In the time of Covid-19 pandemic, few factories being open, the challenges to ensure food safety are increasing in Gujarat. In the emerging scenario, the Gujarat state FDCA has taken measures such as following food hygiene and safety guidelines issued by FSSAI and educating FBOs on how to handle customers during the pandemic.

 

If we take a closer look at Gujarat, it is noticed that it is actively planning what is to be followed and what measures could be taken after the lockdown.

Speaking with FnB News, Dr H G Koshia, Food and Drug Control Administration, Gujarat, explained, “FSSAI has issued food hygiene and safety guidelines to all the states in their website. We have translated those guidelines in Gujarati and sent them to all members and food associations in our state so that we can follow the same. We are trying to educate the mass, i.e., food business operators (FBOs), explaining how to handle the customers during the pandemic. FSSAI also conducted a webinar for FSOs of the state and they discussed the important points to be noted within the state.”

While talking about food safety, he said, “Recently, we tested 50 samples of milk from different outlets of the state, 12 samples failed, as they were adulterated. Though, the failed samples were local ones, not the branded ones. We have sent notice to those people and action will be taken against them. Other than this, we have conducted audits in seven labs in Gujarat to ensure safety.”

With regard to lockdown, many factories are closed; very few are going to open in the coming days while ensuring safety.

Hence, he added, “Only dairy and pharma factories are functional in and around Gujarat. Ice cream factories stopped functioning and now it has been resumed. The sale of ice cream was going down, but now it is becoming stable. In the coming days, food factories will be opened with the guidelines being followed by the factory owners. The grocery shops are open from 3 am to 8 pm everyday without any delay.”