Himachal Pradesh to Establish Second Food Forensic Unit in India

Himachal Pradesh will soon set up a food forensic unit, enhancing capabilities to detect adulteration and causes of food-borne illnesses. This new facility will be only the second of its kind in India, following an existing one in Gujarat. The initiative aims to ensure quality food products and aid law enforcement in food safety investigations.

Checking adulteration in food items and detecting causes of food-borne illnesses will become significantly easier in Himachal Pradesh, as the state government has approved the establishment of a food forensic unit.

This facility will be the second of its kind in India, following the one established in Gujarat. ‘Quality food products are essential, and this forensic unit will help monitor sugar content, pesticides, and insecticides,’ said Meenakshi Mahajan, Director of State Forensic Services.

The lab, which could be located at the state forensic science laboratory in Junga or regional labs in Mandi or Dharamshala, will not only test public distribution system samples but also industrial samples. This is part of a broader initiative by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to enhance forensic services in the state.