On 21 October 2022, FSSAI published a direction concerning implementing the analysis of non-conforming parameters for imported consignments samples by Referral laboratories.
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulation, 2017, Form 2 is the laboratory analysis report provided by the referral or notified laboratory. Accordingly, the imported consignment samples must conform to the specifications laid down for all parameters in the said act and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
According to the new notification of FSSAI, if the imported consignment samples fail the primary level of analysis, such samples must be sent to the referral laboratory for re-analysis. This process is time-consuming, and there is a delay in clearance and decisions concerning imported consignments which causes excess use of resources that could be utilised for other samples.
In this view, the samples taken from imported consignments referred by importers to the referral laboratories, it has been decided that the parameters which in the primary laboratory have been found in non-conformance to the limits specified in the FSS Regulations and other safety parameters not tested at the primary lab will be tested and analysed by the referral laboratory. Therefore, the analysis report issued by the referral laboratory will be the final. This direction remains valid until the further order.