The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued revised lists of notified laboratories and referral laboratories authorized to test the nutrient content of fortified rice products. Both these orders are dated June 3, 2024.
These labs can analyze samples of Fortified Rice (FR), Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Vitamin-Mineral Premix for FRK.
The labs will be permitted to run tests on three key fortificants:
- Iron
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B9
These labs must maintain valid accreditation status. Businesses can verify accreditation on the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) website before sending samples for testing.
Notified Laboratories
Only laboratories on the FSSAI’s notified list can be used for testing fortified rice products.
It may be noted that the present order supersedes the previous order dated March 7, 2024.
Referral Laboratories
This list applies when initial testing by FSSAI-approved primary food testing labs fails to meet nutrient content standards. In such cases, samples are referred to these specialized Referral Food Laboratories for further analysis.
Only FSSAI-approved Referral Food Laboratories can be used for retesting failed samples. The present order supersedes order dated November 2, 2023.
The FSSAI advises stakeholders to refer to its website for the latest information on approved testing labs and regulations related to fortified rice.
