Maharashtra FDA records four-fold rise in food sample testing in one year

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration FDA has recorded a more than fourfold increase in food sample testing over the past year due to improved laboratory operations and faster processing mechanisms officials saidAccording to the department the rise in testing was achieved through better utilisation of available manpower batchwise use of laboratory equipment introduction of two work shifts prioritybased classification of samples and quicker examination of perishable food productsOfficials said special focus was given to the testing of milk dairy products other perishable items and prohibited substances to ensure faster regulatory actionOver 7400 food samples analysed this yearAs per an official statement released on Thursday FDA laboratories received 13474 food samples for testing till June 1 this year Of these 7494 samples were analysed resulting in a disposal rate of 56 per centThe department said 4091 samples were found to be of substandard quality after examinationIn comparison laboratories had received 9403 food samples till June 2025 but only 1622 samples were analysed recording a disposal rate of 17 per centOfficials said the increase in testing reflects improved functioning of laboratories and enhanced monitoring of food safety standards across MaharashtraInspections and regulatory monitoring strengthenedThe FDA said the rise in sample testing has also contributed to increased inspections and regulatory actionFood samples collected by food safety officers from different parts of Maharashtra are examined at FDA laboratories located in Mumbai Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and NagpurThe testing process helps authorities check whether food products comply with prescribed quality and safety standardsThe department said regular monitoring of pending cases and improved coordination between officials have helped speed up laboratory proceduresMeasures introduced to reduce sample backlogAccording to officials the FDA introduced several changes to improve efficiency including better allocation of staff and regular reviews under the supervision of the FDA CommissionerThese steps helped laboratories process a larger number of samples and reduce delays caused by pending casesOfficials said faster testing is crucial especially in cases involving perishable products where timely results allow authorities to take necessary actionThree new FDA laboratories under constructionThe department said work on three additional laboratories is currently underway to further strengthen food testing infrastructure in MaharashtraOnce 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 laboratoriesOfficials said the expansion will help minimise delays and improve overall food safety monitoring in MaharashtraWith inputs from PTI