In a recent Order dated 21st June, 2018, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (“FSSAI”) has prescribed the time limit within which Referral Laboratories (“RL”) must submit their analysis report after an appeal is filed by a Food Business Operator (“FBO”).
The Order is effective since 21st June, 2018.
Background
The Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011 (FSSAI) already prescribes that upon an appeal preferred by a Food Business Operator (“FBO”), the Designated Officer (“DO”), if he so deems fit may forward one part of the sample to the RL for his analysis report on the same. This report will be considered final in this regard.
Prior to this Order, the Act did not specify any time limit for submitting such a report by the concerned RL to the DO.
Filling in this gap, the FSSAI has now directed the RL’s to send in their analysis report within the following timelines:
• 5 working days upon receipt of sample(s) in case of chemical as well as microbiological testing; and
• 10 working days upon receipt of sample(s) involving extended microbiological testing (e.g. clostridium spores in case of canned foods).
Source: The Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare Services
