So far, Nepal does not have any internationally accredited food laboratory. [break]
DFTQC has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the private food laboratories. "We have already begun to send samples to the private laboratories, and ask for their test reports," Director General of DFTQC, Jeevan Prabha Lama, said. "We ourselves also check the same sample and tally the report against the report provided by the private labs to ascertain the accuracy of results."
The DFTQC has also made necessary legal amendments to engage private laboratories in the sample testing process. According to Lama, the DFTQC has also started to provide training to technicians of private laboratories. World Health Organization (WHO) has provided financial assistance to the DFTQC for the purpose. "Our motto is to have a high-standard lab that can help us ensure that the food people are consuming are of good quality," Lama said.
She said that DFTQC has made the necessary preparation for accreditation of the laboratory. The DFTQC is set to apply at the NABL India for accreditation. NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) is an autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and European commission has provided sophisticated lab equipment to the DFTQC. Germany has also given its support. "We have completed 70% of works, and will apply for the accreditation as soon as possible," she said.
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