An FSSAI Office can conduct food sampling and food analysis to ensure the quality and safety of food products. The quality and safety of a food product is assessed by drawing, packing, sealing and sending a sample product to an authorised lab. During a FSSAI food testing procedure, the following procedures must be followed.
FSSAI Testing Procedures
Following are the procedures to be followed by a FSSAI License officer when collecting a food sample:
Witnesses’ signatures
All related forms and documents should be signed by one or more witnesses while the Food Safety Officer is taking the sample piece.
Notice to the Business Operator
Manufacturers and suppliers should be notified in Form V-A if they have obtained the product from them. Food Analysts should be notified when another sample is taken from an open container bearing the same declaration as the one drawn from the open container.
Sample payment
Payment should be made to the person from whom the sample was taken by the Food Safety Officer. In order to calculate the cost, the product should be sold at its retail price.
Sample packaging
To ensure proper analysis, food samples should be taken in clean, dry bottles, jars, or containers that are sealed properly to prevent moisture from entering and leaking out. If you choose an already packed product, you do not need to seal it further.
Labelling the Package
Proper labeling and the following requirements should be included on the package:
- Sample code
- Sender’s official designation and name
- Location and date of collection
- Analyzed product’s nature
- Sample preservative type and quantity
Sealing of package
A strong paper should be used to wrap and seal each portion of the sample. Ensure that the ends of the paper are folded and attached. Additionally, the wrapper should be pasted with a paper slip bearing the signature of the designated officer from bottom to top.
If the sample was taken from an individual, the signature or thumb impression should be affixed in such a way that both the paper slip and wrapper bear part of the signature. Strong thread should be used above and across the jar to protect the paper cover. Wax bearing an impression of the sender’s seal should cover the knots of the thread.
Dispatch of the Package
Following are the instructions for dispatching the sample containers:
- It should be sent to the Food Analyst along with the sealed container of a portion of the sample and a memorandum in Form VI.
- Two copies of the memorandum in Form VI, as well as the second and third parts of the sample, should be sent to the Designated Officer.
- A copy of the memorandum in Form VI along with the fourth part of the sample should be sent to an accredited laboratory.
The food registration online lab would analyze and pass the final decision on the food sample after receiving it.
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