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“Harmonisation of stds streamlines trade processes”
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Monday, 01 January, 2024, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body under the administration of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles, while also establishing standards to ensure food safety.
A FSSAI spokesperson delves into its mandate and commitment to uphold food safety and standards nationwide, shedding light on various schemes devised to combat food adulteration in an email interaction with Aanchal Chaudhary. Excerpts:
Elaborate on FSSAI's role in setting and enforcing food safety standards.
The concept of food quality and food laws is not a new one in India as food has been considered an important aspect of healthy living since ancient times.
Objectives of FSSA, 2006
The Preamble to the FSS Act states that it seeks to “consolidate the laws relating to food and to establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import, to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.” All food imports were also to be subject to the FSSAI rules and regulations and all these regulations were to be applicable by August 5, 2011. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has therefore replaced all the other food Acts and laws that were in operation in the country.
The key functions of the FSSAI are as follows:
- Framing of regulations to lay down food safety standards,
- Laying down guidelines for accreditation of laboratories for food testing,
- Providing scientific advice and technical support to the Central government,
- Contributing to the development of international technical standards in food,
- Disseminating information and promoting awareness about food safety in India (FSSAI).
Development of standards is a dynamic process based on the latest developments in food science, food consumption pattern, new food products and additives, changes in processing technology leading to changed specifications, advancements in food analytical methods and identification of new risks or other regulatory options etc. So far, FSSAI has developed over 700 food product standards and also reviewed and amended the standards as required. It has also expanded standards for food additives that now have over 9,000 provisos covering 350 additives and food processing aids by harmonising the standards of food additives with Codex Standards.
What measures are in place to address challenges related to food adulteration?
In recent years, FSSAI has employed various measures to tackle the challenges associated with food adulteration:
Food testing by a wide network of laboratories –
FSSAI has established a network of 239 primary notified laboratories and 22 referral laboratories for conducting tests on food products, including the detection of adulterants. So far, a total of 15 Manuals of Methods of Analysis of Foods have been released. These manuals outline testing methods for assessing both the quality and safety parameters of food products including methods for detecting various adulterants, such as urea and detergent in milk, kesari dal flour in besan and formaldehyde in fish, among others.
Detect Adulteration with Rapid Tests (DART) –
FSSAI has released the DART booklet, a compilation of common quick tests for detecting food adulterants at home by citizens themselves. The aim is to raise awareness among consumers about food safety. DART covers more than 50 tests that can be easily performed at home using water and simple solutions like tincture of iodine. These tests apply to various food products, including Milk & Milk Products, Oils & Fats, Sugar & Confectionery, Food Grains & their products, Spices & Condiments, etc. Additionally, sensory evaluation tests are included to authenticate food products. DART depicts the differences between pure and adulterated food product through pictorial representations.
Rapid Analytical Food Testing (RAFT) scheme –
FSSAI has introduced the RAFT scheme, wherein approval is granted to Rapid Food Testing Kits/Equipment/Methods. These tools are characterised by their quick, advanced and easy-to-use nature, serving as testing devices/methods for screening food products for safety and quality parameters, including food adulteration.
Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs) –
‘Food Safety on Wheels’ is a scheme initiated by the FSSAI to provide mobile units for food testing. These units are equipped to carry out simple tests to detect common adulterants in items such as milk, water, edible oil and other daily consumables. Additionally, they conduct awareness programmes, training and certification for food handlers and supervisors, along with surveillance activities in remote areas. The aim of FSWs is to instil confidence among consumers regarding the safety of their food and to promote healthy eating habits. As of December 2023, 403 FSWs have been sanctioned, with 226 deployed across 33 states and Union territories. FSSAI aims to provide one FSW per district in the next 2-3 years.
Consumer Awareness and Education –
FSSAI conducts campaigns and educational programmes to raise awareness among consumers and food businesses about the risks associated with food adulteration through various platforms such as social media, walkathon, Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs) etc. This includes disseminating information about the common adulterants and simple methods to check the adulterants which can be performed at home.
Surveillance and Monitoring –
FSSAI conducts regular surveillance and monitoring of the food products to identify potential risks and instances of adulteration. This includes random sampling, inspections and audits of food establishments.
