National Food Laboratory (NFL) Ghaziabad logo
FSSAI Referral Food Laboratory Government of India · PPP Model NABL · ISO/IEC 17025:2017

National Food Laboratory (NFL) — Ghaziabad

Operated by Arbro Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. · Formerly known as the Food Research and Standardization Laboratory (FRSL)

The National Food Laboratory (NFL) Ghaziabad is an apex Food Laboratory of India dealing in quality testing of food under the FSS Act, 2006. The laboratory has end-to-end analytical capability to test any food samples for compliance as per the FSS Act and Rules/Regulations.

National Food Laboratory is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and recognised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The revamped facility was inaugurated by Dr Harsh Vardhan, then Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, marking its formal launch as a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of India and Arbro / Auriga.

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National Food Laboratory (NFL) Ghaziabad — microbiological and chemical testing facilities

Microbiological and chemical testing facilities at the National Food Laboratory, Ghaziabad

A Government Lab, Run on a PPP Model

NFL Ghaziabad is owned by the Government of India and operated by Arbro / Auriga under a long-term Public-Private Partnership concession. Regulatory authority stays with FSSAI; operational, technical, and management responsibility sits with Arbro.

FSSAI retains

  • Statutory referral-laboratory notification
  • Scope, methods, and regulatory oversight
  • Sample referrals from Central / State authorities
  • Import sample examinations at ports

Arbro / Auriga delivers

  • Capital investment in instruments and facility
  • Scientific staffing and laboratory operations
  • NABL accreditation and quality systems
  • Customer-facing testing services to industry

What We Do

  • Undertake analysis of samples received from various sources to assure the safety and quality of food.
  • Undertake R&D work for standardization of testing methods for food products and food additives.
  • Function as one of the Referral Food Laboratories under the provision of the FSS Act, FSS Rules & Regulations 2011.
  • Undertake analysis of imported food samples drawn from various ports as per FSS Act, Rules and Regulations 2011.
  • Conduct training programmes for food regulatory staff of the various States and UTs in the area of food adulteration monitoring, food safety and food analysis.
  • Objective of NFL is the development and validation of suitable matrix-specific methods as per FSSAI & global compliance.
  • We are experienced in providing nutritional labelling for hotel and restaurant menus.

Commodities Tested at NFL

Oil and Fats
Milk & Milk Products
Cereals & Pulses
Fruits & Vegetables
Packaged Foods
Ready To Eat Foods
Packaged Drinking Water
Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Probiotics
Poultry, Fish & Meat
Proprietary Foods
Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals

Comprehensive Scope of Testing

Chemical Testing

  • Quality parameters
  • Safety parameters
  • Nutritional parameters

Biological Testing

  • Indicator and hygiene parameters
  • Pathogens
  • Viruses and parasites
  • Meat and fish species identification

Specialised Testing Facilities

End-to-end analytical capability covering pesticide residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins, naturally occurring toxins, vitamins, veterinary drug residues, food additives, microbiology, and full nutritional profiling.

Pesticide Residue

Capabilities

  • Capability to analyse all pesticides in FSSA-213
  • Detection levels below than current regulations
  • Various matrices
  • All pesticides as per FSSR

Equipment

GC-MS/MSLC-MS/MSHPLCSample millsHomogenizersSample concentrator and hoods

Nutritional Labelling

Capabilities

  • Energy
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrate
  • Calorific Value
  • Sugar
  • Fibre
  • Dietary fibre
  • Fats
  • Saturated Fatty Acids
  • Monounsaturated Fatty Acid
  • Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
  • Trans fats
  • Cholesterol
  • Vitamins – A, E, D, K, B, C
  • Minerals – Ca, Fe, Na, K, Zn, Mg, Mn, I, P, Se and many more
  • Amino acids
  • Nucleotides

Heavy Metals

Capabilities

  • Ability to analyse all toxic metals at ultra-trace levels
  • Using standard international methods
  • Methods suitable for variety of food matrices

Equipment

ICP-MSMicrowave digestion systemFume hoodsClean labUltra pure acids

NOTs — Naturally Occurring Toxins

Capabilities

  • All NOTs as per FSSA
  • Safrole
  • Hypericin
  • Hydrocyanic acid
  • Agaric acid
  • Mycotoxins

Equipment

HPLC-FLDHPLC-UV/VISHPTLCGC-MS/MSLC-MS/MSIon chromatography

Mycotoxins

Capabilities

  • Aflatoxins – B1, B2, G1, G2
  • Ochratoxin A
  • Patulin
  • ZON, DON

Equipment

HPLC-FLDLC-MS/MSELISA – for screening

Microbiology

Capabilities

  • Pathogen detection
  • Hygiene monitoring — swabs and air sampling
  • Probiotics
  • Vitamin assays

