The facility is expected to help exporters stay away from quality-related barriers in importing countries as they can use the findings of the lab as specification details, according to the department.

DFTQC Spokesperson Purna Chandra Wasti said the proposed lab could test shares of nutrition values present in food products.

“The lab will examine even the complex types of nutrition,” he said.

Currently, the department can only test adulterations in food items. “It cannot test nutrition components like vitamins, protein and related substances, carbohydrate, minerals and fat,” he said.

The department has earmarked Rs 25-30 million for installing the lab, out of which Rs 10-15 will be funded by the Agricultural Competitiveness and Food Safety Project of the World Bank. Nepali exporters have been facing problems in importing countries due to the absence of such a lab. They have been forced to visit Indian laboratories to get their products tested, wasting much time and money.

Wasti said the new lab will also test “trans fat” and “saturated fat” about which developed countries are increasingly concerned.

“These fats are considered one of the main factors for increasing cholesterol, heart problems and obesity,” said Wasti.

The department also plans to upgrade the existing accredited lab. Wasti they have started preparations to make the lab able to certify testing related to microbiology and pesticides in food products.

At present, the lab can certify 25 different parameters, including protein, micro-level fatty acid, dietary fibres, vitamins and mineral contains.

The lab has received accreditation from the National Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) of India.