Mobile Food Testing Laboratories (MFTLs): New Accreditation Scheme
Why in News?
Recently, India launched its first accreditation scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories (MFTLs). The scheme was introduced by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), under the Quality Council of India (QCI), at the “Gunvatta Samanvaya” event in New Delhi.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Establishes a framework for accrediting mobile food testing labs to ensure reliable, quality-assured and internationally benchmarked testing services.
- Aims to take accredited food testing closer to communities, especially in remote and underserved areas.
- Expected to improve access to quality testing and support faster regulatory intervention in food safety cases.
- Part of NABL’s Integrated Assessment Programme, which seeks to reduce duplication in assessments and promote mutual recognition among regulatory and quality bodies.
- The initiative is projected to strengthen food safety surveillance, enhance consumer confidence and improve ease of doing business.
Background: MFTLs / “Food Safety on Wheels”
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already deployed 305 Mobile Food Testing Laboratories, known as “Food Safety on Wheels” (FSWs), across 35 States/UTs.
- These mobile units conduct on-the-spot testing, distribute rapid test kits, and create public awareness in villages, towns and remote areas.
- The effort is part of the SoFTeL scheme (Strengthening of Food Testing System in the Country including provision of Mobile Food Testing Labs).
Significance
- Shifts mobile food testing from basic screening toward accredited, quality-assured testing.
- Enhances the credibility of results from mobile labs for regulatory and enforcement purposes.
- Supports India’s broader quality infrastructure and “Gunvatta” (quality) ecosystem, aligned with long-term development goals.
- Improves the link between field-level testing and formal food safety regulation.
