In exercise of the powers conferred by Sub section 1 of Section 43 of the Food Safety and Standards Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Notification S.O. 3648(E) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) amending notification S.O. 3648(E), dated December 6, 2016. The amendment primarily concerns updates to the list of accredited laboratories, specifically their registration details, addresses, and scope of accreditation, across different regions of India. Key changes include deleting an entry in the Northern Region, substituting an entry in the Western Region, and inserting new entries in the Southern and Eastern Regions. The overall purpose appears to be to maintain an accurate and updated register of FSSAI-accredited food testing laboratories, crucial for food safety monitoring and compliance. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a concise analysis of the FSSAI notification amending S.O. 3648(E), as published in the Gazette of India. The analysis focuses on the specific changes introduced by this amendment, their potential implications, and the affected stakeholders, based solely on the information provided in the text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** Notification number S.O. 3648(E) published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection ii, dated the 6th December, 2016. * **Core Objective(s):** While the objective of the original notification is not explicitly stated in the provided text, it can be inferred that it establishes and maintains a list of accredited food testing laboratories, categorized by region, along with their scope of accreditation. This amendment serves to update this list. **4. Background and Rationale:** The provided text suggests the amendment is necessary to maintain an accurate and current listing of FSSAI-accredited food testing laboratories. Laboratories may need to be added, removed, or have their details updated (address, scope) for several reasons, including changes in accreditation status, relocation, expansion of services, or administrative corrections. This amendment likely aims to ensure that food businesses and regulatory bodies have access to the most up-to-date information regarding accredited testing facilities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces four key changes: * **Change 1 (Northern Region):** Deletion of a laboratory entry in Punjab (serial number 2). The specifics of the lab are removed completely. The effect is that a previously accredited lab under FSSAI is no longer included in their accredited list. * **Change 2 (Western Region):** Substitution of information for a laboratory in Gujarat (serial number 14). The laboratory listed is "Lilaba Analytical Laboratories LLP" The new address is Block No. 327, Plot No. 8889909192, Siddhivinayak Industrial Estate, Village Kholvad, Surat, Gujarat, and the scope of accreditation now includes "Biological Chemical". This likely reflects a change in the laboratory's registration, address, and/or scope of testing capabilities. * **Change 3 (Southern Region):** Insertion of a new laboratory entry in Andhra Pradesh (after serial number 8). The added laboratory is "Eureka Analytical Services Private Limited," with Reg. No. 92SFSSAI2025, located at D No 5315, 314, Tejaswi Enclave, Brodipet, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The scope of accreditation is "Biological Chemical". This indicates the accreditation of a new food testing laboratory in the region. * **Change 4 (Eastern Region):** Insertion of a new laboratory entry in West Bengal (after serial number 13). The added laboratory is "Qualissure Laboratory Services," with Reg. No. 29EFSSAI2025, located at 361, Prantick Pally, 45361, Bosepukur Road, Kolkata, West Bengal. The scope of accreditation is "Biological Chemical". This indicates the accreditation of another new food testing laboratory. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment include: * **Food Businesses:** These businesses rely on accredited laboratories for mandatory and voluntary food testing to ensure compliance with FSSAI regulations. The changes affect which laboratories they can use and where. * **Food Testing Laboratories:** The laboratories mentioned in the amendment are directly affected, as the changes impact their accreditation status, listed details, and potential business volume. * **FSSAI and Regulatory Bodies:** These entities utilize the list of accredited laboratories for monitoring food safety standards and enforcing regulations. * **Consumers:** Ultimately, consumers benefit from an accurate and reliable food testing system. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the responsible agency. * **Procedures:** The amendment is implemented through a notification published in the Gazette of India, suggesting a formal and documented process. * **Timeline:** The notification is dated June 4, 2025, implying that the changes are effective from that date. The registration numbers assigned (e.g., 92SFSSAI2025, 29EFSSAI2025) suggests the accredited labs are registered for the year 2025. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these specific changes is to: * Maintain an updated and accurate list of accredited food testing laboratories across India. * Ensure that food businesses have access to reliable and certified testing facilities in different regions. * Facilitate effective food safety monitoring and enforcement by regulatory bodies. * Expand testing capacity in certain regions (Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal) through the addition of new accredited labs. * Reflect changes to previously accredited labs such as a changed scope of accreditation or changes in address. **9. Conclusion:** The FSSAI notification amending S.O. 3648(E) represents a routine but important update to the list of accredited food testing laboratories. By adding, deleting, and modifying laboratory entries, the FSSAI aims to maintain a current and reliable resource for food businesses, regulatory agencies, and ultimately, consumers. These changes contribute to the overall effectiveness of the food safety monitoring system in India.

Key Entities Referenced