FSQAI Scheme Enhances Food Testing Capabilities
The FSQAI component under PMKSY focuses on strengthening and expanding the availability of National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited food testing facilities. Financial assistance is provided to establish and upgrade laboratories to meet international standards, particularly ISO/IEC 17025.
This expansion has helped reduce testing turnaround time and improved geographical reach, allowing food businesses, exporters, and enforcement agencies to access reliable analytical services closer to production and export hubs.
NABL Accreditation Boosts Global Acceptance
NABL accreditation ensures international acceptance of food testing results under the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA). This has reduced duplication of testing and minimized technical barriers to trade.
Accredited laboratories provide credible, high-quality data that support regulators in making informed food safety decisions while saving time and costs for industry through faster approvals and reduced retesting.
Improved Export Compliance and Market Access
The mandatory use of NABL-accredited laboratories for processed food exports has led to measurable improvements in export compliance. Sectors such as fruits, vegetables, spices, marine products, and processed foods have reported fewer rejections at importing country borders.
Enhanced pre-export screening has improved conformity with residue limits, contaminant specifications, and microbiological standards, enabling smoother access to global markets.
NIFTEM as Centres of Excellence
NIFTEM Kundli and NIFTEM Thanjavur function as Centres of Excellence by integrating advanced research, industry-oriented education, incubation, and technology transfer. These institutions promote standardized practices through training in GMP, HACCP, packaging, sensory science, and food safety.
The institutes support entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs, MSMEs, and industry professionals through skill development programs, certification courses, and hands-on laboratory exposure aligned with FSSAI and APEDA standards.
Advanced Research and Non-Thermal Processing
NIFTEM Thanjavur houses the Centre of Excellence in Non-Thermal Processing (CENTP), the only facility of its kind in Asia. The centre focuses on advanced technologies such as pulsed electric fields, high-pressure processing, and UV treatment to enhance food safety, nutrition, and shelf life. Both NIFTEM institutes operate NABL-accredited food quality laboratories notified by FSSAI as Referral Food Laboratories, supporting product quality assessment and consumer safety.
Building a Globally Competitive Food Ecosystem
Through research, training, and outreach, NIFTEM Centres are bridging academia and industry by developing indigenous technologies and fostering innovation. These efforts are strengthening India’s food safety ecosystem while improving global competitiveness and food security. The initiatives reaffirm the government’s commitment to science-driven, internationally aligned food quality assurance systems.
