Setting Up/Up-gradation of Quality Control/Food Testing LaboratoriesMinistry of Food Processing

Development of food processing sector has necessitated the requirement of strengthening Quality Assurance and Food Testing Infrastructure. In order to assure availability of wholesome, hygienic and safe food and processed food to the consumer, compliance to the product and safety standards is basic regulatory requirement. Further, there is requirement for the food processing industry to (a) test domestic production in order to ensure that it complies with domestic standards as well as international standards for exports and (b) test imports coming into the country to ensure that they are of the requisite standard. The level of contaminants, additives, and pesticide residues in food items has to be monitored regularly. Therefore, need for a network of food testing and analysis laboratories was felt to support the Food Safety Regulatory activities and help the food processing industry in regard to quality control measures. The Scheme of setting up/ up-gradation of food testing laboratories is under implementation since 2005 and has created supporting infrastructure to assure quality of food being produced and manufactured in India, exported to other countries and also imported in India.
Pattern of Assistance
- Government organizations are eligible for grants-in-aid of (i) entire (100%) cost of the eligible cost of the approved equipment (as per paragraph 3(a) above) and (ii) 2% of the eligible cost of the approved equipment or Rs.15.00 lakh, whichever is lower, towards Technical Civil Work (TCW) and Furniture & Fixtures (as per paragraph 3(b) above) on lump-sum basis.
- Private organizations/ entities are eligible for grants-in-aid of (i) 50% (in General Areas)/ 70% (in Difficult Areas as well as for SC/ST applicants) of the eligible cost of the equipment (as per paragraph 3(a) above) and (ii) 2% of the eligible cost of approved equipment or Rs. 15.00 lakh, whichever is lower, towards Technical Civil Work (TCW) and Furniture & Fixtures (as per paragraph 3(b) above) on lump-sum basis.