Port Blair, July 22: With the constant initiatives of A&N Administration, the Food Safety and Standard  Authority of India, New Delhi has sanctioned one more Mobile Food Testing Laboratory (MFTL) for these Islands, which will be stationed at Mayabunder to cater the need of North & Middle Andaman District.

Shri Chetan B Sanghi, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration flagged off the Mobile Food Testing Laboratory at a brief function held today in the Secretariat complex in presence of Principal Secretary (Health), Shri Vikram Dev Dutt and other senior officers of A&N Administration and officials of Food Safety Department. Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner Food Safety informed that the Department of Food Safety has brought a solution for the long pending demand of Islanders to get their food articles tested through a food testing laboratory.

The Mobile Food Testing Laboratory (MFTL) shall be performing three key activities. Firstly, shall provide a simple platform for testing common adulterants in milk, water, edible oils and other food items of daily consumption. Secondly, to conduct awareness programmes on food safety, good manufacturing and good hygiene practices and also to promote healthy eating habits among Islanders at large and the MFTL shall also provide training to various food handlers and supervisors engaged in food business, particularly petty food business operators, street food vendors and hawkers etc.

General public as well as food business operators willing to test their food articles can approach the MFTL along with their food samples for its analysis. At least three parameters of analysis reports shall be issued on the spot on payment of Rs.150/- per sample as fee prescribed by FSSAI. The MFTL van shall visit all parts of North and Middle Andaman District for conducting tests, awareness and training programmes. The van is manned with adequate technical staff. 

The Department of Food Safety is committed to provide safe, wholesome and nutritious food to the general public. For further queries contact over phone No. 9434270539, 9474281888 or District Office control room of Mayabunder No. 03192-273137.