FSSAI Urges Labs to Strengthen Organic Food Testing in Light of Government’s Organic Food Promotion
Posted on September 11, 2023, by Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
In response to the Indian government’s robust commitment to promoting organic food across the nation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has once again called upon notified laboratories to enhance their organic food testing capabilities. This directive marks the second such call within the past three months, emphasizing the pivotal role that reliable testing plays in ensuring the authenticity of organic products.
In a statement issued by the FSSAI, they reiterated the government’s dedication to encouraging and reinforcing cooperative societies as part of its organic food promotion initiative. The success of this endeavor hinges on the ability to conduct accurate and dependable testing of organic products. Therefore, the FSSAI has urged all food testing laboratories to optimize their facilities and procedures to efficiently handle organic testing.
Notably, this directive is a follow-up to a previous order issued on June 16, 2023, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting organic products. In their latest communication, the FSSAI has stressed the need for laboratories to assess their current capabilities and take necessary measures to bolster their infrastructure and testing capabilities for organic products.
One key requirement outlined in the directive is that laboratories should apply to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for authorization as one of its laboratories. This application process necessitates the submission of an accreditation certificate and scope details, demonstrating the laboratory’s commitment to conducting accurate and reliable organic testing.
Furthermore, laboratories seeking authorization for organic product testing are encouraged to include their names in the list of laboratories for organic products. Additionally, they should apply to the National Referral Laboratory of APEDA for participation in proficiency testing programs and competence assessments. These steps are crucial for laboratories to qualify for pre-export testing of organic products.
The FSSAI directive also mandates that laboratories applying for organic product testing must include this specific category within the FSSAI-NABL integrated scope, underlining the importance of maintaining high standards in organic food testing.
As the Indian government continues to prioritize the promotion of organic food, ensuring the authenticity and quality of such products through rigorous testing procedures remains paramount. These directives from the FSSAI serve as a clear signal of the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving organic food sector in the country.