All these measures collectively work towards ensuring the safety and quality of food products in India, reducing the incidences of food adulteration and safeguarding public health.
Elaborate on the Eat Right Creativity Challenge for Millets launched by FSSAI on the World Food Day.
As part of the ‘Eat Right School’ programme, the ‘Eat Right Creativity Challenge’ (ERCC) aims to tap into the creative talent of students to instil healthy dietary habits. This competition encourages schools to create an environment of healthy and safe food and engage, excite and enable students to adopt healthy habits in food and nutrition.
With the year 2023 being celebrated as the International Year of Millets, FSSAI is taking this opportunity to promote millets as a healthy and sustainable dietary choice. The Eat Right Creativity Challenge Phase 4 was launched on October 16, 2023, on the occasion of World Food Day. Winners will be awarded with cash prizes and certificates after evaluation at the regional and national Level.
With the evolving food industry landscape, how does FSSAI adapt its regulations to stay relevant and effective?
The FSSAI regularly reviews and updates its regulations to align with the evolving food industry landscape, which includes changing dietary patterns, globalised trade emerging food safety issues etc. During the revision process, FSSAI takes into consideration international standards and best practices while actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in the process. Overall, the authority ensures that the revised policies and regulations are sustainable, relevant and effective.
FSSAI has launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal in multiple regional languages. Elaborate.
In a significant step towards enhancing the user experience and accessibility, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal in multiple regional languages. The portal is now available in Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, apart from Hindi and English, with plans to launch the portal in Kannada, Punjabi, Malayalam, Assamese, Bengali and Odia soon.
The latest advancement aims to enhance the user experience for local food businesses, allowing them to easily connect with the FSSAI's online compliance portal i.e., FoSCoS. This effort is envisioned to empower a wider range of users, fostering increased participation and enhancing overall compliance within the food ecosystem.
FoSCoS, launched nationwide in the year 2020, has rapidly evolved into a pivotal platform for food businesses and regulatory authorities, streamlining all compliance-related activities. The system has played a pivotal role in the digital transformation of various food safety processes, simplifying adherence to regulatory norms for food businesses nationwide.
FSSAI believes that the linguistic diversity of the portal will ensure ease of doing business, promoting a safer and more compliant food ecosystem nationwide.
How does FSSAI collaborate with international organisations or regulatory bodies to align food safety standards globally?
FSSAI serves as the National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) of India for Codex Alimentarius Commission. This responsibility entails a multifaceted approach to ensure the dissemination of Codex-related information, coordination of activities, and the effective representation of India's interests and concerns across various Codex forums and meetings.
India's proactive engagement in Codex proceedings is evident through its active participation in meetings of Codex bodies and working groups. This involvement goes beyond mere attendance, as India consistently contributes valuable insights, including scientific data and proposals for new work, aimed at developing or revising food standards. This commitment underscores our dedication to ensuring food safety not only at the national level but also on an international scale, all while considering regional and national interests.
By actively participating and contributing substantively to Codex deliberations, India ensures that its voice is heard in the global discourse on food safety. This engagement serves to align Indian food standards with Codex, which holds significant importance in facilitating international trade. Harmonisation of food standards not only fosters consistency and coherence but also streamlines trade processes by ensuring compliance with internationally recognised standards, thereby promoting smoother and more efficient international trade relations.
FSSAI's role as the NCCP demonstrates India's commitment to fostering food safety, both domestically and in the global arena. The active engagement, provision of scientific inputs, and advocacy for Indian interests in Codex meetings signify a concerted effort to establish and maintain high food safety standards, contributing to a safer and more transparent food ecosystem, nationally and internationally.
Even temporary FBOs shall obtain licence or registration: FSSAI. Comment.
As per section 31(2) of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS) Act, 2006, petty manufacturer who himself manufactures or sells any article of food or a petty retailer, hawker, itinerant vendor or a temporary stall holder or small scale or cottage or other such industries relating to food business or tiny food business operator shall have to register themselves with Food Authority [i.e. shall obtain FSSAI Registration].
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