In an order dated 8th July 2021, FSSAI has provided clarification regarding the frequency of mandatory product testing. As per existing condition of license No.12 under FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, food product testing should be done in the FBO’s own labs / NABL accredited laboratories or FSSAI notified labs at least once in six months.
In order to align mandatory product testing with the submission of online Annual Return which is Financial year wise, FSSAI has clarified that testing of food products should be carried out by manufacturers on the basis of Financial Year i.e. first half year from April to September and second half year from October to March.
Exemption from mandatory testing for that preceding and ending half year period is given to Food Business Operators who have their new License issued in the last months for the respective half-year i.e. in the month of September and March.
FSSAI has also instructed that the gap between two mandatory testing of the same food product shall not be less than 03 months.
Read the complete order here.
