Even as the confusion and chaos over the implementation of the Food Safety & Standards Regulations (FSSR), 2011, continues, the state of Maharashtra is working on a novel solution to tide over the crisis – forming techno-scientific committee.
While the proposed panel could either be a formal committee under the Centre or an informal committee. However, it would be on the lines of the system prevalent in the US and details were still being worked out, it was learnt.
Mahesh Zagade, food safety commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Maharashtra, told F&B News, “The Maharashtra FDA has taken up this issue of forming techno-scientific committee with the Centre and is all for encouraging each region to come up with such a concept.”
According to him, the committee will promote interaction between implementing agencies of the Act and stakeholders in the industry thus reducing the obstacles that come in the way of enforcing the new law.
“Such committees should come up on the local level throughout the country,” he felt. He also stressed that such initiatives were needed for smooth implementation of the law and was all praise for NAFARI (National Agriculture and Food Analysis and Research Institute), which approached him with the concept.
Meanwhile, the All India Food Processors Association (AIFPA) has welcomed the move. According to the body, this could prove to be more convenient to address the issues related to implementation of the law.
In fact, “We had gone to the Centre earlier with the proposal of forming such a committee considering the problems related to the food processing sector and we had also felt that this would ease the difficulties in implementation,” explained D V Malhan, executive secretary, AIFPA.
Malhan said that though there were a number of issues concerning the interpretation and implementation of the law, the latest issue pertained to the prior approval of new food products made mandatory for food businesses falling under the central licensing authority arousing anxiety and perplexity amongst the food business operators who manufacture ethnic or traditional foods across the country.
In this regard, a national seminar would also be held on May 25, 2012, at New Delhi.
Interestingly, NAFARI is not only looking for having a committee under the Centre but also considering forming an informal committee. Vinay Oswal, director, NAFARI, stated, “We are still working on this aspect and a positive nod from Mahesh Zagade was indeed a motivation for us.” He added, “We are contemplating to form an informal committee.”
He explained that such a panel would include scientists, technologists and other experts from various organisations and the industry. The panel would evaluate the issues related to food safety and food products thus eliminating food hazards and ensuring good, healthy and nutritious food for consumers.
He pointed out, “For instance, many cases of food poisoning are being constantly reported, but the committee should be able to analyse and act quickly to bring out an effective solution to handle the situation.” He added that the US had also adopted this method.
While the proposed panel could either be a formal committee under the Centre or an informal committee. However, it would be on the lines of the system prevalent in the US and details were still being worked out, it was learnt.
Mahesh Zagade, food safety commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, Maharashtra, told F&B News, “The Maharashtra FDA has taken up this issue of forming techno-scientific committee with the Centre and is all for encouraging each region to come up with such a concept.”
According to him, the committee will promote interaction between implementing agencies of the Act and stakeholders in the industry thus reducing the obstacles that come in the way of enforcing the new law.
“Such committees should come up on the local level throughout the country,” he felt. He also stressed that such initiatives were needed for smooth implementation of the law and was all praise for NAFARI (National Agriculture and Food Analysis and Research Institute), which approached him with the concept.
Meanwhile, the All India Food Processors Association (AIFPA) has welcomed the move. According to the body, this could prove to be more convenient to address the issues related to implementation of the law.
In fact, “We had gone to the Centre earlier with the proposal of forming such a committee considering the problems related to the food processing sector and we had also felt that this would ease the difficulties in implementation,” explained D V Malhan, executive secretary, AIFPA.
Malhan said that though there were a number of issues concerning the interpretation and implementation of the law, the latest issue pertained to the prior approval of new food products made mandatory for food businesses falling under the central licensing authority arousing anxiety and perplexity amongst the food business operators who manufacture ethnic or traditional foods across the country.
In this regard, a national seminar would also be held on May 25, 2012, at New Delhi.
Interestingly, NAFARI is not only looking for having a committee under the Centre but also considering forming an informal committee. Vinay Oswal, director, NAFARI, stated, “We are still working on this aspect and a positive nod from Mahesh Zagade was indeed a motivation for us.” He added, “We are contemplating to form an informal committee.”
He explained that such a panel would include scientists, technologists and other experts from various organisations and the industry. The panel would evaluate the issues related to food safety and food products thus eliminating food hazards and ensuring good, healthy and nutritious food for consumers.
He pointed out, “For instance, many cases of food poisoning are being constantly reported, but the committee should be able to analyse and act quickly to bring out an effective solution to handle the situation.” He added that the US had also adopted this method.
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