On 9th October 2024, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a revised list of laboratories authorized to test fortificants such as Iron, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B9 in Fortified Rice (FR) and Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK). This initiative aims to ensure the quality and safety of fortified food products, which are essential for addressing nutritional deficiencies in the population.
Laboratories for Testing Fortificants in Fortified Rice (FR)
The following laboratories are recognized for their capability to test fortificants in Fortified Rice:
1. Eureka Analytical Services Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore, Karnataka – TC-9653
2. Shiva Analyticals Private Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka- TC-12626
3. HTH Laboratories Private Limited, Panipat, Haryana- TC-7811
4. NDDB CALF LTD, Anand, Gujarat – TC-11516
5. Bureau Veritas India Testing Services Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana- TC-5040
6. Eurofins Analytical Services India Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon, Haryana- TC-6400
7. Delhi Test House, Azadpur, New Delhi – TC-6471
8. Eureka Analytical Services Private Limited, Sonipat, Haryana – TC-XXXX
Laboratories for Testing Fortificants in Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK)
For testing in Fortified Rice Kernel, the following laboratories are listed:
1. HTH Laboratories Private Limited, Panipat, Haryana- TC-7811
2. NDDB CALF LTD, Anand, Gujarat- TC-11516
3. Chennai Mettex Lab Private Limited, Guindy, Chennai- TC-5589
4. Edward Food Research & Analysis Centre Ltd., Kolkata, West Bengal- TC-5817
5. Ashwamedh Engineers & Consultants, Nashik, Maharashtra- TC-5509
6. Interfield Laboratories, Kochi, Kerala- TC-6338
7. Vimta Labs Ltd, Hyderabad, Telangana- TC-5418
8. Neogen Food And Animal Security India Pvt. Ltd, Cochin, Kerala – TC-6489 .
Laboratories for Testing Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK
The FSSAI also recognizes laboratories for testing Vitamin-Mineral Premix for Fortified Rice Kernel:
1. HTH Laboratories Private Limited, Panipat, Haryana – TC-7811
2. Edward Food Research & Analysis Centre Ltd., Kolkata, West Bengal – TC-5817
3. Interfield Laboratories, Kochi, Kerala- TC-6338 .
It is crucial for food manufacturers and stakeholders to utilize accredited laboratories for testing to ensure compliance with safety standards. The latest accreditation validity of the listed labs can be verified on the NABL website (www.nabl-india.org) before sending samples .
This revised list serves as a vital resource for ensuring that fortified food products meet the necessary safety and quality standards, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.