PANJIM: Giving a major boost to the food testing system in Goa, the government launched ‘Food Safety on Wheel’ mobile laboratory, on Sunday. 

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar launched the mobile food testing van of Directorate of Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA). Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Director FDA Jyoti Sardessai were present at the launch.

As part of Central sector scheme for strengthening the food testing system in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out the scheme of mobile food testing laboratory. 

FDA is the first to take the initiative and receive the facility, which cost Rs 41 lakh fully funded by the Central govt. 

“This would be the first ever Food Safety on Wheel mobile laboratory in the country. It is fully funded by the Central government, which will also bear the maintenance cost over five years,” Parrikar told media persons after the launch. 

“It will help with on-the-spot checking of food items and adulteration plus educating people about nutrition and importance of safe food,” Parrikar said. 

He said that it is very important to educate the vendors and consumers, as most of the time they have no idea what is mixed in food that they consume, especially road side. “Initially we will go for awareness campaign while simultaneously conducting checks and initiating action,” Chief Minister said.  

The van is fully equipped with milk analyser, hot air oven, hot plate, mixer grinder, digital weighing scale, digital multi parameter hand-held meter, power generator, air conditioner, refrigerator, etc. 

“This facility will be used to conduct tests for common adulterants in milk, water, edible oils and other items of food of daily consumption. It will be possible to draw on-the-spot samples and generate instant reports of the analysis,” Director FDA Sardessai said. 

She said that last six months they received total 300 complaints related to adulteration and others. 

The vehicle will be used for awareness building around food safety, hygiene and promoting healthy eating habits in citizens at large and for conducting training and certification programmes for food handlers, supervisors in food business, etc.