Panaji (Goa): Country’s first ever ‘Food Safety on Wheel’ mobile laboratory was launched in Goa today by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

As part of central sector scheme for strengthening the food testing system in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out the scheme of mobile food testing laboratory called ‘Food Safety on Wheel’.

FDA is the first to take the initiative and receive the facility, which cost Rs 41 lakhs fully funded by the Central government.

“This would be the first ever Food Safety on Wheel mobile laboratory in the country,” Parrikar told reporters after launching the van.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was also present on the occasion.

“It will help with on-the-spot checking of food items and adulteration plus educating people about nutrition and importance of safe food,” Parrikar said.

The van is fully equipped with milk analyzer, hot air oven, hot plate, mixer grinder, digital weighing scale, digital multiparameter hand-held meter, power generator, air conditioner, refrigerator, etc.

“This facility will be used to conduct tests for common adulterants in milk, water, edible oils and other items of food for daily consumption. It will be possible to draw on-the-spot samples and generate instant reports of the analysis,” Director FDA Jyoti Sardessai said.

The vehicle will be used for awareness building around food safety, hygiene and promoting healthy eating habits in citizens at large and for conducting training and certification programmes for food handlers, supervisors in the food business, etc.