The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has implemented new conditions for the validity and recognition of laboratories notified by the organization. These conditions aim to enhance the credibility and quality of food testing laboratories operating in the country. The FSSAI notified these conditions by a notice dated 28th June, 2023 and published on 3rd July, 2023.
According to the latest directives, FSSAI will only consider fresh proposals from laboratories seeking recognition and notification if they have obtained accreditation under the FSSAI-NABL Integrated Assessment. This move ensures that laboratories meet the stringent standards set by both FSSAI and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
In addition, laboratories that have already been notified under by FSSAI, but have not obtained FSSAI-NABL Integrated assessment, must acquire the accreditation before the expiry of their NABL accreditation validity period or by 31st March, 2024, whichever comes earlier. This requirement allows currently notified laboratories to align with the new standards within a specified timeframe.
