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FSSAI notice on approval of accreditation bodies to accredit testing labs
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Saturday, 04 February, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The FSSAI has issued a notice with respect to approval of accreditation bodies by the food authority to accredit food testing laboratories and asked such bodies to apply.
FSSAI has stated that it has now been decided by the ‘competent authority’ to recognise/approve accreditation bodies for accreditation of food testing laboratories and interested accreditation bodies fulfilling the requirement as mentioned in the document provided by the food authority by the name of ‘Requirements for Accreditation Bodies for approval of the food authority to accredit Food Testing Laboratories’ may submit the application to the food authority in the prescribed format.
According to the document, ‘for being recognised and notified, every food laboratory shall have accreditation against ISO/IEC 17025 by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories or such other equivalent accreditation agency as may be approved by the food authority.’
Currently laboratories are accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
“And keeping in view of the request received from other accreditation bodies for recognition by FSSAI, it has now been decided to engage other accreditation agencies for food testing laboratories which would enable the laboratories to choose the best service provider and bring global expertise into laboratory accreditation programs in India. This will also fast-track the accreditation process of laboratories in India to meet the rising demand of food safety requirements,” reads the document.
Under the eligibility requirements, the document lays down that an accreditation body seeking recognition must meet all of the following requirements: (a) Demonstrates compliance with ISO/IEC 17011:2017(E). (b) Demonstrates that it is a full member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperative (ILAC). (c) Demonstrates that it is a signatory to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) that has demonstrated competence to ISO/IEC 17011:2017(E) with a scope of "Testing: ISO/IEC 17025." (d) Will comply with all additional and specific requirements for accreditation bodies as per FSSAI.
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