Introduction
Six Monthly Lab Testing is a mandatory requirement for food manufacturers to ensure food safety and maintain quality standards. To maintain quality standards and regulatory compliance, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandates that food manufacturers conduct laboratory testing of their products every six months and submit the reports accordingly.
This requirement is outlined under Condition of License No. 12 of the FSS (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. It specifies that food business operators (FBOs) must ensure testing of relevant chemical and/or microbiological contaminants in food products at least once every six months based on historical data and risk assessment.
This blog provides a comprehensive guide on who needs to comply, the process of testing, submission requirements, and the consequences of non-compliance to help food businesses navigate this regulatory mandate efficiently.
What is the Six Monthly Lab Testing Report Submission?
The FSSAI requires all food manufacturers and processors to conduct periodic testing of their food products in NABL-accredited laboratories and submit the results every six months. This process helps in identifying contamination, ensuring food safety standards, and preventing the circulation of adulterated or non-compliant products.
The regulation applies to all food manufacturing units, including packaged food businesses, importers, dairy, and meat processors, as well as nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional foods.
License Requirements
- Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to conduct testing for relevant chemical and microbiological contaminants in their food products based on historical data and risk assessment to ensure safe production and delivery.
- Testing must be conducted at least once every six months, either in the operator’s own laboratory or at an NABL-accredited or FSSAI-notified laboratory.
- The FSSAI issued an order on January 13, 2023, making it mandatory to upload lab testing reports to the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) every six months.
- Manufacturers, including repackers and relabellers, must submit test results via FoSCoS or link the reports to InFoLNet, depending on the FSSAI notified labs where the samples are analyzed.
- Submission deadlines:
- For April–September reports: Upload by October 31st
- For October–March reports: Upload by April 30th
Why is Six Monthly Lab Testing Important?
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to FSSAI norms helps food businesses avoid legal complications.
- Food Safety Assurance: Ensures that products meet quality and safety benchmarks.
- Consumer Confidence: Enhances brand reputation and customer trust.
- Business Continuity: Helps prevent penalties, recalls, or operational disruptions.
- Early Issue Detection: Identifies contaminants, spoilage, or mislabeling before products reach consumers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance
1. Identify an NABL Accredited Laboratory
Manufacturers must conduct food product testing at FSSAI approved NABL accredited laboratories. The official list of accredited labs is available on the FSSAI website (https://www.fssai.gov.in).
2. Sample Collection
- Randomly select representative food product samples.
- Ensure proper storage and transport to avoid contamination.
- Maintain records of sample details, including batch numbers and manufacturing dates.
3. Laboratory Testing Process
Food samples must be tested in FSSAI-notified, NABL-accredited laboratories using validated methods as prescribed in the FSSAI Manual of Methods of Analysis. Testing should cover Microbiological, Physical, Chemical, Nutritional, Adulteration, Allergen, Contaminants, Toxins and Residues parameters as applicable. All results must comply with limits specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 and subsequent amendments.
4. Receiving the Test Report
Accredited laboratories in India, as per FSSAI guidelines, issue test reports in prescribed formats that detail sample identification, testing parameters, methods used, and quantitative results. These reports are compared against permissible limits under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR) to assess compliance status (Conforming/Non-Conforming).
5. Submission of Reports
- Upload test reports on the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in).
- Maintain internal records for future reference and regulatory inspections.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to submit the six monthly lab testing report can lead to:
- FSSAI license suspension or cancellation
- Hefty fines and legal action under the FSSAI Act, 2006
- Mandatory product recalls or bans
- Loss of market credibility
Best Practices for Compliance
- Schedule tests in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
- Choose a reliable NABL accredited lab for accurate testing.
- Keep digital records of test reports for easy retrieval.
- Regularly update knowledge of FSSAI regulations to stay compliant.
- Train employees on sampling procedures and compliance requirements.
Conclusion
The six monthly lab testing report submission is a critical aspect of food safety compliance in India. By conducting timely testing, choosing accredited laboratories, and submitting reports as required, food businesses can ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. Following these best practices will help manufacturers navigate FSSAI regulations effectively while ensuring that only safe and high-quality food reaches the market.
For more details, visit the FSSAI official website (https://www.fssai.gov.in) or check the FoSCoS portal (https://foscos.fssai.gov.in) for submission guidelines.
Ensure Compliance with Ease
Choose Envirocare Labs, an NABL accredited and FSSAI-notified laboratory, to simplify your six monthly lab testing process and ensure seamless compliance with regulatory standards.