Photos are for representative purposes only | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
Food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Thursday, November 7, 2024, asked the state authorities to step up monitoring of warehouses of e-commerce players and issue standard operating procedures (SoPs) to delivery personnel to ensure that consumers receive Safe food.
According to an official statement, the FSSAI convened its 45th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) to urge states and union territories to step up monitoring of popular tourist destinations to ensure enhanced safety standards and prepare for the peak tourist season from November to March. .
Considering the heavy footfall of domestic and international tourists at popular destinations during peak seasons, States/Union Territories are advised to utilize “Food Safety Mobile Laboratories on Wheels” at these tourist spots.
FSSAI chief executive G. Kamala Vardhana Rao asked state food commissioners to step up monitoring of warehouses and other facilities used by e-commerce platforms. He also asked for the issuance of SOPs for these warehouses as well as the delivery personnel of these platforms.
“States/Union Territories are requested to increase monitoring samples and deploy food safety mobile vans on wheels for the purpose,” a statement said.
The committee also emphasized on training food business operators (FBOs) of all states/Union Territories under Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) to ensure food safety and hygiene to all citizens.
States/Union Territories are urged to train 25 lakh food handlers by March 2026, including those in universities, colleges and hotel canteens.
The meeting also emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to food safety, urging cooperation from all relevant ministries, stakeholders, and encouraging states/Union Territories to convene regular advisory committee meetings at the state and district levels.
The meeting emphasized the importance of actively engaging consumers in cultivating a culture of healthy eating as part of the Eat Right India campaign.
“States are advised to create food safety awareness through outreach activities such as fairs, walkathons and street performances (Nukkad Nataks),” the statement read.
The meeting was attended by over 60 officials, including Commissioner of Food Safety (CFS), representatives of states and union territories, senior officials of FSSAI and members from food industry, consumer groups, agriculture department, laboratories and research institutions.
Published – November 8, 2024 at 8:00 pm (India Standard Time)
