The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked the States to put in place an adequate and effective structure to administer the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which came into effect from August 5 last year.
The Act essentially involves putting in place an effective enforcement machinery to ensure safety in foods that are consumed. It was drafted as a consolidated Act bringing under its jurisdiction various individual Acts including the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act.
In a letter to the States, K. Chandramouli, chairperson of the Authority has asked them to direct all concerned to initiate, set up and strengthen the implementing agencies so that “we could improve and put in place an adequate and effective structure to administer the Act.”
“You would agree that this is a very stupendous task and would need a very well coordinated effort involving local bodies like the municipalities, town areas and panchayats. A very strong information, education and communication (IEC) effort with local training and capacity building for government staff would also need to be put in place,” Mr Chandramouli said while adding that FSSAI would be supporting the States in terms of providing on-line software and material, training modules, training of trainers and resource persons. We have also sought budgetary support to strengthen the regulatory system in the 12th Plan, he said.
April 6th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Let’s hope it reduces the deaths from food poisoning, in the UK we loose 500 people a year and we like to think our food is safe.
April 6th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Quality awareness is essential…not only Government must act but also customers..
April 7th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Yes it is true that there should be Quality awareness among the Food manufacturers,whole sellers,retail sellers, vendors, and customers too. But Govt. must start campaign for Food Safety Awareness program. similtaneously the manf./seller/customer to be involved…. Also govt. must appoint Food Safety Officers first….