03 July,2026 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recorded a more than four-fold increase in food sample testing over the past year due to improved laboratory operations and faster processing mechanisms, officials said.
According to the department, the rise in testing was achieved through better utilisation of available manpower, batch-wise use of laboratory equipment, introduction of two work shifts, priority-based classification of samples and quicker examination of perishable food products.
Officials said special focus was given to the testing of milk, dairy products, other perishable items and prohibited substances to ensure faster regulatory action.
As per an official statement released on Thursday, FDA laboratories received 13,474 food samples for testing till June 1 this year. Of these, 7,494 samples were analysed, resulting in a disposal rate of 56 per cent.
The department said 4,091 samples were found to be of sub-standard quality after examination.
In comparison, laboratories had received 9,403 food samples till June 2025, but only 1,622 samples were analysed, recording a disposal rate of 17 per cent.
Officials said the increase in testing reflects improved functioning of laboratories and enhanced monitoring of food safety standards across Maharashtra.
The FDA said the rise in sample testing has also contributed to increased inspections and regulatory action.
Food samples collected by food safety officers from different parts of Maharashtra are examined at FDA laboratories located in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur.
The testing process helps authorities check whether food products comply with prescribed quality and safety standards.
The department said regular monitoring of pending cases and improved coordination between officials have helped speed up laboratory procedures.
According to officials, the FDA introduced several changes to improve efficiency, including better allocation of staff and regular reviews under the supervision of the FDA Commissioner.
These steps helped laboratories process a larger number of samples and reduce delays caused by pending cases.
Officials said faster testing is crucial, especially in cases involving perishable products, where timely results allow authorities to take necessary action.
The department said work on three additional laboratories is currently underway to further strengthen food testing infrastructure in Maharashtra.
Once completed, the new facilities are expected to increase testing capacity, speed up the processing of samples received from across the state and reduce dependency on existing laboratories.
Officials said the expansion will help minimise delays and improve overall food safety monitoring in Maharashtra.
(With inputs from PTI)
