No appetite for food safety

Source: The post is based on the article “No appetite for food safety – States must enhance safety mechanisms” published in Business Standard on 6^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Agriculture – Food security & Food processing and related industries in India – scope and significance.

News: The article discusses how food safety has declined in India according to a recent report. Most states scoring lower in safety tests and having weak enforcement, even as the government promotes food industry investment.

What is the State Food Safety Index (SFSI)?

State Food Safety Index is an annual assessment released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Started in: 2018-19

Purpose: It is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.

Significance: The index is meant to create a competitive and positive change in the food safety ecosystem in the country. The step was also taken to galvanize states and union territories to work towards ensuring safe food for citizens.

What are the key findings of the SFSI 2022-23 Report?

The SFSI 2022-23 report highlights a concerning decrease in food safety across Indian states.

Downward Food Safety Trend: 19 out of 20 large Indian states saw their SFSI scores drop.

Worsening Food Testing Infrastructure: Food testing infrastructure average score across states sent from 13 to 7 out of 20.

Compliance and Human Resources: There was also a significant fall in compliance, human resources and institutional data scores.

What is the Government’s Initiative for the Food Industry?

PLI Scheme for Food Processing: Government launched the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) with a financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crores.

Support for SMEs: Special emphasis is on SMEs with 16 applications approved for innovative and organic products, as well as millet-based products.

Domestic Production: Guidelines mandate that the manufacturing, including primary processing of eligible products, must occur in India, supporting local production and ensuring farmers, particularly small-scale, receive fair compensation.

What should be done?

Efficient Regulatory Framework: To ensure food safety and attract investment, states must urgently develop and enhance regulatory and enforcement mechanisms.

Strengthen Food Testing: The decline in food testing infrastructure scores necessitates investment in upgrading state food testing facilities.

Investments in Infrastructure: There is a need for continued and increased investment to address infrastructure deficiencies, like cold chains, to minimize waste and enhance efficiency

Maintain Global Market Standards: This is a necessity for India to remain competitive in the global market.

Question for practice:

The recent decline in food safety in India requires immediate attention. What measures should be taken to address this growing challenge?