A big campaign has been launched in the country regarding the safety of food items. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped up investigation and action in collaboration with the states, so that people can get safe food. FSSAI sets rules and standards in this entire system. Whereas the responsibility of licensing, investigation and action lies with the states. The special thing is that about 98% of food business operators (FBOs) come under the purview of the states, that is, the real responsibility lies on the states only.

Big action across the country

This year, investigations were conducted at about 3.97 lakh places. Also, more than 1.65 lakh food samples were tested, out of which about 17% samples did not meet the norms.

Legal action also intensified

23,580 cases were disposed of. Punishment was also given in 1,756 cases. A total fine of Rs 154.87 crore was imposed on those who broke the rules. For the safety of the people, food products were recalled from the market 945 times, so that spoiled or dangerous things do not reach the people.

Street food vendors brought into the system

This year, more than 10 lakh street food vendors have been brought under the purview of the rules. This is expected to improve cleanliness and quality of food.

new licensing rules

• Now the license has been decided according to the business
• Up to Rs 1.5 Crore: Basic Registration
• 1.5 to 50 crore: State license
• More than Rs 50 crore: Central license

New lab for testing

To further strengthen food testing, 18 new labs have been approved, which also include modern labs in Sikkim and Andhra Pradesh.

important role of states

At the district level, officials are working on investigation, sampling and complaints. Whereas the cases are being settled through courts and tribunals.

Police action on FSSAI data leak

• On the other hand, the government has clarified the situation regarding the FIR registered in the matter of leaking of investigation information related to FSSAI. Government sources say that this action is not being taken to suppress the media, but to catch those leaking confidential information.
• According to sources, the FIR lodged in Delhi Police is against unknown people. No journalist or media organization has been targeted in this. The purpose of the investigation is only to find out who passed out sensitive information from inside FSSAI.
• It has been told that FSSAI itself had started investigation on the complaints related to recruitment, which is still going on. The final report of this investigation has not been prepared yet but some parts of the investigation were leaked on social media, due to which the confidentiality of the entire case has been affected.
• Officials say that such leaks hamper the investigation process and potential culprits get a chance to be alerted in advance. Therefore, strict action is necessary on this. Sources made it clear that the purpose of the police investigation is only to maintain the credibility of the investigation and to hold responsible those who harmed the process.