{"id":305929,"date":"2024-07-30T19:00:08","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T13:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/?p=305929"},"modified":"2024-07-30T18:45:29","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T13:15:29","slug":"yojana-july-summary-2-indias-food-safety-regulatory-landscape-explained-pointwise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/yojana-july-summary-2-indias-food-safety-regulatory-landscape-explained-pointwise\/","title":{"rendered":"[Yojana July Summary-2] India’s Food Safety Regulatory Landscape- Explained Pointwise"},"content":{"rendered":"

India’s food regulatory landscape has undergone a transformative journey<\/span> with the enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act<\/span> (FSSA<\/span>), 2006<\/span>. This comprehensive Act replaced the erstwhile fragmented and outdated laws and established the apex food regulator of the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). A stringent and vigilant food regulatory system is necessary for ensuring food safety<\/span> in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Table of Content<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the Organisational structure regulating food safety in India?<\/a>
\nWhat is the significance of ensuring food safety in India?<\/a>
\nWhat are the challenges with food safety regulatory landscape in India?\u00a0<\/a>
\nWhat should be the way Forward?<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>What is the Organisational structure regulating food safety in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The Government of India diligently works towards establishing a strong, transparent, predictable, and risk-based regulatory framework for ensuring safe food for consumers. This includes the coordinated efforts of various ministries and departments-<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)<\/strong><\/td>\nFood Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is a robust regulatory body established in 2006 under the aegis of MoHFW<\/span>. It is at the forefront of India’s food safety ecosystem<\/span>. Its mandate encompasses setting comprehensive science-based standards for food products<\/span> and overseeing their production, storage, distribution, and import.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I)<\/strong><\/td>\nDepartment of Commerce, through several autonomous organisations<\/span> like Export Inspection Council (EIC<\/span>), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA<\/span>), Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA<\/span>), Spices Board, Tea Board, is responsible for regulating the export of food
\nproducts.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Plant protection and quarantine department<\/span> of the Ministry safeguards plant health<\/span> and prevents the spread of pests and diseases<\/span>.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)<\/strong><\/td>\nPromotes safe food processing industries & strengthens their supply chain.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (MoCA&PD)<\/strong><\/td>\nEnsures safety and affordability of essential commodities<\/span> and ensures consumer protection.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\"Food
Source-Yojana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Role of FSSAI<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

a. Standard Setting Process and Harmonisation<\/strong><\/p>\n

The FSSAI develops food safety guidelines in line with the international guidelines<\/span>, particularly those established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission<\/span>. This harmonisation ensures alignment with global best practices<\/span>, facilitates international trade, and promotes higher levels of food safety.<\/p>\n

The Food Authority lays down science-based standards for articles of food with the support of its subsidiary bodies- Scientific Panels (SPs) and the Scientific Committee (SC). These standards include provisions for food <\/span>additives<\/span>, limits on contaminants<\/span>, toxins<\/span>, antibiotic residues<\/span>, pesticide residues<\/span>, microbiological criteria<\/span>, packaging<\/span> and labelling<\/span> requirements<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The regulations are then finalised after appropriately addressing the stakeholder comments and subsequently endorsed by the Scientific Committee and Food Authority. These regulations are notified after legal vetting by the Department of legislative Affairs<\/span> and subsequent approval by the MoHFW<\/span> for implementation as a final standard.<\/p>\n

\"Food
Source- Yojana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

b. Enforcement Machinery and Regulatory Oversight<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Food Safety Compliance System<\/span> (FoSCoS<\/span>) serves as an integrated online platform for licensing, registration, and monitoring FBOs capacity and compliance. There are different sets of good hygiene and manufacturing practices specified according to the risk and product matrix.<\/p>\n

FSSAI has developed a Risk-Based Inspection System<\/span> (RBIS<\/span>) that targets Food Business Operators (FBOs) based on risk matrices, optimising regulatory efforts.<\/p>\n

c. Capacity Building and Promoting a Culture of Self-Compliance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Food Safety Training and Certification<\/span> (FoSTaC<\/span>) programme<\/span> which aims to build the capacity of food handlers<\/span> and ensure the presence of trained Food Safety supervisors in food establishments.<\/p>\n

Third Party Ecosystem:<\/span> FSSAI has also recognised third-party auditing agencies to conduct mandatory food safety audits for high-risk food categories.<\/p>\n

The Hygiene Rating Scheme<\/span>, is a voluntary initiative, which encourages foodservice and retail businesses (bakery, meat, and dairy) to assess their compliance and improve their food hygiene and safety levels.<\/p>\n

d. Managing the Import of Food Products<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Food Import Clearance System<\/span> (FICS) ensures that all imported food products meet the required safety and quality standards. At present, FSSAI has notified authorized officers<\/span> at 156 points of entries<\/span> to facilitate food import clearance.<\/p>\n

e. Food Testing Ecosystem and Surveillance<\/strong><\/p>\n

FSSAI has established a network of primary laboratories, referral laboratories, and National Reference laboratories<\/span> (NRL<\/span>) to support food analysis and surveillance activities.\u00a0239 primary food testing labs<\/span>, 22 referral<\/span>
\nlabs<\/span>, and 12 reference labs<\/span>, along with over 264 Food Safety on Wheels<\/span> (FSW) have been positioned strategically
\nacross the nation.<\/p>\n

<\/a>What is the significance of ensuring food safety in India?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Protection of public health-<\/strong> Stringent food safety standards help in reducing the risk of food-borne illness by protecting consumers<\/span> from unsanitary<\/span>, unwholesome<\/span>, mislabeled<\/span>, or adulterated food<\/span>.<\/p>\n

