible and drinkable items exist in the country across different sectors

• In addition 1,500 smaller and in-house labs exist for use by companies for raw material testing

Only 10 per cent of all labs are in the government sector

Food testing in 2022-2023
Samples collected 2,039

• Standard 1,336
• Substandard:82
• Misbranded 46
• Carried forward 538

This lab will be a huge leg up for the FDA to fight contamination and adulteration. The results generated by microbiology food labs can demonstrate compliance with food safety regulations. It will ensure that food producers, manufacturers, and distributors meet legal requirements and ensure consumer safety.