The uniqueness and diversity of Indian foods has tremendous economic potential and forms the basis of the Indian food industry. Its association with global cuisines accompanied by diminishing trade barriers is instrumental in further catapulting the industry to great heights. The industry stretching across agriculture, food processing sector, retail, cold chain and exports is capable of attracting huge investments as well as creating a plethora of jobs. By 2024, only the food processing sector is expected to employ 9 million people in India and expected to generate about 8,000 direct and 80,000 indirect jobs.
In order to keep the industry surging, it is critical that the product output continually meets the necessary national and international standards. This in turn can be monitored by food testing laboratories which provide accurate, traceable and reproducible data for chemical and biological analysis. In order to meet the strict regulations associated with foods, laboratories need to be upgraded sufficiently, so that they are capable of performing a wide array of tests for an exhaustive variety of sample matrices. Latest equipment and facilities are needed wherein one could obtain quick and precise results.
Why is the quality of test result dependent on the skill of analyst and not just the equipment?
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Nuffoods Spectrum.
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This story is from the April 2017 edition of Nuffoods Spectrum.
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Industry Banks On Technology For Milk Safety
In October 2019, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released a full report after carrying out a survey on safety and quality of liquid milk in the country. Although the survey results hint towards demolishing milk adulteration perception, an in-depth analysis of the report reveals that 1 in 10 packets of milk purchased by consumers could be unsafe. Hence more is required in the dairy sector in order to address the issue of milk adulteration at all levels. On a whole, further steps are required to be taken to achieve transparency and efficiency in the dairy sector of India through public private partnership and best use of technology.
IRRESPONSIBLE ADVERTISING UNDER SCANNER
To increase the monitoring on misleading advertisements in the food and beverages sector, the FSSAI signed a MoU with ASCI, the self-regulatory body of advertisement industry in 2016. As per the agreement ASCI comprehensively monitor the advertisements across various media. The move by the two regulators to work together has resulted in reduction in filing of complaints.
Plastic Ban - A Boon Or Bane?
This Independence day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a pledge to ban the use of single-use plastic by October 2. Although the plastic ban is directed towards a healthier environment, businesses in the food, beverage retail and e-commerce industries are set to be the most affected by this development. Now all stakeholders are working on finding alternatives to plastic.
Curbing Obesity
With a mission to lead and drive global efforts to reduce, prevent and treat obesity, the World Obesity Federation (WOF) launched World Obesity Day in 2015 that is now observed globally on October 11. With more than 135 million individuals affected by obesity in India, abdominal obesity is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVDs). The WOF estimates about three out of ten Indians are expected to be obese by 2025. India needs to gather some learning lessons from other countries where the industry is collaborating with regulators to achieve regulatory environments that are conducive for product reformulation, labelling and marketing regulation, ensuring a range of healthy options for consumers.
'FICCI Foodworld India 2019'
“Government to support industrialists and budding entrepreneurs to set up food processing industries”
When Is It Fair To Call A Food ‘Natural'?
Most regulations, be it for food or drugs or cosmetics, have one common requirement which states something like -- the declarations and claims “should be not misleading, false, or exaggerated”.
Popularising Millets To Address Malnutrition
The millet initiative is a continuation of enhancing the nutritional intake among the malnourished. Making millets popular to the masses again will be a major breakthrough in overcoming malnutrition and rural poverty while being more sustainable for the environment. It can also drive new markets and business opportunities.
What's Cooking In APAC Region?
In 2016, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region's food and beverage industry achieved an estimated turnover of $3.23 trillion, and was backed by a consistent year-on-year growth rate of 11 per cent, presenting a wealth of opportunities. With rising incomes and growing awareness of healthy eating among a burgeoning middle and upper class, the food companies see a clear opportunities for them in the region.
Asia Is Facing Increasing Health And Dietary Challenges
Roquette, a global leader in innovative plant-based ingredients, has recently opened new offices and an innovation center in Singapore, increasing its focus on Asia’s nutrition and health challenges. The state-of-the-art facilities, which include a research laboratory, customer technical services as well as the new regional headquarters, will allow Roquette to tailor its products and address the specific health and dietary challenges of the region such as obesity or diabetes.
Better Logistics & Cold Chain Facilities - Key to Reducing Food Loss
Better Logistics & Cold Chain Facilitieskey to Reducing Food Loss