2. Economic Growth and Development-<\/strong> India’s Food safety regulatory landscape contributes to economic development by maintaining consumer confidence in the food system<\/span> and providing a sound regulatory foundation<\/span> for domestic and international trade in food.<\/p>\n

3. Boost to India’s Food exports-<\/strong> The food safety regulations align with global food safety standards. It helps in avoiding trade barriers<\/span> and rejections<\/span> due to non-compliance with safety regulations. For ex-<\/strong> Rejection of Indian rice by EU food regulators<\/span>.<\/p>\n

4. Food Security-<\/strong> India’s food regulatory landscape mitigates risks<\/span> related to food contamination<\/span> and adulteration<\/span> that could threaten food availability. It supports food security by ensuring that food supplies are safe.<\/p>\n

5. Promotion of Innovation and Research-<\/strong> It encourages research and innovation in food technology and safety measures. It also provides a framework for developing new food safety solutions<\/span> and improving existing practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read More- Food safety violations in India<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a>What are the challenges with food safety regulatory landscape in India?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Rampant Adulteration-<\/strong>\u00a0Widespread and rampant adulteration of food products which includes milk, spices, and edible oils, remains a grave challenge to food safety in India.\u00a0For ex-<\/strong>\u00a0A 2012 study conducted by the FSSAI across 33 states<\/span>\u00a0found that\u00a0milk in India\u00a0was\u00a0adulterated with diluted water<\/span>,\u00a0detergent<\/span>,\u00a0fat<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0even urea<\/span>.<\/p>\n

2. Feeding of \u2019empty calories\u2019-<\/strong>\u00a0Major packed food brand products\u00a0contain items that have no nutritive value\u00a0<\/span>like\u00a0added sugar<\/span>. These are major causes of diabetes, cardio vascular diseases and obesity in India.<\/p>\n

3. Weak Enforcement and Accountability-<\/strong>\u00a0The enforcement of food safety regulations is often lax in India.\u00a0Many food businesses operate without proper licenses<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0continue to compromise on safety standards<\/span>.<\/p>\n

4. Corrupt practices on part of FMCG players-<\/strong>\u00a0The Fast Moving Consumer Goods industry players are often\u00a0found to indulge in violation of the labelling requirements\u00a0<\/span>about the ingredients in their products. For ex- <\/strong>Maggi noodles ban due to high levels of lead and MSG.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Lack of Infrastructure and Resources-<\/strong>\u00a0The food safety standards domain in India suffers from the\u00a0challenge of shortage of laboratories<\/span>,\u00a0trained personnel<\/span>, and\u00a0funds<\/span> necessary for regular and stringent food inspections.\u00a0For ex-<\/strong>\u00a0Use of synthetic sweetener in cake<\/span>\u00a0leading to death of teenage girl in Punjab.<\/p>\n

6. Limited Public Awareness-<\/strong>\u00a0A significant proportion of the Indian population remains unaware of food safety practices, including proper food handling, storage, and hygiene.\u00a0For ex-<\/strong>\u00a0Over use of pesticides and fruit ripening agents in agriculture cause cancer<\/span>.<\/p>\n

7. Complex Regulatory Framework-<\/strong>\u00a0The complex regulatory framework for food safety makes it\u00a0difficult for small and medium enterprises businesses<\/span>,\u00a0to adhere to the necessary standards<\/span>. These also lead to\u00a0regulatory gaps and inconsistencies in enforcement.<\/p>\n

<\/a>What should be the way Forward?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Strengthen Infrastructure and Resources-<\/strong>\u00a0There must be an increase in the\u00a0investment in food safety infrastructure<\/span>, including\u00a0laboratories,\u00a0training facilities, and\u00a0regulatory bodies.\u00a0Adequate funding and resources are needed to\u00a0conduct regular inspections and ensure compliance with safety standards.<\/p>\n

2. Simplification of Regulations-<\/strong>\u00a0The regulatory framework for food safety should be\u00a0made more accessible and business-friendly<\/span>. Simplification and streamlining of regulations\u00a0can encourage compliance, especially among\u00a0small and medium-sized enterprises.<\/p>\n

3. Strict Enforcement and Accountability-<\/strong>\u00a0Regulatory bodies must rigorously enforce food safety standards. This includes imposing stringent penalties for violations<\/span> and taking legal action<\/span> against non-compliant businesses.\u00a0For ex-<\/strong>\u00a0Specification of an upper limit for added sugars<\/span>.<\/p>\n

4. Enhancement of Public Awareness-<\/strong>\u00a0A comprehensive public awareness campaign<\/span> on food safety should be launched targeting both consumers and producers regarding the importance of food safety.<\/p>\n

5. Encouragement of Responsible Agricultural Practices-<\/strong>\u00a0Promoting responsible and sustainable agricultural practices\u00a0can reduce contamination risks<\/span> at the source.\u00a0Encouraging the use of organic farming<\/span>,\u00a0reducing pesticide usage<\/span>, and\u00a0implementing proper waste management<\/span>\u00a0are essential steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Source- Yojana ( Chapter India’s food Regulatory landscape)
\nRead More- The Hindu<\/a>
\nUPSC Syllabus- GS 2- Government Intervention and regulation of various sectors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

India’s food regulatory landscape has undergone a transformative journey with the enactment of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006. This comprehensive Act replaced the erstwhile fragmented and outdated laws and established the apex food regulator of the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). A stringent and vigilant food regulatory… Continue reading [Yojana July Summary-2] India’s Food Safety Regulatory Landscape- Explained Pointwise<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10357,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[130,1,10627],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-305929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-7-pm","category-uncategorized","category-yojana-and-kurukshetra-summary","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","views":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305929","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10357"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=305929"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/305929\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=305929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=305929"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=305929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}