The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has mandated the use of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) symbol in test reports issued by accredited food testing laboratories. This order was issued on October 15, 2024.
The FSSAI introduced the Food Safety and Standards (First Amendment) Rules, 2022, which included revised test report formats:
- Form VII A (Report of the Food Analyst) and
- Form XI (Certificate of Analysis by the Referral Food Laboratory).
These formats are designed to standardize reporting practices and ensure consistency in test results.
Requirement for NABL Symbol
All FSSAI-notified food testing laboratories accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 are now required to include the NABL symbol on their test reports for tests that fall within their scope of accreditation. The NABL symbol signifies that the laboratory has met stringent quality standards and is competent to conduct the specified tests. The use of the NABL symbol shall be in accordance with NABL 133 i.e., Policy for Use of NABL Symbol and/or Claim of Accreditation.
Impact on Food Safety
The use of the NABL symbol provides assurance to consumers and regulatory authorities that the test reports issued by accredited laboratories are reliable and accurate. This helps maintain the safety and quality of food products in India.
Key Points of the Order
- Accredited food testing laboratories must use the NABL symbol on their test reports.
- The FSSAI has introduced new test report formats, Form VII A and Form XI, to be used for all surveillance and enforcement samples.
- For imported food products, notified laboratories and referral laboratories must use Form – 2 as per the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017.
