FSSAI recognizes CALF as national reference lab for milk

CALF has become the only NRL in the country for milk and milk products

CALF, a Anand-based laboratory of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has been recognized as a national reference laboratory (NRL) for dairy and dairy products by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

With FSSAI’s latest order, CALF has become the only NRL in the country for milk and milk products. It was so far a referral lab of FSSAI for milk and milk products for various analyses.

So far, 13 accredited laboratories across the country have been accorded the status of national reference laboratories in specific areas. Of this, eight are from government sector while the rest five are from private sector.

The objective of NRL is to create a laboratory network at par with global food testing and research laboratories, which provide method development, method validation training and proficiency testing.

It should evaluate the performance of FSSAI notified laboratories and coordinate exchange of information amongst FSSAI notified laboratories.

CALF would work on harmonization and develop methods for routine testing processes to help in achieving higher level of confidence in comparability of results for taking suitable decisions by the stakeholders.

As a NRL, CALF will be a knowledge and resource centre for information on analytical science in milk and milk products.