FOOD SAFETY
FHO defines food safety “as food having absence of harmful contaminants”
Contaminants are – pathogens, chemicals, adulterants, genetic pollution etc
2015 was celebrated as Food Safety Year by WHO
ISSUES
- Prevalence of diarrhea
- Increased risk of non communicable diseases
- Allergy
- Instant death
Recommendations
- Implementation of regulatory mechanism across India
- Inform consumer about the ingredients
- Establishments of testing centers
- Informed choices to consumers
FSSAI( Food Safety and Standard Authority of India)
- Established through FSSAI Act,2006
Role of FSSAI
- Accreditation of testing labs
- Advise central and state govt for smooth flow regulatory environment
- Licensing
- Data collection of food processing units
- Monitoring state level food commissions
Consumer Protection Act , 1986
6 rights for consumers
a)Right to know
b)Right to safety : package, data of manufacture
c)Right to choose : option
d)Right to be heard
e)Right to seek redresses and compensation
f)Right to consumer education labeling
ISSUES WITH FOOD SAFETY
1]Lack of proper testing lab
2]Poor inspection and corruption
3]Lobbying by industries
4]Poor training