After ratifying the approval process for Rapid Analytical Food Testing –RAFT Kit in february this year, the FSSAI has approved 65 such methods/kits/equipment for final approval.

These methods/kits/equipment were approved by the FSSAI across six product categories including edible oils, milk, water & alcoholic beverages, meat & meat products, fish & fish products, raw & finished products and automated system for rapid detection of pathogens in food matrices.

According to the FSSAI’s updated report on the approval of the RAFT Kits, these applications were recommended for final approval and the Conformance Certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issue.

These methods/kits would be used for the purpose of screening and surveillance and will act as a catalyst in speeding the analysis of various kinds of food products, keeping in view the public health and food safety.

Meanwhile, previously the FSSAI has also approved the use of its logo along with certificate number and validity period on the approved methods and kits.

FSSAI says that it has received representations and a decision has been taken to allow the applicants to use the ‘FSSAI logo’ along with ‘certificate number’ and ‘validity period’ on the approved kits/methods.

However, the applicants should ensure that FSSAI logo and certificate numbers must be as mentioned on the certificate and the validity period of finally approved kits is mentioned in the document titled ‘status of RAFT application’ will be updated from time to time, says the order.

The applicants should also need to submit a self declaration form to FSSAI as prescribed by the FSSAI within 2 days of initiating the process to print the ‘approved info’ on the rapid kit or equipment.

Last year, FSSAI had notified the Food Safety and Standards (Laboratory and Sample Analysis) First Amendment Regulations, 2020, to incorporate the approval of Rapid Analytical Food Testing Kit, Equipment or Method (RAFT)