Why food safety mats?

In India, foodborne illness affects millions of people each year, which often lead to serious health implication and economic burdens. Proper food safety practices help reduce contamination risks and ensure that consumers can trust the quality and hygiene of the food they consume. For business, food safety compliance is also essential to maintain consumer trust and avoid costly recalls or legal repercussions.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR FOOD SAFETY IN INDIA

The FSSAI (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India) is the primary regulatory body overseeing food safety standards in the country. Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, FSSAI ensures that the food products produced in India meet safety standards through regular inspections, product approvals, and guidelines for food operators. Key components of FSSAI regulations include:

Licences and Registrations:

All food businesses, including manufacturers, processors, and retailers, must obtain an FSSAI licence or registration.

Labelling requirements:

FSSAI mandates that the food products that are produced and packed must be labelled properly, and the label must include all the nutritional information and allergen warnings.

HYGIENE STANDARDS

Strict hygiene standards must be followed in food handling, storage, and transportation by the manufacturer and the distributor to maintain the quality of the product.

Samples and Testing:

FSSAI conducts sampling and testing of the product to keep on checking that there is no adulteration in the product and it is very safe to use, and also to make sure that the product meets all the required compulsory compliances.

CHALLENGES TO FOOD SAFETY IN INDIA

Despite FSSAI regulations, food safety enforcement faces several challenges:

ADULTERATION:

The addition of the harmful substances to food products is a common problem. Milk, spices, and oil are especially prone to adulteration and can lead to various problems to the people who consume that product.

Lack of Infrastructure:

In rural areas, limited access to quality control labs and technology hinders proper food safety enforcement.

Awareness and Training:

Many small food operators are unaware of the safety regulations, leading to the non-compliance.

SUPPLY CHAIN COMPLEXITY:

The extensive and often informal food supply chain in India makes it difficult to monitor safety at each stage of the production of the product, where it reaches from the farm to the consumer table.

PROMOTING FOOD SAFETY AWARENESS AMONG CONSUMERS

Consumers play a vital role in food safety. By being aware of the sources of their food and inspecting labels, consumers can reduce their risk of exposure to harmful contaminants. Some of the practical tips usually include:

1. Checking for the FSSAI license number on packaged food items to ensure that the product is verified by the government and is sold by a reliable producer.
2. Choosing fresh produce over processed foods when possible.
3. Practicing good food hygiene at home, like washing hands and surfaces frequently and disinfecting the products that we are purchasing from the market.
4. Stay informed about any product recalls or FSSAI advisories.