FSSAI Asks States to Ramp Up Surveillance, Testing of Food Products : Daily Current Affairs

Date: 13/03/2023

Relevance: GS-3: Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

Key Phrases: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Eat Right India, International Year of Millets, public awareness, Food Safety on Wheel, Food Safety Connect.

Context:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed states to ramp up surveillance, random sampling and monitoring of food products in the country.

Key Highlights:

It has been emphasized that, in cases where the food samples are found to be non-conforming, the appropriate measures are required to be taken.
The States/UTs have also been directed to ensure the testing of 10 samples of milk per day by Food Safety on Wheel (FSW) available with them.
A total of 168 FSW vans are available across the country for on-the-spot food testing.
Special surveillance drives the States and UTs have been asked to plan special surveillance drives given the rise in adulteration cases of commonly consumed food products during festivals and marriage season, among others.
They have also been advised to coordinate with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying for effective surveillance.
To strengthen the testing infrastructures in the country, States/UTs have been advised to send proposals for setting up of labs and their upgradation to FSSAI for technical and financial assistance.
States/UTs have also been advised to create posts for recruitment of Designated Officers and FSOs and fill vacant posts, if any, to strengthen the enforcement machinery in the country,” the statement added.
International Year of Millets With the year 2023 celebrated as the International Year of Millets, FSSAI CEO also stressed on the need to publicize and promote the consumption and production of millets.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Authority constitutes the CAC for close cooperation between the Authority and enforcement agencies.

About FSSAI:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The FSSAI is responsible for regulating and overseeing the safety and standards of food products in India.
Its headquarters are located in New Delhi.
The primary mandate of FSSAI is to ensure that all food products are safe for consumption, and they meet the necessary standards of quality.
To achieve this, the FSSAI establishes regulations, guidelines, and standards for food products, including their production, storage, distribution, and sale.
These regulations are regularly updated to keep pace with advances in science and technology and changing consumer preferences.
Apart from setting standards, FSSAI also regulates the labeling and packaging of food products to ensure that they provide consumers with accurate and useful information about the contents of the package.
The authority also promotes public awareness about food safety and encourages the food industry to adopt best practices for quality and hygiene.
FSSAI also has the power to enforce compliance with its regulations and standards by carrying out inspections and audits of food businesses, including food manufacturers, processors, packers, and distributors.
The authority has the power to issue licenses and penalties for non-compliance with food safety regulations.

Initiatives taken by the FSSAI to ensure food safety in the country:

Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC): FSSAI has launched a training and certification program called Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) to provide training on food safety and hygiene to food handlers across the country.
Eat Right India: FSSAI has launched a national campaign called "Eat Right India" to promote safe and healthy eating habits among consumers.
- This campaign aims to encourage people to make informed food choices and adopt healthy eating practices.
Food Safety Connect: FSSAI has launched an online platform called "Food Safety Connect" to facilitate the exchange of information and knowledge among stakeholders in the food industry.
- This platform also provides a mechanism for reporting food safety concerns and incidents.
Food Safety Mitra: FSSAI has launched a program called "Food Safety Mitra" to assist small and medium food businesses in complying with food safety regulations.
- Under this program, trained individuals called "Food Safety Mitras" provide assistance to food businesses in implementing food safety practices.
Rapid Food Safety Detection Kits: FSSAI has developed rapid food safety detection kits to enable quick and reliable detection of contaminants in food.
- These kits are designed to be used by food safety officials, food business operators, and consumers.
Food Safety on Wheels: FSSAI has launched a program called "Food Safety on Wheels" to promote food safety awareness among consumers.
- Under this program, mobile food testing labs visit various locations across the country to conduct food safety tests and provide information on food safety.

Way Forward:

The FSSAI's initiative to ramp up surveillance and monitoring of food products requires the cooperation of States and UTs to ensure the proper implementation of food safety regulations and standards.
Furthermore, the FSSAI has stressed the need to publicize and promote the consumption and production of millets, especially as the year 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets.
This can contribute to improving the health of the population.

Conclusion:

This is a commendable step towards ensuring food safety and public health, especially given the rise in foodborne illnesses globally, including in India.
By working towards this common goal, India can ensure food safety and public health for millions of people across the country.

Source: The Hindu BL

Mains Question:

Q. Ensuring food safety is crucial for protecting public health." Discuss the initiatives taken by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure food safety in the country. ( 250 Words).