FSPDI is a leading national institute involved in food and nutrition R&D, it also provides food analysis services through its ISO 17025 certified Grain Quality Testing Lab.
 

OBJECTIVES

• To develop and produce novel, nutraceuticals, functional food and techno-food products from indigenous sources to ameliorate nutrition and health issues.

• To provide food quality analysis services to the private and public sectors, to evaluate food commodities /crop varieties for nutritive quality and consumer acceptance.

• To develop partnership with food industry and carry out collaborative research in food sciences.

• To impart trainings to small businesses / entrepreneurs for producing food products as cottage industry.

Under the Institute, there are three Programs. a summary of their current activities is as follows:

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

• Development of functional foods with bio-active compounds (dietary fibers)

• Development of foods with Pre and Pro-biotics

• Techno-beverages production (Fruit Drinks & Herbal Tea)

• Pilot scale production of various food products and their sale through PARC agro Tec Company.

FOOD CHEMISTRY & NUTRITION PROGRAM

• Basic R & D work for developing high fiber and high energy biscuits recipe.

• Formulation of fruit snacks with superior nutritional & health benefits

• Development of nutritious formulations for special groups (soups, baby food etc).

• Standardization of extraction and quantification techniques for aflatoxins & antioxidants

FOOD TESTING PROGRAM

• Quality testing of exportable agricultural produce for public and private sectors, according to WTO/TRIPS Codex Elementarious requirements.

• Maintaining the Accreditation status of Grain Quality Testing Lab (GQTL).

• Enhancing the grain and its products quality testing capabilities.

• Training of manpower in Pakistan to undertake research and grain quality testing work.

• Analyzing fruits and vegetables for nutritive values.

GRAIN QUALITY TESTING LAB

Grain Quality Testing Lab (GQTL) is an important component of Food Testing Programme. This state of the art laboratory was established in June 2004, with the aim to provide all the facilities for grain quality testing under one roof.
 

     Vision: To be recognized as the market leader in grain analysis in Asia to support Pakistan’s trade in the region.

     Mission:

• To provide accredited analytical laboratory services to the entire satisfaction of our clients

• To stay ahead with new technologies

• To be internationally competitive

• To be financially independent

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (QMS)

Quality data is of great importance to us; GQTL staff participates in several international proficiency programs to maintain international credibility of our results.

We use valid, verified and standard methods.

Rapid turnaround time is assured and confidential handling of our client’s information and of data generated by the GQTL is guaranteed.
 

Analytical services

GQTL analyzes the quality parameters of various food commodities in the following areas:

• Physical quality characteristics of grains

• Cereal chemistry and cooking quality

• Pest and disease related to grain

• Environmental safety aspects viz pesticide residues, heavy metals and mycotoxins.

• Microbiological and pathological testing

On an average about 2000 samples are tested per annum.

The laboratories interact with public sector on technical matters related to wheat, rice and pulses quality specifications for imports / export.

Laboratories are also providing testing/certification facilities to fruits and vegetables exporters on pesticide residues and heavy metals to facilitate their exports.
 

Procedure for Sample Testing:

Sample to be analyzed should be sent to the office of Incharge Customer Services, Grain quality Testing Lab alongwith the payment. Payment can be made by Cash or Bank draft in the favour of Director (Administration), National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad

For further information regarding sample testing, Customer Service Section may be contacted

Parameters analyzed along with their cost of analysis are given in the table below:

Major Equipments Available

GQTL is equipped with the latest testing facilities, details of some of the major equipment are given below:

SCIENTIFIC STAFF

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