Food Safety and Standards (Recognition and Notification of Laboratories) Regulations, 2018.

These Regulations are framed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (Food Authority) in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (e) of sub-section (2) of section 16 read with section 43 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 relating to recognition and accreditation of laboratories, research institutions and referral food laboratory.
Regulation 3 provides for recognition of any notified food laboratory or referral food laboratory as reference laboratory by the Food Authority for the purpose of developing methods of testing, validation, proficiency testing and training. The functions of such reference laboratories includes, inter-alia, developing standards for routine testing procedures and reliable testing methods and coordinating exchange of information amongst notified food laboratories. Regulation 4 lays down the criteria for notifying and recognising food laboratories and Regulation 5 provides for the procedure for such notification. Regulation 8 allows the Food Authority to conduct audits and investigate any complaint received, regarding the functioning of a food laboratory. Regulation 9 contains obligations of food laboratories and Regulation 10 provides for grounds to de-notify any food laboratory. Regulation 11 provides for appeal in cases of rejection of application, suspension or de-notification of a food laboratory.