The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially recognized the National Food & Feed Reference Laboratory (NFFRL) located in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the analysis of food samples intended for import into India. This significant development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between the FSSAI and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) of Nepal, aimed at fostering cooperation in the critical area of food safety.
According to an order issued by the FSSAI on April 4, 2025, this mutual recognition of laboratories is a key aspect of the collaborative efforts outlined in the MoU. The FSSAI’s decision aligns with the policy of recognizing counterpart laboratories to facilitate smoother trade and ensure food safety standards are met.
The recognition granted to NFFRL, Kathmandu, Nepal, allows the laboratory to analyze food samples under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011. This recognition will remain valid until the NFFRL’s accreditation as per ISO/IEC 17025 from India’s National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is in effect.
Furthermore, the FSSAI order explicitly states that the analysis certificates issued by NFFRL, Kathmandu, Nepal, for the specific food products listed in Annex A of the order, will be accepted by the relevant authorities in India responsible for handling food imports. This measure is expected to streamline the import process for food products originating from Nepal that have been tested and certified by the recognized NFFRL.
This move by the FSSAI signifies a strengthening of cross-border cooperation in food safety between India and Nepal. By mutually recognizing each other’s testing facilities, both nations aim to ensure the quality and safety of food products traded between them, ultimately benefiting consumers in both countries. The FSSAI’s decision underscores the importance of international collaboration in maintaining robust food safety standards and facilitating trade.
