New Delhi, June 21 (KNN) On appeal by Food Business Operators, the time-limit for testing samples by Referral laboratories has been notified by the Food Safety & Standard Authority of India (FSSAI).

FSSAI has directed the food laboratories to send their analysis reports within 5 working days after the receipt of samples in case of chemical as well as microbiological testing and not more than 10 working days in case of samples involving extended microbiological testing.

FSSAI took the decision on appeal preferred by Food Business Operators, shall, if he so decides, forward one part of the sample to the referral laboratory and the report of the referral laboratory shall be final in this regard, FSSAI said in a notification.

However, the notification added that no time limit is prescribed in the ibid rules for submission of the report by the concerned referral laboratory to the Designated Officer.

In a separate notification, FSSAI has said that the methods of analysis of certain parameters of some of the commodities under cereal and cereal product category have been approved by the Competent Authority.

It said the food testing laboratories shall use these methods with immediate effect. (KNN Bureau)