FSSAI Amends Notified Food Testing Laboratories List Under Section 43(1): Comprehensive August 2026 Update
The regulatory landscape for food safety and quality assurance in India relies heavily on a robust network of accredited testing facilities. In a significant regulatory development, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a new notification to update its official roster of recognized food testing laboratories. Promulgated through Notification F.No. QA-12012/8/2021-QA-FSSAI on 25 August 2026, this directive introduces critical amendments to the principal list originally established under Section 43(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
This comprehensive revision impacts multiple geographical zones, including the Northern, Western, Southern, and Eastern regions of India. The modifications encompass the substitution of existing laboratory details, the insertion of new testing centers, and the omission of certain previously notified entities. For any assessee operating within the food manufacturing, processing, or distribution sectors, staying abreast of these authorized laboratories is mandatory for ensuring statutory compliance regarding food sample analysis.
Statutory Framework: Section 43(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
To understand the implications of this notification, it is essential to examine the statutory backbone that empowers the FSSAI to regulate testing facilities. Section 43(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 grants the Food Authority the explicit power to notify food laboratories and research institutions. These notified entities are officially recognized for the purpose of carrying out analysis of samples of any article of food received from Food Safety Officers or other authorized personnel.
The principal notification governing this list was published in the Gazette of India vide S.O. 3648 (E) on 6 December 2016. The dynamic nature of laboratory accreditations—often tied to National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) validity—necessitates periodic updates. Prior to the current August 2026 update, the list was last amended via FSSAI notification on 13 July 2026.
Detailed Regional Amendments in the August 2026 Notification
The latest notification meticulously outlines changes across four primary regions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the substitutions, insertions, and omissions implemented by the FSSAI.