SRINAGAR: The Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Rajit Punhani, has conducted a comprehensive review of food testing facilities across Jammu and Kashmir. The assessment focused on identifying measures to enhance infrastructure, manpower, and analytical capabilities within the region’s food laboratories.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mr. Punhani, who also serves as Secretary to the Government of India, visited the Food Laboratory in Srinagar. During his inspection, he examined key sections, including microbiology and chemistry, and engaged with the technical personnel working there. He later chaired a crucial meeting with senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Attendees included the State Drug Controller, Joint Commissioner Food Safety, Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir, Accounts Officer FDA, and Food Analysts from both Srinagar and Jammu laboratories.
The Commissioner of the Food & Drugs Administration, J&K, presented a detailed overview of the laboratory’s analytical strengths, testing performance metrics, NABL accreditation status, existing infrastructure, and staffing levels. The presentation also outlined a strategic roadmap aimed at reinforcing food testing capabilities throughout the Union Territory.
Officials highlighted that the Food Laboratory, Kashmir is an FSSAI-recognized and NABL-accredited institution. It is equipped with sophisticated instruments such as GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS. The laboratory currently possesses a NABL scope that covers 354 parameters, encompassing 77 quality-related parameters and 277 safety-related parameters.
Data shared indicated that the laboratory analyzed 11,479 samples in 2023-24, followed by 9,938 in 2024-25, and 6,722 in 2025-26. Out of these samples, 440, 266, and 381, respectively, were found to be non-conforming with established standards.
During the meeting, it was informed that initiatives are underway to expand the laboratory’s testing scope significantly. The objective is to cover 3,500 parameters by March 31, 2027. This expansion will focus on essential food commodities, including milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables, cereals and cereal products, oils and fats, and traditional Indian sweets. The department has established a long-term goal of extending the testing coverage to encompass 5,000 parameters.
The Commissioner also brought to light critical challenges hindering the laboratory’s full potential. These include insufficient infrastructure and a persistent shortage of skilled technical manpower. Consequently, the department has requested FSSAI’s intervention to facilitate the approval of proposals for hiring additional technical staff and for the procurement of essential chemicals, certified reference materials, and other necessary consumables.
Financial and technical assistance has also been sought for the construction of new laboratory buildings in both Srinagar and Jammu. Furthermore, support is needed for upgrading existing facilities to enhance the volume and efficiency of food sample testing across the Union Territory.
Current operational challenges were exacerbated by the Food Laboratory, Kashmir being housed within an older, shared complex that also accommodates the Drug and Food Laboratory. The limited space within this facility presents difficulties in installing advanced modern equipment and establishing dedicated sections for various analytical instruments.
As part of a forward-looking strategy, the department has proposed the development of an integrated food testing laboratory network across Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative plans to leverage existing facilities within government institutions, including SKUAST and IUST, by providing them with appropriate technical expertise and necessary manpower support. The envisioned network aims to augment the overall testing capacity and ensure the timely analysis of food samples collected from diverse regions of the Union Territory.
Mr. Punhani expressed his satisfaction with the current operational status of the laboratory and urged the J&K FDA officials to persist in their efforts to further strengthen its capabilities and performance.
This visit is anticipated to provide a significant boost to the ongoing efforts aimed at modernizing food testing infrastructure, expanding the NABL-accredited analytical capacity, and developing a cohesive and efficient food laboratory network throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
