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Industrial Visit to Fare Labs Food Analysis and Research Laboratory
Noida International University Department of Pharmacy Collaboration with Fare Labs Food Analysis and Research Laboratory, Gurugram
Name of the Event: Industrial visit
Organized By: Fare Labs Food Analysis and Research Laboratory
DATE OF VISIT: 08/10/2024
Venue: Fare Labs Food Analysis and Research Laboratory, Gurugram
INTRODUCTION
On October 8th, 2023, Noida International University organized an industrial visit to Fare Labs Food Analysis and Research Laboratory in Gurugram, Haryana, for its first-year D. Pharm students. The visit aimed to provide students with practical insights into the field of food and pharmaceutical analysis, allowing them to witness real-world applications of analytical techniques and understand industry standards. This educational trip was a crucial step toward bridging theoretical knowledge with practical understanding, a necessity for budding pharmacists who will soon contribute to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
OVERVIEW OF FARE LABS
Fare Labs is a well-reputed food analysis and research laboratory located in Sarhol, Gurugram, Haryana. The lab specializes in food and pharmaceutical testing and offers extensive services related to quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and research and development. Recognized for its rigorous quality control standards and modern equipment, Fare Labs has achieved several certifications, including NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation, which underscores its commitment to providing reliable and accurate results. The laboratory’s work aligns with the latest FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and WHO (World Health Organization) standards, making it a trusted partner for various companies and government bodies.
OBJECTIVE OF THE VISIT
The primary objective of this visit was to expose students to the practical environment of a testing laboratory where complex analyses on food, drugs, and other products are carried out. The visit was designed to enhance the students’ knowledge of analytical chemistry, laboratory operations, and the stringent quality assurance protocols that are crucial in the pharmaceutical and food testing industry. Additionally, the visit helped students understand the regulatory requirements for food and pharmaceutical products and the critical role laboratories like Fare Labs play in public health and safety.
ACTIVITIES DURING THE VISIT
Upon arrival, the students and faculty were warmly welcomed by the Fare Labs team and given an orientation session. This introductory presentation covered the laboratory’s mission, core activities, and the essential services they provide to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, and environmental sciences. The Fare Labs experts provided an overview of the rigorous analytical methods they use and how these contribute to ensuring public safety.
The students were then guided on a detailed tour of the laboratory facilities. Key areas of interest included the sample reception area, where incoming samples are logged and cataloged, and the sample preparation area, where samples undergo various procedures before testing. One of the main highlights was the advanced instrumentation section. Here, students observed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS) equipment, which are commonly used in the analysis of complex chemical compounds in both food and pharmaceutical samples.
The laboratory staff demonstrated how these machines work and explained the importance of accuracy and precision in analysis. The students were particularly intrigued by the level of sophistication required to test contaminants in food, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants, and to ensure drug purity and stability.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The visit to Fare Labs provided first-year D. Pharm students with invaluable learning opportunities. Firstly, it emphasized the importance of adherence to regulatory standards like FSSAI, WHO, and the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Students witnessed the processes involved in maintaining quality control and how these methods help prevent substandard products from reaching consumers.
Furthermore, the hands-on exposure to the equipment helped demystify complex analytical techniques that are usually limited to textbook descriptions. Students gained insights into the applications of HPLC and GC-MS, as well as the importance of sample preparation, calibration, and data interpretation. Such skills are foundational for anyone entering the pharmaceutical industry, especially for quality control and assurance roles. The lab staff also shared insights into career opportunities in the field of food and drug analysis, motivating students to consider specialized fields within the pharmaceutical industry.
CONCLUSION
The industrial visit to Fare Labs was a highly enriching experience for the first-year D. Pharm students of Noida International University. It allowed them to grasp the real-world applications of laboratory techniques and witness the critical role that testing laboratories play in maintaining product safety and quality. The experience deepened the students’ understanding of the pharmaceutical and food industries, inspiring them to continue their studies with greater dedication. By observing Fare Labs’ commitment to excellence and ethical practices, students gained a clear perspective on the standards they must uphold in their future careers.
Such visits are essential for fostering a holistic educational experience, encouraging students to apply their academic knowledge, and preparing them for the challenges of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
