Dietary Supplement
Bombay High Court’s observation about food safety norms has sent the government into panic. FSSAI, the regulatory body on food safety in India, which falls under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has moved to the Apex Court on Friday to challenge the High Court’s order for allowing the imported food products a further extension till 30th June on ‘Product Approval Procedure’, which is required under section 22 of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
Indian drug Manufacturers’ Association and Vital Butraceutical Pvt Ltd had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the notification issued by The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India last year. The verdict was referred to a third judge when the division bench gave a split verdict.
The third judge passed an interim order on 8th of May this month, which prompted Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to file an appeal against Bombay High Court’s order.
Section 22 of ‘The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006′ prohibits the sale and import of all genetically modified food items, novel food, health supplements etc, except for those provided in the law. The banned products also include food items produced with novel method.
FSSAI challenged the High Court order, stating that as a result of his stay on the notification, it can not perform whole of its duties & functions in regards to safeguard the provisions of the FSS Act. The authority argued that they cannot assess the imported food items to evaluate their safety. Consequentially, manufacturers and importers cannot be forced to disclose the ingredients of their products or whether they have approvals from international regulatory associations. They are also not obligated to furnish the scientific research and studies regarding their products.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has now put the ball in the honorable Supreme Court.
No comments:
Post a Comment