Haryana government to deploy 28 mobile food testing labs in NCR

GURUGRAM:

In a bid to strengthen food and drug safety systems, the Government of Haryana has approved ₹53.21 crore for improving regulatory infrastructure in the National Capital Region, including deployment of 28 mobile food testing laboratory (MFTL) vehicles and modernization of District Food Laboratory in Karnal.

Sharing the details, Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, said that the initiative is a step towards providing faster, scientific and accessible food testing services for citizens.

Five MFTL vehicles provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are currently operating across districts, offering on-site food testing at a nominal price of ₹20 per sample. The addition of 28 new minibuses to NCR areas will significantly increase outreach and citizen access.

Haryana currently has two approved food testing laboratories in Chandigarh and Karnal, which are NABL accredited and recognized by FSSAI under Section 43(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Acknowledging that milk and dairy products form an important component of the State’s nutrition and Haryana is a leading hub for athletes, Ms. Misra said eight state-of-the-art food testing laboratories will be set up in phases to ensure high quality food. Statewide standards.

Ms. Misra also informed that four cities namely Ambala, Karnal, Hisar and Gurugram have been selected for Clean Street Food Hubs to promote a hygienic street food culture. In Ambala, a 60-shop Street Food Hub is being developed at Gandhi Ground in Ambala Cantt and is expected to be completed by February 2026.

Having completed approximately 60 percent of the work, Hisar aims to complete the project by the end of this financial year. In Karnal, land near Western Yamuna Canal at Vishwakarma Chowk has been identified and the Detailed Project Report has been approved, targeted for completion by 2026-27. The project is at the tender stage in Gurugram.