In a landmark development for dairy organisations, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has said that the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recognised its laboratory, the Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF), as a National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for dairy and dairy products.

Following the FSSAI order, CALF becomes the only NRL in India for Milk and Milk products. It was already a Referral Lab (RL) of FSSAI for various analysis.

"The nomination of CALF as NRL for dairy and dairy products provides an opportunity to improve methods of testing of dairy products, as multiple tests are performed on a daily basis in dairy products. The results of these tests influence the outcome, as to whether or not it complies with legislation for the industry," a statement from NDDB said.

CALF would work on harmonisation and develop methods for routine testing processes, to achieve a higher level of confidence in comparability of results. As an NRL, CALF will be a knowledge and resource centre for information on analytical science in milk and milk products.

The FSSAI has accorded NRL status to 13 accredited laboratories across India in specific areas. Eight of them are from the government sector and the remaining five from the private sector.

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

It would evaluate the performance of FSSAI notified laboratories and coordinate exchange of information among FSSAI notified laboratories.