Intertek has announced its accreditation of its food testing laboratory in Hyderabad by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The laboratory, which provides services to the agri-export community, will now be able to provide the mandatory certifications for various agricultural products being exported from India.
APEDA was established by the Government of India under the APEDA Act to provide services to the agri-export community. All products being exported have to obtain certification from an APEDA approved laboratory to ensure that the products comply with food safety requirements, including analysis of residues of chemicals pesticides, drugs and antibiotics and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Siyaram Tiwari, head of food services, India, Intertek, said, “Food manufacturers and food business operators now request certifications from APEDA approved labs. We are delighted to receive this accreditation which is a significant development for our laboratory. Intertek has worked closely with the Government of India for a very long time and we are pleased to continue and strengthen this relationship. Our global testing and certification experience will ensure that products meet the stringent quality, health, environmental and safety standards that have been set by APEDA.”
Intertek’s food laboratory in Hyderabad has approvals to provide the required certifications for a variety of products exported from India, including fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, cereals and associated products, dairy products, nuts and oil seeds, and other processed foods.