Concerns about India’s food safety Regulations

Source: The post concerns about India’s food safety has been created, based on the article “From MDH to Ceralac and Cadbury – where is the regulator?” published in “Indian Express” on 30th April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Polity-Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

News: The article discusses problems with India’s food safety system, highlighting issues with baby food, health drinks, and spices. It mentions that the FSSAI, India’s food regulator, has struggled with staff shortages and infrastructure problems, which has affected its ability to properly regulate and ensure food safety.

For details information on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) read here

What are the main concerns about India’s food safety?

High Sugar Content in Baby Food: The FSSAI is investigating Nestle’s baby food products for unhealthy sugar levels, raising concerns about child health.

Carcinogenic Additives in Spices: Regulatory bodies in Singapore and Hong Kong have flagged powdered spices from top Indian brands like MDH and Everest for containing potential carcinogens.

Salmonella Contamination: The US has rejected 31% of spice shipments from MDH over the past six months due to contamination with salmonella, indicating a significant hygiene issue.

Inconsistent Global Standards: Indian food products are under scrutiny in various international markets including the EU, highlighting global concerns about the safety and quality of food exported from India.

What are the issues with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)?

Staff and Infrastructure Shortages: The FSSAI has consistently struggled with insufficient staff and inadequate infrastructure, which has compromised its ability to effectively monitor and regulate food safety.

Perceived as Paperwork: Many businesses view the regulatory process as mere paperwork rather than seeing it as an opportunity for regular inspections and guidance from experts.

Procedural Shortcomings: In cases like the Vital Neutraceuticals incident in 2015, the FSSAI’s actions were overturned by courts due to procedural errors, illustrating flaws in the authority’s enforcement and regulatory processes.

Inadequate Consumer and Business Education: Despite its mandate, the FSSAI has been ineffective in educating businesses and consumers about food safety.

What are the consequences of these regulatory shortcomings?

International Rejection: The US rejected 31% of spice shipments from MDH due to salmonella contamination.

Damaged Reputation: Inconsistent safety standards have led to scrutiny by international markets like the EU, harming India’s global food market reputation.

Legal Challenges: Procedural errors have resulted in legal setbacks, such as in the Vital Neutraceuticals case.

Health Concerns: High sugar content in baby food and carcinogenic additives in spices raise serious public health concerns.

Question for practice:

Examine the impact of regulatory shortcomings on India’s food safety system and its consequences.