Dr. Sumita Misra outlines major laboratory upgrades, mobile testing expansion and strict enforcement drive

Chandigarh, February 2026 – In a major push to strengthen food and drug safety systems, the Haryana Government has approved Rs. 53.21 crore for upgrading regulatory infrastructure in the National Capital Region (NCR), including the deployment of 28 Mobile Food Testing Laboratory (MFTL) vans and modernization of the District Food Laboratory at Karnal.

Sharing the details, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Sumita Misra said the initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring faster, scientific and accessible food testing services for citizens.

The District Food Testing Laboratory at Karnal has undergone comprehensive renovation with Rs. 90.29 lakh from the State Budget and an additional Rs. 50 lakh grant-in-aid from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Further strengthening its capabilities, 47 modern laboratory equipment items worth Rs. 4.63 crore are being procured through Haryana Medical Services Corporation Limited (HMSCL), with the tender process in its final stage. In addition, the Karnal laboratory has been upgraded with a dedicated Microbiology Section at a cost of Rs. 3.96 crore funded by FSSAI, Dr. Misra added.

She further informed that the establishment of a Microbiology Lab in Chandigarh, funded by NCRPB, New Delhi, worth Rs. 4.44 crore is underway and 80 percent complete, becoming operational by March 2026. Renovation work of the Food Lab Chandigarh with Central-State Share grant of Rs. 10.45 crore has been completed and the laboratory has been upgraded with three high-end equipment.

Haryana currently has two notified food testing laboratories at Chandigarh and Karnal both NABL-accredited and recognised by FSSAI under Section 43(1) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Recognising that milk and dairy products form a major component of the State’s diet — and that Haryana is a leading hub for sportspersons – Dr. Misra said eight state-of-the-art food testing laboratories will be established in phases to ensure high-quality food standards across the State.

Dr. Misra further informed that to promote a hygienic street food culture, four cities namely Ambala, Karnal, Hisar and Gurugram  have been selected for Clean Street Food Hubs. In Ambala, a 60-shop Street Food Hub is being developed at Gandhi Ground, Ambala Cantt, and is expected to be completed by February 2026. Hisar has completed around 60 percent of the work and aims to finish the project by the end of the current financial year. In Karnal, land near the Western Yamuna Canal at Vishwakarma Chowk has been identified and the Detailed Project Report approved, with completion targeted for 2026–27. In Gurugram, the project is at the tendering stage.

Five MFTL vans provided by FSSAI are already operational across districts, offering on-the-spot food testing at a nominal Rs. 20 per sample. The addition of 28 new vans in NCR areas will significantly expand outreach and citizen access.

Dr. Misra also highlighted robust enforcement by the State Drugs Laboratory during 2025. Between January 1 and December 31, 2025, 5,063 drug samples were received and 6,266 analysed, reflecting improved disposal efficiency. The department inspected 14,910 drug sale units and suspended 764 licences, while 80 licences were cancelled either partially or wholly following punitive action. A total of 3,417 samples were collected and 4,916 tested, with only 11 declared sub-standard.

Enforcement actions included 315 joint raids and inspection of 593 manufacturing units. Five manufacturing or blood centre licences were suspended, while 52 new manufacturing licences were granted for drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. Seven units were upgraded to WHO-GMP standards, strengthening Haryana’s pharmaceutical compliance framework. Fifty-six prosecutions were launched during the year. Out of 15 court cases decided, eight resulted in conviction. The department also detected 33 cases of drug overpricing and suspended permissions for 68 products due to non-compliance with corrective and preventive action requirements.

Dr. Sumita Misra said the integrated push — combining laboratory modernisation, mobile testing, strict enforcement and infrastructure expansion — reflects Haryana’s commitment to public health protection and consumer confidence. “With advanced testing facilities, expanded mobile outreach and firm regulatory oversight, we are ensuring that safe food and quality medicines reach every household,” she said.