1. Why do we need testing of foods?

Testing of food is needed to.

1. validate that food meets the regulatory/legal limits which are set to protect consumers
2. gain consumer confidence on the product

iii. facilitate export of food products

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. How do I pay for my analysis?

For now, NFTL provides testing services for free of charges

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. What is the sample retention time?