Food Testing

FOOD TESTING

Why do we need testing of foods?

Testing of food is needed to.

validate that food meets the regulatory/legal limits which are set to protect consumers
gain consumer confidence on the product
. facilitate export of food products

What are your receiving hours and contact information of your laboratory?

Receiving hours.

Summer timing: 9am to 5 pm and
Winter timing: 9am to 4pm on weekdays

Contact Address:

National Food Testing Laboratory

Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority

Ministry of Agriculture and Forests

Yusipang, Thimphu.

Email: bafranftl@gmail.com

How much sample do I need to send?

As mentioned, samples need to be representative of the lot and collected by using certain sampling procedures. Samples should be at least 50g/ml for each test parameters. However if it is packed/tinned it must be sent whole to maintain the integrity of the sample.

How do I submit a sample?

Samples can be submitted in person to our nearest BAFRA field offices or directly to the above address. You need to fill up the “sample submission form” clearly and indicate the test parameters that can be carried out at NFTL. Tests performed at NFTL can be found under “laboratory services” on the home page. You should select the appropriate number of samples that are representative of your product(s) and it is highly recommended to get help from our field inspectors rather than collecting samples by yourself. It is highly recommended that perishable items be sent as quickly as possible in a cool box with ice packs to maintain integrity of the samples.

How do I pay for my analysis?

For now, NFTL provides testing services for free of charges

How do you report results?

Results are reported in a prescribed format signed by signatory authority as required by the accreditation system. Normally reports are emailed, faxed, etc. to our concerned field offices.

What is your turnaround time?

Answer: Microbiology: at least one week, Chemistry: 2-3 days. However, turnaround time will also depend on the number of samples received.

Can I claim that my products are safe all time after you issue the test results?

No, test results either positive or negative are only for the samples tested and cannot use the test result for different lots of products.

Do you offer other services not mentioned on your website?

The non-accredited tests that we can offer are testing of pesticide residues in vegetables, mycotoxins testing like Aflatoxin B1. If we are not in a position to meet your needs, we will arrange to send your samples to one of our reference laboratories in Thailand and India and this is chargeable.

What is the sample retention time?

Unless specified otherwise, the retention time for all samples is thirty (30) days from the date of issue of the test result.

SEARCH FOR INFORMATION

SERVICES

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The primary mandates of Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) is to implement effective biosecurity measures to protect the agriculture farming system including animal health, and public health from risks of entry, establishment and spread of exotic and or notifiable pests and diseases. Thus, a major role is placed…more

Import permit and clearance

Import of animals/plants and their products are allowed into the country with prior approval and obtaining Import Permit from BAFRA. At arrival at the point of entry, the consignment intended for import must be accompanied with a Phytosanitary Certificate for plant consignment and Zoo-sanitary Certificate for animal consignment…more

In-country movement permits

Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority implements measures to reduce the transmission of animal or plant, pest and diseases from one dzongkhag to another. Hence In-Country Movement Permits are issued

Export certification

BAFRA facilitates the export of plant and plant products by issuing the certificates as per the requirements of the importing country following the procedure below…more

Food Handlers’ Licensing

BAFRA issues food handlers license after a health interview, training on food safety, and signing an undertaking that the food handler and all those under their supervision avoid themselves from handling food under certain conditions of illness as listed below…mo re

Registration & Licensing Services

A person who intends to operate a food business requires a food safety license from BAFRA. BAFRA issues food safety licence to a food business that complies with BAFRA GHP/GMP Criteria for Licensing of food business. To obtain a food safety licence…more

Food Testing Services

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Certification Services

BAFRA provides product certification services to support the farmers, industries and commerce in Bhutan for market access and trade facilitation. BAFRA implements product certification in conformity with ISO IEC 17065:2012 to provide a third party mark of certification. Our certification services will enable you…more

Biosafety (GMO) Services

The Biosafety requirements are implemented as per the Biosafety Act of Bhutan 2015, and Biosafety Rules and Regulations 2018. The objectives of this Act is to protect, conserve and safeguard the biodiversity of Bhutan and also to promote the nation’s food and nutrition security and safeguard the animals and human health from unintended effect of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). Read More…