Pune strictly follows food quality norms

PUNE: Adherence to food quality and fair trade practices in Pune division is the highest in Maharashtra with the Pune Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing maximum licenses to food product traders since the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act from August 5, 2011 to February 4, 2014.

In the country, Maharashtra has issued maximum licenses.

"Dealers and manufacturers trading in food products, having a turnover of more than Rs 12 lakh, need to procure licenses. If the turnover is less, then the traders need to get themselves registered with the FDA," Joint Commissioner (Food), FDA, Shashikant Kekare told Sakal Times.

According to the figures made available by FDA, Pune, nationally, 4,81,964 licenses have been issued, while 19,10,160 registrations have been completed. Out of these, the Maharashtra figures are 1,41,777 and 4,62,809 respectively. The total licenses and registrations issued by Pune FDA is 1,74,630.

"We endeavour to achieve an appropriate level of protection of human life and health and the protection of consumer's interests, including fair practices in all kinds of food trade with reference to food safety standards and practices as prescribed under the Food Safety Act," Kekare said.

The FDA Joint Commissioner said that risk assessment of food quality is undertaken periodically.

"On the basis of assessment of available, the possibility of harmful effects on health is identified. We also ensure that the measures adopted by us are reviewed within a reasonable period of time, depending on the nature of the risk to life," he said.

According to the Assistant Commissioner (Food), Dilip T Sangat, in cases where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a food item may present a risk to human health, then, depending on the seriousness, the FDA takes appropriate steps.

LICENSES ISSUED

According to the figures made available by FDA, Pune, nationally, 4,81,964 licenses have been issued. The total licenses and registrations issued by Pune FDA is 1,74,630.