State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2023 Report

Published: 2nd Nov, 2023

Context:

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2023 Report.

Key Points of the Report:

Around 15 out of 20 states saw lower scores in 2023 compared to 2019 after a new parameter was added i.e. the ‘SFSI Rank Parameter’.
Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat witnessed the steepest falls in scores over the five-year period.
The report emphasizes the role of state apex food safety authorities in ensuring food safety.
Analysis of Parameter Scores:

- The 'Food Testing Infrastructure' parameter saw the most significant drop, averaging 7 out of 17 in 2023 compared to 13 out of 20 in 2019.
  - States like Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh recorded lower scores in this category.
- 'Compliance' parameter also saw a decline, with Jharkhand receiving the lowest score (4 out of 28) in 2023.
- Consumer Empowerment Parameter:
  - It measures state's performance in FSSAI initiatives like Food Fortification, Eat Right Campus, BHOG, Hygiene Rating, and Street Food Hubs.
  - Bihar's score dropped from 7 to 1 in 2023.
  - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh were top performers.
- Human Resources and Institutional Data Parameter:
  - Average score dropped from 11 to 7. Top performers like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh saw significant score reductions.
- Training and Capacity Building Parameter:
  - Evaluates training initiatives and capacity-building efforts.
  - Average score improved from 3.5 to 5, indicating a positive trend in this parameter.
- SFSI Rank Parameter: No word count provided for this section.
  - Assesses availability of human resources like Food Safety Officers, Designated Officers, and adjudication facilities.
Weightage Changes:
- Weightage adjustments were made in 2023, introducing a new parameter 'Improvement in SFSI Rank'.
- The 'Food Testing Infrastructure' parameter, with 17% weightage, observed the most significant drop in scores.
- 'Compliance' parameter, with 28% weightage, saw reductions in scores across states compared to 2019.
- Human Resources and Institutional Data Parameter:
  - Weightage: 18% in 2023 (20% in previous years)
- Improvement in SFSI Rank Parameter:
  - Weightage: 10% in 2023
  - 14 out of 20 large states received 0 points in this new parameter.

About FSSAI:

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established by Former Union Minister Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, Government of India on 5 August 2011 under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which was operationalized in the year 2006.
It is a statutory Body.
Role: The foremost responsibility of FSSAI includes the development of 'Science-based Food Standards for articles of food and food products and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC IAS

State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2023 Report

User Login

User Register

Forgot Password

Verify Your Mobile Number