Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, is the number one in licensing and registration of food business operators (FBOs) under the FSS (Licensing & Registration) Regulations, 2011, among all the states in the country. Mahesh Zagade, food safety commissioner, FDA, Maharashtra, delves into the details in a quick conversation with Abhitash Singh. Excerpts:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra is said to be facing manpower problem. What steps are being taken to sort out this problem?
First of all, there is no manpower problem. It is continuous ‘upgradation’ to face the emerging challenges. But we are managing with the existing ones very efficiently. And if we get more manpower it will be beneficial for us.
The deadline for licensing and registration for FBOs has been extended by FSSAI. What various initiatives will be taken by Maharashtra FDA to complete the procedure on time?
Even as the deadline for licensing and registration is extended, we are continuing with the process at a rapid pace. We are the number one in the country in licensing and registration and continue to maintain the slot. We will not be waiting till last date for the deadline. In order to complete the procedure before February 4, 2014, we are also migrating towards online licensing and registration.
Tell us about the separate budget for FDA, which is being talked about.
It’s already there in place.
What steps should be taken in order to provide safe food to the people of Maharashtra?
Implement the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, strictly in the state. We need to enforce and implement it in letter and spirit.
What steps should the food industry in the state take to improve the quality of food?
In order to improve the quality of food, the food industry should indicate contents, ingredients, products’ nutrition value, manufacturing date, best before, MRP and follow Schedule (4) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Even Maharashtra has banned gutkha in the state under the FSS Act. However, some people are still involved in illegally selling it. What steps is the FDA taking against them?
We are filing the First Information Report (FIR) against them. We are the only state in the country to destroy gutkha worth Rs 14 crore, even if it is banned in 17 other states.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra is said to be facing manpower problem. What steps are being taken to sort out this problem?
First of all, there is no manpower problem. It is continuous ‘upgradation’ to face the emerging challenges. But we are managing with the existing ones very efficiently. And if we get more manpower it will be beneficial for us.
The deadline for licensing and registration for FBOs has been extended by FSSAI. What various initiatives will be taken by Maharashtra FDA to complete the procedure on time?
Even as the deadline for licensing and registration is extended, we are continuing with the process at a rapid pace. We are the number one in the country in licensing and registration and continue to maintain the slot. We will not be waiting till last date for the deadline. In order to complete the procedure before February 4, 2014, we are also migrating towards online licensing and registration.
Tell us about the separate budget for FDA, which is being talked about.
It’s already there in place.
What steps should be taken in order to provide safe food to the people of Maharashtra?
Implement the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, strictly in the state. We need to enforce and implement it in letter and spirit.
What steps should the food industry in the state take to improve the quality of food?
In order to improve the quality of food, the food industry should indicate contents, ingredients, products’ nutrition value, manufacturing date, best before, MRP and follow Schedule (4) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Even Maharashtra has banned gutkha in the state under the FSS Act. However, some people are still involved in illegally selling it. What steps is the FDA taking against them?
We are filing the First Information Report (FIR) against them. We are the only state in the country to destroy gutkha worth Rs 14 crore, even if it is banned in 17 other states.
No comments:
Post a Comment