All BIS laboratories to be upgraded

NEW DELHI: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has taken up modernization and up-gradation of its laboratories. A plan has accordingly been chalked out which includes;

•Replacement of existing old/obsolete test equipment

•Up-gradation of test facilities

•Setting up laboratories for new products.

The time frame for completion of this plan is December, 2016.

This information was given by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The Minister said that the Standards for food products have been prescribed in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011 and Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulation, 2011. These standards are applicable to Street Food also.

He said that Hygienic and Sanitary practices are prescribed in Part V of Schedule 4 under the Food Safety Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations for Food Business Operators engaged in catering/Food service establishments.

He added that the development of Standards is a continuous process. The Indian Standards are reviewed every five years or whenever any comments are received on these standards. Based on the review, the Standards are revised, if so required.

He said that during 2014-15, five new Standards have been published for the food products. Also, during this period, twelve food standards have been revised.