Indore Gets Food Testing Lab, Trial Ops Begin

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Government Food and Drug Testing Laboratory has started operating on a trial basis and is expected to become fully functional within a year. It is the second food testing laboratory in the state after Bhopal.

The lab aims to provide pure food to the public and curb adulteration, while also reducing reliance on the Bhopal-based state laboratory for food testing.

According to sources, most of the equipment has been installed, and initial trials are underway. Currently, food samples from across the state are sent to Bhopal, leading to delays of several months for test reports.

The new facility will benefit Indore and nearby districts by offering quicker testing services and minimising wait times.

"This lab was initially planned to open in August 2021. It is now undergoing accreditation process by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Once certified, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will recognise the lab, allowing it to issue legally valid reports," sources added.

Office shifted to new facility

The food and drugs department office, previously operating from a dilapidated building, is also being relocated to the lab premises. The old office faced issues like lack of space and safety hazards, including rats and snakes. Nearly 90% of the department’s operations have already shifted to the new facility.

"The trial phase has begun, and legal reports will be issued after FSSAI recognition. We have also started shifting from the old office to the laboratory"

- Manish Swami, chief food safety officer