Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

21.03.2024

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Why in the news?

   According to recent news, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is working towards creating a network of 34 microbiology laboratories across the country.

Important points:

• Over 1,100 cases of acute diarrheal disease and around 550 cases of food poisoning have been reported across the country in the last four years.
• Data from the National Centers for Disease Control, which tracks the trajectory of many diseases every week, showed that acute diarrheal disease and food poisoning were the two most common outbreaks in the country.
• There are 79 state food testing laboratories in the country, but none of them actually test for pathogens.

About laboratories:

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is working towards creating a network of 34 microbiology laboratories across the country that will be equipped to test food products for 10 pathogens, including E. coli.
• These laboratories will help test food for microbial contamination that can cause food spoilage and potential health risks.

About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):

• FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• FSSAI is established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a consolidated statute relating to food safety and regulation in India.
• Anyone selling or importing food in India requires a food license issued by FSSAI.
• FSSAI is responsible for food certification in India.
• It is mandated to specify systems for implementing its standards, accreditation of certification systems and certification of food safety management systems for food businesses.

Work of FSSAI :

• It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
• It sets standards and guidelines regarding food items and provides licensing, registration and recognition for food business operators.
• Its officials control food imports and ensure that it does not contain any harmful ingredients.
• It is also responsible for the accreditation of food testing laboratories throughout India.

                                                           Source: Indian Express