To underline the critical role of food safety in the well-being of citizens, a meeting was held at Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) headquarters, on Monday, whereby, Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, stated, “It is important to empower consumers and citizens on various food safety issues through evidence based information. It is only then that our work will be accomplished in totality.”
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J P Nadda urged that FSSAI sensitise consumers, industry and stakeholders on regulatory issues but particularly, providing education to consumers on food safety and understanding behaviour change for healthier eating, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed.
“In a large country like India, different regions have varied dietary habits and preferences. Let us broaden our understanding of their behaviours. This will help us to frame our policies aligned with these diversities,” he stated.
The Union Health Minister was briefed on various initiatives taken up by FSSAI by G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO, FSSAI. While addressing the officials, Nadda said that “since my last visit to FSSAI in 2016, I have witnessed that FSSAI has taken a huge leap in all aspects”. He congratulated FSSAI on this all-round development and for showing remarkable advancements in strengthening the food safety ecosystem, fostering behavioural change, and sensitising all stakeholders.
J P Nadda also commended FSSAI’s leadership in areas such as millets and CODEX standards. He appreciated their initiatives to train and equip street vendors, stressing that empowering consumers is crucial. “The issue of food safety is a huge responsibility on FSSAI. Let us become global leaders in this area”. He also complimented them on the wide awareness created on Millets, also known as Shree-Ann.
He emphasised the need of food safety trends, promoting sustainable farming practices, and leveraging technology to enhance food safety management. “Let us take a proactive lead and communicate with the industry and stakeholders and make them our partners in our healthy eating initiatives and effort,” he urged FSSAI. He also commended FSSAI’s contribution for developing global standards, establishing a robust testing infrastructure, and launching initiatives like the Eat Right India campaign.
Nadda also highlighted assessing various states in order to ensure that all the states are in par with pan-India standards and to further support them in areas of challenges. “Let us understand their individual issues so that we can support them and strengthen their efforts,” he stated.
Several significant initiatives were launched during the visit, including the release of;
– ‘Manual on Methods of Analysis of Foods – Microbiological Examination of Food and Water,’ a crucial reference for ensuring microbiological safety,
– ‘Guide for Food Analysis – Opinion on Test Reports as per FSS Act, 2006, Rules, and Regulations made thereunder’ was also launched by the Union Health Minister,
– ‘Food Safety Bytes,’ a series of engaging videos featuring social media influencers, was launched to raise public awareness about food safety practices,
– ‘Manual for Food Safety Officers,’ designed to support officers in effectively enforcing food safety regulations, was also unveiled by the Health Minister.
Senior officers of Health Ministry and FSSAI were present at the meeting. More than 1000 officers had joined virtually from the regional and branch offices.
