Challenges in Maintaining Food Testing Laboratories

Abstract

Food product testing is done through a series of methods like sampling, reagent preparations, sample processing using several methods and equipment, all of which are highly advanced and done by skilled manpower to provide accurate information about the nutritional value or safety of the food. Test results should come from a competent laboratory with appropriate technical expertise in food analysis using approved procedures and techniques. Various laboratory categories exist in India namely notified FSSAI private and government labs, Food business operators (FBO) with food testing labs, State labs, Institutional labs, Referral labs, Non- FSSAI/ NABL notified labs. Food testing laboratory is a complex ecosystem in terms of capacity, resource flow, equipment, technical manpower, geographical spread and testing capabilities. However, maintenance of this food testing laboratories involves a lot of challenges, that need attention to ensure sustainability of the testing facilities.