GURUGRAM:
In a push to strengthen food and drug safety systems, the Haryana Government has approved ₹53.21 crore for upgrading regulatory infrastructure in the National Capital Region, including the deployment of 28 mobile food testing laboratory (MFTL) vans and modernisation of the District Food Laboratory at Karnal.
Sharing the details, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Sumita Misra said the initiative marks a step towards ensuring faster, scientific and accessible food testing services for citizens.
Five MFTL vans provided by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) are already operational across districts, offering on-the-spot food testing at a nominal ₹20 per sample. The addition of 28 new vans in NCR areas will significantly expand outreach and citizen access.
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 – Ms. Misra said eight state-of-the-art food testing laboratories will be established in phases to ensure high-quality food standards across the State.
Ms. 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% 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.
Published – February 16, 2026 01:31 am IST
