CALF now a nat’l reference lab for milk

Vadodara/ Anand: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognized CALF, a Anand-based laboratory of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) as a national reference laboratory (NRL) for dairy and dairy products.
With FSSAI’s latest order, CALF has become the only NRL in the country for milk and milk products. CALF was so far a referral lab of FSSAI for milk and milk products for various analyses.

In total 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.

“The nomination of CALF as NRL for dairy and dairy products provides an opportunity to improve the method of testing of dairy products as multiple types of tests are performed on daily basis in dairy products. The results of these tests influence the outcome as to whether it complies or not with legislation for the industry,” a release issued by NDDB said.

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.