Haryana is expanding its network of modern food testing laboratories, strengthening enforcement through recruitment of additional Food Safety Officers, establishing dedicated district-level infrastructure, enhancing inter-departmental coordination and investing in new testing facilities. The comprehensive reforms, reviewed by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi at a high-level meeting on Tuesday, are aimed at making Haryana a national model in food safety governance and ensuring safer, healthier food for every citizen.
Presiding over the first meeting of the State Level Advisory Committee (SLAC) of the Food & Drugs Administration Department, the Chief Secretary reviewed a broad roadmap focused on strengthening food safety systems through scientific infrastructure, modern enforcement mechanisms and citizen-first governance. The initiatives are expected to significantly improve food quality surveillance, regulatory compliance and consumer protection across the state.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra said a key highlight of the state's strategy is the expansion of food testing infrastructure. Haryana has already initiated the process for establishing Comprehensive Integrated Food Testing Laboratories (CIFTLs) at Hisar, Jind, Narnaul, Sirsa and Yamunanagar in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
In addition, the State Government has approved Eight Food Testing Laboratories at Hisar, Narnaul, Sirsa, Jind, Yamunanagar, Rohtak, Faridabad and Gurugram in Haryana State. Out of these Eight Laboratories Two Food Testing Laboratories will be established at Hisar and Narnaul in the Financial Year- 2026-27 and Government has made provision of ₹24 crore for said purpose.
These modern laboratories for a healthier tomorrow will strengthen Haryana's capacity to detect adulteration, ensure quality standards and safeguard public health. The state is also working to strengthen existing laboratory infrastructure. Additional facilities have been proposed for the District Food Laboratory at Karnal.
Recognising the importance of strong field enforcement, the government has notified service rules for Food Safety Officers and initiated recruitment to fill vacant positions. A proposal for creation of 12 additional posts of Food Safety Officers are also being created.
Further, 08 officers selected on deputation are expected to join the department, which will substantially enhance field-level monitoring and enforcement activities. To support its expanding mandate, the department is pursuing dedicated office infrastructure for district units, many of which currently operate from limited space within civil hospitals.
Enhanced mobility through additional vehicles and logistical support has also been proposed to improve inspections, raids and transportation of food samples. The state's enforcement efforts have already produced encouraging results.
During 2025-26, the department collected 2,211 food samples, identified 805 non-conforming cases and secured 111 convictions, resulting in penalties amounting to ₹2.35 crore. The increase in convictions and penalties reflects Haryana's growing emphasis on compliance, accountability and consumer protection.
The committee also stressed the importance of stronger coordination among departments including Health, Agriculture, Food and Civil Supplies, Food Processing Industries, School Education, Women and Child Development, Police and Excise & Taxation. Officials informed the meeting that District Level Advisory Committees are now functional across all districts, creating a robust framework for grassroots monitoring, stakeholder participation and local-level action on food safety issues.
Commissioner & Secretary, Women & Child Development, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, Dr. Manoj Kumar, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.