Recent concerns have been raised regarding India's food safety regime following allegations against various food products, including infant food, health drinks, and spices.
Issues with Food Safety Regulation:
Allegations against prominent brands: Allegations have surfaced against brands like Nestle, MDH, and Everest, raising doubts about food safety standards.
International scrutiny: Regulatory authorities in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the US have flagged concerns such as unhealthy sugar content and salmonella contamination in Indian food products.
FSSAI's challenges: Despite its mandate, the FSSAI faces limitations in enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance due to inadequate staff and infrastructure.
Role of FSSAI and Regulatory Gaps:
Establishment and mandate: FSSAI, formed in 2008 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, oversees food safety for various businesses, including multinational corporations and small-scale enterprises.
Challenges in enforcement: Inadequate resources hinder FSSAI's ability to effectively regulate the food industry, leading to skepticism among stakeholders about its efficacy.
Need for improvement: Regular updates to standards and guidance for exporters are essential for enhancing India's food market growth and global competitiveness.