Haryana’s push for modern food testing labs

Chandigarh: Haryana is expanding its modern food testing laboratory network and strengthening enforcement through recruitment, infrastructure upgrades and inter-departmental coordination, said chief secretary Anurag Rastogi.The reforms are aimed at positioning the state as a model in food safety governance.During a high-level meeting of the State Level Advisory Committee of the food and drugs administration department, Rastogi said the focus was on expanding testing infrastructure in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, including proposed Comprehensive Integrated Food Testing Laboratories at multiple districts.The state has approved eight new food testing laboratories, with two laboratories to be established in the 2026-27 financial year at Hisar and Narnaul, backed by a Rs 24 crore allocation, the chief secretary informed.Recruitment has been initiated for food safety officers, with 12 additional posts proposed and deputation of eight officers expected to strengthen field enforcement.In 2025-26, enforcement actions led to 2,211 samples, 805 non-conforming cases, 111 convictions and Rs 2.35 crore in penalties, he added.The meeting was also informed that district-level advisory committees were now functional across all districts, enhancing grassroots monitoring and stakeholder participation in food safety governance.Senior officials from multiple departments attended the meeting.MSID:: 131613636 413 |