Bengaluru, Sept. 16 -- Concerns have been raised over alleged irregularities in laboratory testing of packaged food products, with some private laboratories accused of issuing certificates without properly testing samples. The issue has prompted the Food Safety Department to step up scrutiny of branded food products available in the market.

Food products are required to undergo laboratory testing before being released into the market, with certificates covering parameters such as quality, chemical content, colours and expiry-related standards. The government has prescribed charges for such testing based on established standards.

However, some private laboratories are allegedly offering certificates at substantially lower rates than the ...