Haryana asks FDA to test all food items

Haryana Government has asked the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect samples of all food and drink samples available in the market.

The State’s Health Minister Anil Vij has directed the agency to check all edible products for adulteration in the state’s FDA meeting.

Vij said the test labs at Chandigarh and Karnal would be upgraded and four new facilities would be established at Gurgaon, Panchkula, Bhiwani and Hansi.

There is also a proposal to set up a lab to test Ayurvedic medicines.

There has also been an action plan to increase the efficiency of Senior Drug Control Officers (SDCOs) and Drug Control Officers (DCOs). Now, no officer can work at a station for more than a year. The dealings of SDCOs and DCOs would also be monitored.

The government would also introduce online process to get new license, renewals and also information about testing of food items.

Parveen Garg has been handed the post of Joint Commissioner of FDA. This is expected to increase the efficiency of the agency.

(Image credit: Indiatimes)