(a) the number of food testing laboratories located in the country,State-wise;
(b) whether the Government has any proposal to set up 350 labs to ensure food quality in next three years;and
(c) if so, the details thereof particularly for the State of Tamil Nadu and the time by which the laboratories are
likely to be set up?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (I/C) (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) to (c): As per the study got conducted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MFPI), 312 food testing
laboratories are functioning in Public and Private sector in the country. State-wise details are at Annexure-1
Although MFPI does not set up food testing laboratories on its own, it provides financial assistance for
setting up/up-gradation of food testing laboratories under its Plan Scheme to various stakeholders such as
Central/State Government organizations IITs, Universities, private sector organizations. The schemes operated by MFPI are
not State specific. The proposals received from States and other stakeholders for setting up/up-gradation of food testing
laboratories are considered as per guidelines of this Ministry. MFPI has approved financial assistance to 36 organizations
so far, under its Plan Scheme for setting up/ up-gradation of food testing laboratories.A statement indicating total number
of food testing laboratories state-wise assisted by MFPI is at Annexure-ll.
During the 11th Plan, MFPI has a target to set up/ upgrade 74 food testing labs in the country.In the state of Tamil Nadu,
MFPI has provided financial assistance to 2 organizations for setting up of food testing laboratories.