FSSAI Directs Referral Laboratories to Prioritise Appeal Samples

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed notified Referral Laboratories to prioritise appeal samples to support timely food recall evaluation and related regulatory action.

Key points include:

1. Referral Laboratories must prioritise appeal samples referred for testing.
2. Analysis and reporting must be completed within 14 working days of sample receipt.
3. Reports must be sent to the concerned Designated Officers and Central Licensing Authorities, as applicable.
4. State and Union Territory food safety authorities must ensure that recall evaluations are conducted promptly and systematically based on Referral Laboratory results.
5. Delays in analysing or reporting appeal samples must be brought to FSSAI’s attention with relevant details for follow-up and necessary action.