In order to earn consumer trust, the country’s food regulator has decided to get food testing done through consumer organizations. Food safety law provides for reimbursement of testing fees if a consumer sample fails. This provision has however never been used due to some practical difficulties. With a view to addressing these difficulties, FSSAI has now decided to authorize credible voluntary consumer organizations (VCOs) to assist consumers in getting such tests done. Reimbursement of testing fees in such cases will be done even if the consumer sample does not fail.
