Budget 2024: Government to set up 100 NABL labs to keep an eye on food safety

With an increase in the cases of food adulteration, poor quality of ingredients, misleading packaging and unhygienic food practices, the Government of India and Health Ministry have taken stringent actions in the past as well to ensure consumer welfare. A recent announcement on the same lines came during the budget year 2024, wherein it was announced that 100 NABL labs would be set up to improve the food safety scenario in the country.
The recommendation
With the growing focus on food safety, the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) recommended setting up around 100 testing labs and 100 street food hubs to ensure the quality and purity of food, which is aligned with checking and maintaining the quality of food products sold in the country.

Need of testing labs
Of late, with the government's growing interest in the food sector and ensuring a proper food safety ecosystem, the authority has created a network of 206 National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), which are one of the primary food testing labs in the country and are responsible for carrying out analysis of food samples collected under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Increased adulteration
A recent incident of food adulteration and malpractices was reported by international agencies when some Indian spice brands were tested with carcinogenic compounds like ethylene oxide and found to be beyond permissible limits.
Another incident of food safety that jolted the FMCG industry was the use of MSG in Maggi and excessive sugar in Nestlé's popular baby food, Cerelac, compared to the same products being sold in the US, Europe and other markets.

The announcement
The announcement by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of food in India, came as a relief for consumers. In fact, food testing and analysis is an important part of the food safety ecosystem to ensure and assure that the food is being sold in food hubs and centers to ensure that consumers can enjoy their food without worrying about the quality or food practices.