Regulators in the Making...

Many of the recent initiatives of Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) can be seen in positive light and directed towards growth of the regulatory body.

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The regulatory body has now gained momentum and will be comprehended by the industry and consumers alike. To avoid the looming uncertainty with respect to regulations, FSSAI has planned on integration of food standards, bettering food testing labs, training and certification and partnering with food companies to promote self-regulation among business.

According to Pawan Agarwal, CEO of FSSAI, these initiatives will ensure total alignment among the stakeholders and have the same vision to achieve the mammoth task of food safety. Other than these initiatives the FSSAI is also planning on partnering with leading companies to set up corporate training centres, food safety training in their entire value chain including marketing campaigns, besides participating in research, surveillance and survey activities.

All these initiatives and actions are aimed at ensuring safety and health of consumers. Regulations also bring about fair trade, harmonisation, uniformity in practices, price control etc. Thus, regulations are important holistically.

10 years in action

During the last 10 years FSSAI has put forth many good reforms in the area of food and nutraceuticals. Since its inception FSSAI has drafted many guidelines for nutraceuticals, import of food and nutraceuticals, regularised food safety etc.

One of the most recent reforms being, colour-coded food safety display boards. All food business operators are required to put up colour-coded food safety display boards on their premises. These boards will include FSSAI license number, instructions for food hygiene and safety practices along with consumer feedback details. FSSAI had also launched FSSAI Product Approval System (FPAS), online registration & product approval process to make product approval and registration easier.