Established in 1987 under the provisions of the Food Act No. 26 of 1980, the Food Quality Control Laboratory (Chemical) in NIHS functions under the Ministry of Health and plays a main role in safeguarding national food safety. In an effort to strengthen the National Food Control Infrastructure, the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), formulated a project for the establishment of a Food Control Laboratory utilizing United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funds. This initiative led to the creation of the very first food analytical laboratory of the Ministry of Health, providing services across all administrative areas of the country.

Initially, the laboratory operated a dedicated Food Chemistry Division under the supervision of a Chief Chemist, who functioned directly under the Director, NIHS. The Chief Chemist position is a gazette-notified Additional Approved Analyst responsible for overseeing chemical analysis related to food safety and quality assurance. The Food Chemistry Division was established under the leadership of its first Chief Chemist, Ms. Kamala Abeysinghe, whose expertise and commitment laid a strong foundation for food chemical testing in Sri Lanka. The division was equipped and staffed to perform basic chemical analyses of food products, supporting national efforts to ensure food quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Main function of the laboratory is the analysis of samples submitted by the food inspectorate to assess compliance with Food Regulations. These analyses encompass food additives, composition, adulterants, and the identification of hazardous chemical residues. All testing is conducted in accordance with the Food Act No. 26 of 1980, with formal reports issued to the relevant authorities.

In 2008, the NIHS Food Laboratory commenced testing of imported food samples for regulatory compliance at the request of the Food Administration Unit. This service represents a significant income-generating activity for the government and is uniquely offered by NIHS on a private testing basis.

Apart from court cases, food safety measures play a vital role in safeguarding public health by ensuring that safe and compliant food is available to consumers.

Today, the Food chemistry laboratory functions under the leadership of the Chief Chemist and Additional Approved Analyst, Ms. S. Udakara, supported by a team of chemists conducting food chemical analyses.

Significant milestones mark the laboratory’s growth and modernization. A newly restructured laboratory facility was established in 2016, alongside an increase in the approved cadre to seven chemists and the expansion of supportive staff. High-technology analytical instruments, including HPLC and GC-MS, were installed in 2016, followed by the inauguration of a separate laboratory equipped with ICP-MS and LC-MS/MS instruments in 2018. In 2024, additional space within the Biomedical Unit building was allocated to further strengthen laboratory operations.

A landmark achievement in the laboratory’s history was the successful attainment of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation. From 25 May 2022, the Food Quality Control Laboratory (Chemical) has functioned as an accredited testing laboratory, a significant accomplishment for both the NIHS and the Ministry of Health.

Beyond routine analytical services, the laboratory actively contributes to national capacity building. It plays a key role in in-service training programs for Public Health Officers and serves as a resource center for exhibitions and public awareness initiatives, including education programs for consumers, food manufacturers, and food handlers organized by the Ministry of Health.

As the institution celebrates its centenary, the Food Quality Control Laboratory (Chemical) reflects decades of scientific excellence, and unwavering service to national food safety.