Equipment

Clean roomsLAFBiosafety cabinetIncubatorsFreezersAutoclaves

Food Additives

Capabilities

  • ID and quality of additives
  • ID and level of additives in food
  • Food colour — permitted & levels
  • Preservatives
  • Antioxidants
  • Thickeners, modifiers, emulsifiers & more

Equipment

HPLCGCFTIRHPTLCGC-MS/MSIon chromatography

Fat and Water Soluble Vitamins

Capabilities

  • Juices
  • Fortified foods
  • Nutraceuticals
  • All vitamins — water-soluble (Vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, B12) and fat-soluble (Vitamin A, E, D)

Equipment

HPLCLC-MS/MS

Veterinary Drug Residues

Capabilities

  • All drugs and matrices as per FSSA — nitrofurans, tetracyclines, sulphonamides
  • Methods validated to global standards
  • Various matrices — honey, fish, milk, egg
  • Deuterated internal standards
  • All drugs as per FSSR

Equipment

LC-MS/MSHPLCELISA – for screeningSolid phase extraction (SPE)MillsHomogenizers

Fatty Acid Profile

Capabilities

  • Fats and oils
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Packaged foods
  • All fatty acids
  • Trans fats

Equipment

GC-FIDFTIR

Our Approvals and Accreditations

Our laboratory is accredited in accordance with the standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and fulfills all the standards and general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories for our facilities at NFL.

NABL ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited
National Food Laboratory logo FSSAI Referral Food Laboratory under Section 43 of FSS Act 2006
FSSAI Notified Referral and Imports Laboratory

Major Equipment

Auriga Research operates a state-of-the-art laboratory with equipment and analytical methodologies including chromatography (TLC, GC, HPLC, HPTLC, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, GPC, headspace analyser), spectroscopy (FTIR, UV/visible, atomic absorption), and spectrometry (ICP-MS).

HPLC

High Performance Liquid Chromatography is an analytical tool in a testing lab as it affords separation and quantification of a variety of analytes which are thermally labile and not volatile enough for analysis on GC.

HPTLC

High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography ensures efficient separation in short time. It is used for purity control of chemicals, pesticides, steroids, and analysis of vitamins, water-soluble food dyes, and pesticides in fruits and vegetables.

ICP-MS

ICP-MS is the synergistic combination of an ICP with a mass spectrometer. ICP testing offers the benefits of speed of analysis along with the lowest detection limits to laboratories performing trace metal determinations.

GC-MS/MS

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) is a highly sensitive technique for detection and quantification of organic molecules. The system finds application in pharmaceuticals, foods, and environmental analysis.

HPLC-FLD

High Performance Liquid Chromatography using a fluorescence detector is used for analysis of aflatoxins and other toxins.

TGA Analysis

TGA is used to analyse the varied temperature exposures that may cause alteration in physical and chemical properties of food components depending upon the magnitude and duration of temperature.

GC-HS-FID and GC-ECD, NPD, TCD

The instrument is used for Electron Capture Detector (ECD), Flame Ionization Detector (FID), Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD), and Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD).

LC-MS/MS

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry is a versatile and robust methodology that combines the separating power of liquid chromatography with the highly sensitive and selective mass analysis capability of mass spectrometry.

Values That Lead Us

Eight principles that govern day-to-day work at NFL — from quality systems to turnaround times.

01

Quality Management

We implement a management system as per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and WHO GPCL. We follow a systematic and integrated approach to establish and control work processes.

02

Customer Satisfaction

We believe in retaining our customers by providing products and services of utmost quality. Customers are our support pillars as they boost brand reputation and popularity.

03

Avant-Garde Technology

We offer the most technologically advanced portfolio of services to give accurate results. Our state-of-the-art laboratories are highly equipped to provide a wide array of testing services.

04

Upgrade Skills

To develop the skills of our team through 100 per cent training and to ensure that all the concerned personnel are familiarised with quality documentation and implement the policies and procedures in their work.

05

Follow Evaluation Procedures

We analyse the findings of internal audits, non-conformities, customer feedback, and the evaluation of training and continual improvement.

06

Flourish Business

Our aim is to increase our sales each year and maintain profitability by nurturing our current and prospective clients. We believe in providing great services, facilities and support which eventually flourishes not just our business but our clients’ business too.

