FSSAI commended for developing standards
Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has underlined the growing importance of food regulators at a time when world is faced with challenges like foodborne illnesses, nutraceutical safety, novel foods, and micro plastics, all the while striving for sustainability.
Inaugurating the second edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS) 2024, he said that the role of food regulators has never been more crucial and it demands continuous collaboration, relentless innovation, and a commitment to constant improvement in the food safety systems.
Nadda commended the efforts made by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in developing standards, keeping in mind international trade, evolving food production processes, and changing consumption patterns.
“A notable achievement was the development of millet standards, launched at the Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference on March 18, 2023,” he said on 20 Sept.
The Minister also noted that work is ongoing to harmonize food safety standards with international benchmarks. “This includes developing the National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 and aligning Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides with Codex standards, enhancing our position in global trade,” he said.
He further stated that GFRS 2024 presents an expanded platform to deepen our understanding of global regulatory frameworks and promote the exchange of information on food product safety requirements.
The Minister also informed that India is involved in strengthening regulatory capacity in countries like Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Highlighting India’s efforts in alternative measures to curb the increasing menace of plastic wastes, he said that India is taking steps to reduce plastic wastes and adopting organic farming and organic pest control measures.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organisation (WHO) who addressed the gathering virtually said, “Our food system faces several challenges globally due to climate change and highlighted the important role of national food regulators in harmonising regulatory policies for the world.”
“Technology is important and essential for strengthening food safety standards,” added Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Chairperson, FSSAI.
“FSSAI has been at the forefront utilising technology-based solutions for licensing, import clearances, audits, inspection and other critical aspects of food ecosystem,” said Chandra.
The Summit 2024 is hosted by FSSAI alongside the World Food India 2024 event being organised by Ministry of Food Processing Industries. Fiinews.com
