The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Laboratory and Sample Analysis) Regulations, 2011, and is inviting public objections and suggestions. This notification was published on February 20, 2025.
The proposed amendments cover several key areas, including reporting procedures, sample quantity guidelines, methods of analysis, and timelines for analysis. The FSSAI encourages all stakeholders to review the draft regulations and provide their feedback by April 19, 2025. The feedback must be provided in the specified format.
Key Proposed Changes
Reporting Procedures
The draft proposes that after testing or analysis, the certificate, duly signed by the Director of the Referral Food Laboratory, or the report, signed by the Food Analyst, must be supplied forthwith to the sender in the prescribed form under FSS Rules, 2011.
Sample Quantity Guidelines
For unspecified products, the quantity of sample drawn will be determined according to guidelines issued by the Food Authority from time to time.
Methods of Analysis
The manuals of the method of analysis, as amended or adopted by the Authority, will be used for analyzing food samples.
In cases where a method is not available in these manuals, food laboratories may adopt validated methods prescribed by internationally recognized agencies such as AOAC, ISO, BIS, and Codex Alimentarius.
Timelines for Analysis
For regulatory samples, the Food Analyst must issue a signed report within 14 days of receiving the food article. If this deadline cannot be met, the Analyst must inform the Designated Officer and the Commissioner of Food Safety with reasons and an estimated timeline.
For appeal cases, referral laboratories must issue a report within 14 days of receiving the sample, with similar notification requirements for delays.
For imported goods, the laboratory must provide a report within 5 days of receiving the sample.
Omission of Forms
Form A (CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS BY THE REFERRAL FOOD LABORATORY) and Form B (Report of the Food Analyst) are proposed to be omitted from the regulations.
Public Input Invited
The FSSAI is seeking objections and suggestions from the public to ensure that the final regulations are robust and effective. Interested parties can submit their feedback:
- By mail to: Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi – 110002.
- By email to: regulation@fssai.gov.in.
All objections and suggestions received before the specified deadline will be considered by the FSSAI.
