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NHRC raises concerns over state of food safety prosecutions in India
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Tuesday, 14 April, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concern over the state of food safety prosecutions in India, pointing to a staggering backlog of cases still being fought under the defunct Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
During a recent high-level review meeting attended by FSSAI officials, the Commission’s chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian highlighted a troubling trend wherein cases are reaching the trial stage based on lab reports generated up to 15 years ago.
He noted that such extreme delays render physical evidence non-existent and the prosecution's legal standing effectively toothless.
The NHRC also turned its attention to the gap between India’s growing food production and its ‘on-paper’ safety infrastructure.
While acknowledging the rollout of mobile testing laboratories designed to provide rapid field results, the Commission questioned their actual impact and effectiveness.
The review meeting outlined a comprehensive roadmap for systemic reform, emphasising the integration of scientific monitoring across the entire food lifecycle. Key proposals include the development of cost-effective AI tools for real-time quality tracking, the establishment of a central coordinating body to prevent adulteration, and the creation of a multi-sectoral surveillance system for time-bound sample investigations.
Participants also advocated setting of rigorous safety standards for both public and private storage godowns to ensure long-term food integrity.
Beyond technical upgrades, the suggestions focused on transparency and public engagement to rebuild consumer trust. It was proposed that initiatives include making inspection reports publicly accessible, launching a dedicated consumer helpline, and integrating food safety education into school and college curriculum.
Further, it was advised to FSSAI that by demystifying technical jargon and deploying digital technologies for grievance redressal, the framework would help in behavioural changes of the food businesses such as discouraging the use of artificial colours in produce, while empowering citizens to act as active participants in the regulatory process.
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