In a bid to address the food safety issues, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in collaboration with the Quality Council of India is organising awareness programmes across the country At a time when food safety issues have become a worldwide concern, India is leaving no stone unturned to make its people aware about the importance of food safety measures and the role of industry accreditation in the country.
In this regard, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is organising awareness programmes in various states in collaboration with the Quality Council of India.
One such awareness programme was held recently in Hyderabad where the organisers stressed on observing good manufacturing and hygienic practices in food business. The programme also updated business operators about the latest technologies and developments in the food sector.
Objectives
 The main objective of MoFPI is to generate awareness among people and stakeholders about food safety measures and the manner in which it can be done mainly through prevention and regulation. Sharing his opinion on the issue, Anil Jauhri, director of National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), Quality Council of India, said, “It is a ‘farm to fork’ approach that has been undertaken. The primary focus will be to ensure that food safety standards and norms are followed by industry insiders in terms of using proper raw materials, following good manufacturing and packaging practices, maintaining hygienic conditions and reducing contamination.”
These apart, the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has also recommended implementation of licencing regulations on the basis of good manufacturing and hygienic practices. “These regulations will emphasise on the prevention aspect and will ensure safety of consumers,” said M S Karak, deputy director of FSSAI, eastern region.
A recent Public Health Foundation of India report estimated that 80% of the deaths in the country happen due to contamination of food and water. However, with the government’s efforts in creating awareness among people, industry insiders can now heave a sigh of relief.
Shalmoli Kundu |