07

Accuracy and Authenticity

We carry out laboratory activities that lead to reliable and accurate test results. We follow regulatory compliance and fulfill all the parameters.

08

Quick Turnaround Time

We provide the most convenient service right from sample collection, testing, and delivering results in quick turnaround time. We diligently follow a strict time schedule to deliver the results.

Get in Touch

National Food Laboratory, formerly known as the Food Research and Standardization Laboratory, is located in Ahinsa Khand II, Adjacent to CISF Camp, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Phone: +91 120 2987172

Email: info@aurigaresearch.com

Hours: Mon-Sat, 9AM-5PM IST

Sales / general: +91 7428116100

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Send a Sample / Request a Quote

Our team responds within one business day with scope, price, and turnaround.

Frequently Asked Questions — NFL Ghaziabad

What is the National Food Laboratory (NFL) and what is its legal status?
NFL Ghaziabad — formerly known as the Food Research and Standardization Laboratory (FRSL) — is one of two apex Referral Food Laboratories notified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under Section 43 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Referral Laboratory acts as the final analytical authority in disputes between primary and secondary food testing results and examines food samples drawn at Indian ports of import.
How is NFL operated under the PPP model?
NFL Ghaziabad is operated under a long-term Public-Private Partnership between FSSAI / the Government of India and Arbro Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (the parent company of Auriga Research). FSSAI retains regulatory oversight, scope notification, and the referral-laboratory designation, while Arbro is responsible for capital investment, scientific staffing, instrumentation, accreditation maintenance, day-to-day operations, and customer service. The revamped NFL was inaugurated by Dr Harsh Vardhan, then Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, marking the formal launch of the upgraded PPP facility.
What kind of food samples can be analysed at NFL Ghaziabad?
NFL handles the full range of food samples under the FSS Act 2006 and Rules — referral and dispute samples from State and Central food safety authorities, imported food samples cleared through Indian ports and ICDs, surveillance samples from FSSAI projects, and samples submitted by the food industry for compliance, labelling substantiation, and export certification. Categories include oils and fats, milk and dairy, cereals and pulses, fruits and vegetables, packaged foods, ready-to-eat foods, packaged drinking water, beverages, probiotics, meat, fish, poultry, proprietary foods, and nutraceuticals.
What accreditations does NFL hold?
NFL Ghaziabad is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and recognised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as a Referral Food Laboratory. The laboratory also operates in line with WHO Good Practices for Pharmaceutical Control Laboratories (GPCL) for relevant scopes.
Does NFL provide testing services to the food industry directly?
Yes. Beyond its statutory role as a Referral Laboratory, NFL provides testing services to food manufacturers, importers, exporters, retailers, and food service operators — including nutritional labelling for hotel and restaurant menus, FSSAI compliance, claim substantiation, shelf-life and stability studies, and export documentation. Industry clients benefit from the same scientific scope and quality systems that support the laboratory’s regulatory work.
Where is NFL located and how do I send samples?
NFL Ghaziabad is located at Ahinsa Khand II, Adjacent to CISF Camp, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh — within Delhi NCR. Samples can be submitted in person or by courier Monday through Saturday between 9 AM and 5 PM IST. For sample submission protocols, courier instructions, and pre-test consultation, contact us at +91 120 2987172 or info@aurigaresearch.com.

Accreditations & Approvals

NABL accreditation
NABLISO/IEC 17025:2017
CDSCO accreditation
CDSCODrug regulator
FSSAI accreditation
FSSAIFood regulator
WHO Prequalified accreditation
WHO PrequalifiedBangalore lab
BIS accreditation
BISIS standards
USFDA accreditation
USFDAInspected
AYUSH accreditation
AYUSHMinistry registered
APEDA accreditation
APEDAExport approval
ISO accreditation
ISO9001 / 22000
EIC accreditation
EICExport Inspection
NABL accreditation
NABLISO/IEC 17025:2017
CDSCO accreditation
CDSCODrug regulator
FSSAI accreditation
FSSAIFood regulator
WHO Prequalified accreditation
WHO PrequalifiedBangalore lab
BIS accreditation
BISIS standards
USFDA accreditation
USFDAInspected
AYUSH accreditation
AYUSHMinistry registered
APEDA accreditation
APEDAExport approval
ISO accreditation
ISO9001 / 22000
EIC accreditation
EICExport Inspection

Send Your Food Sample to NFL Ghaziabad

FSSAI Referral Laboratory testing for regulators, importers, and food businesses. Accredited reports, end-to-end scope, NCR-located for fast turnaround.

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