Relevance: GS Paper II

News Excerpt:

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in its State Food Safety Index 2023, reported decreased food safety scores in 19 out of 20 large states compared to 2019.

About:

5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI):

• On June 7, 2019, World Food Safety Day, the first-ever State Food Safety Index for 2018–19 was revealed.
• It aims to bring a competitive and constructive transformation in the nation's food safety ecosystem.
• Among the larger states, Kerala secured the top ranking, followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.
• Among the smaller states, Goa emerged as the leader, followed by Manipur and Sikkim.
• Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, and Chandigarh secured the first, second, and third ranks, respectively, among the union territories.

Parameters of State Food Safety Index:

• Human Resources and Institutional Data: It measures the availability of human resources like food safety officers, designated officers, etc. and facilities for adjudications and appellate tribunals in each state.
• It has a weightage of 18%.
• Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh‘s scores decreased this year compared to previous index rankings.
• Compliance: It constitutes the licensing, registration, inspections of food businesses and adherence to the tasks carried out by the state’s food safety authority.
• It has a weightage of 28%.
• Jharkhand has the lowest score, while Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have the highest.
• Food Testing Infrastructure: This component evaluates the availability of food testing infrastructure in each state.
• It has a weightage of 17%.
• Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh have recorded lower scores.
• Training and Capacity Building: It measures the resources allocated to training and capacity building in food safety.
• It has a weightage of 8%.
• The average score for this parameter improved this year compared to previous index rankings.
• Consumer Empowerment: It assesses a state’s performance in the consumer empowering initiatives taken by the state like - Eat Right Campus, Food Fortification, BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God), Hygiene Ratings of Restaurants, and Clean Street Food Hubs.
• It has a weightage of 19%.
• Tamil Nadu, followed by Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, recorded top scores.
• Improvement in SFSI Rank: In the 2023 index, a new parameter was added, which assesses progress in each state’s rank from the year before.
• It has a weightage of 10%.
• 14 out of 20 large states received “zero” points in this parameter.
• Considering the significant impact of nutrition and health on India’s development and its being a part of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is concerning to note the average score of states on SFSI has declined over the years.
  

Need for ensuring safety:

• Prevalence of food-borne disease: Food-related illnesses and incidences of food poisoning are very common in India. Eating contaminated food can have detrimental effects on one's health and is a contributing factor in the startling amount of food and waterborne illnesses.
• Unsafe food practices: Research indicates that 13.2% of Indian households engage in unsafe dietary practices, which is alarming. This highlights how urgently strong food safety regulations, consumer education, and public health surveillance are needed.

Significance of the index:

• Setting the benchmark: The index is a dynamic benchmarking approach that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis to offer an impartial framework for assessing food safety in all states and territories.
• Healthy competition: It will foster healthy competition and catalyse positive change among the states.

Challenges in food safety:

• Lack of information and clarity: Food Business Operators (FBOs) frequently find it challenging to negotiate complicated legislation and requirements.
• Limited awareness: Food safety procedures and laws are not well known or understood by consumers, food handlers, or officials.
• Infrastructure and supply chain limitations: Especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Adoption of food safety measures is impeded by ineffective supply chains, poor facilities for storage and transportation, and restricted access to finance.

Recent Initiatives taken by FSSAI:

• Eat Right Millets Melas: These melas serve as platforms to showcase the diversity of cuisines, as well as millet-based recipes, in the country.
• FSSAI is set to train 25 lakh food business operators in the next 3 years to ensure that food quality standards are met across the country.
• Also, 100 Food Streets are to be set up across the country, which meet the quality benchmark for food safety, hygiene, and nutrition.
• The Rapid Food Testing Kit (RAFT) portal is designed to ensure transparency and accountability. Now, applicants can conveniently complete the entire process electronically, from applying for approval to certificate issuance.
• The RAFT scheme was launched in 2019 to promote the adoption of advanced technologies for food testing, screening, and surveillance.
• FSSAI has released three manuals designed to enhance food safety practices nationwide -
• Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Fish & Fish Products.
• Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Cereal and Cereal Products - 2nd edition.
• Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods - Beverages: Tea, Coffee & Chicory.

Way Forward:

• Training and employment: FSSAI and educational institutions may work together to build training programs more efficiently. The goal of these programs ought to be to give those who want to work in the field of food safety job options.
• Capacity Building: By raising the caliber of their products, efforts should be made to improve the community of street vendors. Increasing consumer traffic and improving street food safety may be achieved by offering training and support in meeting food safety regulations.
• Accreditation and guidelines: The FSSAI should establish protocols and rules for certifying laboratories and organisations that do testing and manage food safety. The legitimacy and dependability of food safety procedures are guaranteed by certification.
• Assist in market surveillance activities: This will ensure that the food products are sold in compliance with the standards prescribed.

PYQ

1. Consider the following statements:  (UPSC 2018)

1.  The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
2.  The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2