In exercise of the powers conferred under sub section 5 of section 10 read with section 45 of the Food Safety and Standards Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notification number F. No. 12015052021QA, published in the Gazette of India. The amendment, dated August 17, 2022, primarily involves changes to the list of approved Food Analyst Laboratories. Specifically, it adds one new laboratory, Ms. CaliLabs Private Limited, Bhopal, and removes two existing entries. These changes are likely intended to update and maintain the accuracy and relevance of the list of accredited laboratories for food safety analysis. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of the amendment to the FSSAI notification number F. No. 12015052021QA, as published in the Gazette of India. The analysis focuses on the key changes introduced by the amendment and their potential impact, based solely on the information provided within the policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This report analyzes an amendment to the original notification F. No. 12015052021QA published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part III, Section 4, dated 2nd July, 2021. * **Core Objective(s):** The amendment's objective is to update the list of approved Food Analyst Laboratories by adding and removing entries, presumably to ensure a current and accurate list of accredited labs available for food analysis. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely arises from the need to maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of approved Food Analyst Laboratories. The removal of two laboratories suggests they may no longer meet required standards or have ceased operation. The addition of Ms. CaliLabs Private Limited, Bhopal, indicates this laboratory has met the FSSAI's accreditation criteria. The rationale appears to be ensuring the availability of reliable and accredited laboratories for food safety testing, as dictated by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces the following specific changes to the original notification: * **Change 1:** *Addition of a Food Analyst Laboratory.* After serial no. 165 in the list of Food Analyst Laboratories, the following entry is added: "166 Dr. Ashok Kumar Nikam Ms. CaliLabs Private Limited, Bhopal". This adds CaliLabs Private Limited, Bhopal to the list of authorized laboratories. * **Effect:** This increases the number of FSSAI-approved Food Analyst Laboratories, providing potentially increased capacity and/or geographical coverage for food safety testing. * **Change 2:** *Omission of Food Analyst Laboratories.* At serial numbers 37 and 144, the respective entries of the row are omitted. * **Effect:** This reduces the number of FSSAI-approved Food Analyst Laboratories. The reasons for omission are not provided, but likely relate to the laboratories no longer meeting requirements, ceasing operations, or other accreditation-related issues. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The direct target audience and stakeholders for this amendment include: * **Food Businesses:** They rely on the list of approved laboratories for mandatory or voluntary food safety testing. Changes to the list impact their choice of labs and potentially their testing costs and logistics. * **Food Analyst Laboratories:** The inclusion or exclusion from the list directly affects their business operations and accreditation status. * **FSSAI:** The authority responsible for maintaining and updating the list of approved laboratories, ensuring food safety standards are met. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the responsible body for implementing this amendment. * **Procedures:** The text does not specify any detailed procedures. However, it can be inferred that FSSAI has a process for assessing and approving/removing Food Analyst Laboratories, which led to these changes. * **Specific to the changes:** Implementation of the changes requires updating the official list of approved laboratories and communicating these changes to relevant stakeholders (food businesses, laboratories, and enforcement agencies). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these changes are: * **Maintaining Accuracy:** Ensuring the list of approved Food Analyst Laboratories accurately reflects currently accredited and operational facilities. * **Ensuring Competence:** Maintaining a list of qualified and competent laboratories for food safety testing, contributing to the overall goal of food safety and public health. * **Potential Impact:** Businesses previously using labs 37 and 144 will need to transition to using other accredited laboratories. **9. Conclusion:** This amendment to the FSSAI notification is a procedural update designed to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the list of approved Food Analyst Laboratories. While seemingly minor, these changes are essential for ensuring that food businesses have access to reliable and accredited testing facilities, ultimately contributing to the safety and quality of food products in India. The addition of CaliLabs Private Limited and the removal of two other labs reflect FSSAI's ongoing efforts to regulate and oversee the food safety landscape.

Key Entities Referenced