FSSAI launches awareness campaign on food safety aspects at prominent markets of Delhi

Summary

• Organization: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

• Collaboration: With the Food Safety Department, Delhi.

• Launch Date: April 8, 2024.

• Locations: Starting at Khan Market and INA Market, Delhi.

• Focus: Detection and mitigation of pesticide residue and contaminants in food products.

• Engagement: Market associations and traders were educated on the harmful effects of pesticide residues, primarily in fruits and vegetables, and the importance of testing.

• Initiative Highlight: Introduction of FSSAI's 'Food Safety on Wheel' mobile lab, equipped to detect around 50 pesticide residues in various food matrices like fruits, vegetables, milk, and cereals. Results are available within hours for immediate action.

• Encouragement for Traders: To use the mobile lab for quick testing, ensure safety and quality of market products, and adhere to food safety standards by sourcing raw materials from FSSAI licensed/registered vendors.

• Additional Sensitization Topics: Importance of raw material testing, the ill effects of artificial ripening and wax coating using unapproved chemicals, and the role of organic farming.

• Resource Information: Availability of testing laboratories for food products in Delhi and surrounding areas was shared.

• Key Message: "Food Safety is Everyone's Responsibility", emphasizing the collective duty in ensuring food safety and the vital role of each stakeholder in the food supply chain towards a healthier India.

• Commitment: FSSAI's dedication to safeguarding public health through robust food safety protocols nationwide.

Keywords explained

1. Organic Farming: A method of farming that relies on natural processes and inputs, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to produce food that's considered environmentally sustainable and free of chemical residues.

2. Pesticide Residues: Traces of chemicals used in agriculture to protect crops from pests and diseases, which can remain on or in food after it is harvested and pose health risks if consumed in large amounts.

3. Food Safety on Wheel: An innovative mobile laboratory initiative by FSSAI designed to conduct rapid food testing, particularly for pesticide residues, across various food products to ensure their safety and quality.

4. FSSAI License/Registration: A mandatory certification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to food businesses, confirming that they meet specific safety and quality standards.

5. Artificial Ripening: The process of accelerating the ripening of fruits using chemicals, some of which may be harmful and are not approved for use on food, leading to potential health risks.

Relevant Information

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI is the apex body responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety in India.

• Objectives: The primary objectives include laying down scientific standards for food products, regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

• Initiatives by FSSAI:

• Eat Right India Movement: Launched to improve public health in India and combat negative nutritional trends to fight lifestyle diseases. It emphasizes healthy eating habits among citizens.

• Food Safety on Wheel: A mobile laboratory for conducting food testing at the grassroots level, providing people with accessible, quick food testing facilities.

• FSSAI Licensing and Registration: Mandates that food businesses obtain a license or registration to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene norms.

• RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil): An initiative aimed at collecting and converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, thus ensuring that it does not end up in repeated cooking processes.

• Hygiene Rating Schemes: For restaurants and other food service establishments to promote hygiene and safety standards, encouraging businesses to adhere to quality practices.

Link to Article : Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

Released On : 08 April 2024