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FSSAI directs referral labs to prioritise appeal samples
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Friday, 09 October, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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To enable effective implementation of food recall procedures in a timely manner, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all its notified Referral Laboratories to give top priority to appeal samples and strictly complete testing and reporting within a 14-working-day deadline.
As per FSSAI, the measure aims to prevent administrative bottlenecks that delay the timely evaluation and recall of unsafe food items from the market.
“FSSAI notified Referral Laboratories are hereby directed to accord priority to appeal samples referred for testing and ensure timely analysis and reporting within the time limit prescribed by the Authority (i.e., within 14 working days of receipt of the samples) to the concerned Designated Officers (DOs)/Central Licensing Authorities (CLAs),” reads the order issued by the national food authority.
The order follows decisions taken during the 50th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC), where officials highlighted that delays in analysing appealed food samples severely hamper subsequent recall evaluations and regulatory follow-ups.
Earlier, FSSAI integrated a specialised "Food Recall" functionality into its Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal to digitise and monitor product recalls across the country.
Elaborating on the regulatory framework, Dr Amit Sharma, executive director CS, FSSAI noted that FSSAI, with a view to streamline the food recall process and its monitoring, has implemented the 'Food Recall' functionality in the FoSCoS system vide order dated 18 March 2026.
The said functionality was also apprised to the officials of states in the 50th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) held on 08th June 2026, wherein it was highlighted that delays in the analysis and reporting of appeal samples may further impact timely recall evaluation and related follow-up action.
Meanwhile, state administrations have been requested to streamline recall evaluations based on lab results, with FSSAI instructing local authorities to report specific instances of laboratory delay directly to the central body for swift follow-up.
‘States/UTs are also requested to ensure that recall evaluation is undertaken in a timely and systematic manner based on the test results of referral laboratories. Any specific instances of delay in analysis and reporting of appeal samples by Referral Laboratories may be brought to the notice of the Authority, along with relevant details, to facilitate appropriate follow-up and necessary action,’ the order concluded.
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