Jul 17, 2012
Registration of food operators to be expedited
The Corporation issues trade licences for food-business operators while their registration is carried out by the food safety department. All food-business operators, including star hotels with annual turnover of Rs.12 lakh, have been asked to get a licence from the food safety department by August 4, 2012. However, only 2,350 of the estimated 12,500 food-business operators have obtained licences so far. Similarly, only 1,200 of around 7,500 small food-business operators have registration certificates.
Proper coordination between the Corporation and the food safety department is likely to prevent adulteration of food in the city. Corporation officials and the department’s officials will soon hold talks to improve coordination. The Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 came into force on August 5, 2011. Licenses issued to traders under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act of 1954 expired in March this year, but many of the businesses are still not aware that they need to acquire fresh licenses under the new act.
Even though the food safety department was hoping to issue all the licences in the city by the end of April, the task is yet to be completed on account of poor response from most traders.
Food safety officers, whose responsibility it is to inspect outlets and look into complaints, are now focussing more on information, education and communication. After the Corporation extends support within the provisions of the Act, food safety officers will be able to ensure better hygiene standards of food in the city.
The fine or punishment for an offender will be decided based on the extent of risk involved.
Health Ministry Denies Media Reports about Ministry’s Stand on FSSAI Regulation 2.3.4 - PTI
Attention of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has been drawn to the reports appearing in a section of media incorrectly quoting Ministry’s stand regarding FSSAI Regulation 2.3.4.
In this regard, the correct factual position is that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 dated 1st August 2011, in exercise of powers conferred on it under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Regulation 2.3.4 of this notification says that Tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products. As gutkha (having tobacco and nicotine) is held to be a food product, the said Regulation prohibits its manufacture, sale and storage.
The Ministry has issued letters to many States including Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka requesting them for implementation of the above FSSAI Regulation.
The State Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Maharashtra have already issued orders/instructions to implement the regulation 2.3.4, inter-alia prohibiting the sale of gutkha (having tobacco and nicotine) in these states.
The Ministry, through FSSAI, has also filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court where the above Regulation stands challenged, inter-alia stating that Gutkha is a food item, and that since it contains tobacco and nicotine, its sale is prohibited under the said Regulation.
In this regard, the correct factual position is that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India(FSSAI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 dated 1st August 2011, in exercise of powers conferred on it under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Regulation 2.3.4 of this notification says that Tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products. As gutkha (having tobacco and nicotine) is held to be a food product, the said Regulation prohibits its manufacture, sale and storage.
The Ministry has issued letters to many States including Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka requesting them for implementation of the above FSSAI Regulation.
The State Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Maharashtra have already issued orders/instructions to implement the regulation 2.3.4, inter-alia prohibiting the sale of gutkha (having tobacco and nicotine) in these states.
The Ministry, through FSSAI, has also filed an affidavit in the Delhi High Court where the above Regulation stands challenged, inter-alia stating that Gutkha is a food item, and that since it contains tobacco and nicotine, its sale is prohibited under the said Regulation.
Kerala eateries raided after food poisoning death
Kerala authorities have begun extensive raids across the state after reports that a youth died of suspected food poisoning and a few others fell ill after they consumed a 'shawarma' (meat rolls in paratha) from a restaurant in the capital city.
On July 10, 21-year-old Sachin Mathew, a hotel management graduate, before boarding his bus to Bangalore bought three 'shawarmas' from the restaurant located close to the Congress party headquarters here.
En route to Bangalore that night, he rang up his mother and said he is unwell. From the next day on there was no contact with the parents, and on July 14 they got a call from a hotel in Bangalore where he stayed, that their son had passed away.
The incident led to huge uproar in the state against the health authorities, who now have swung into action and are conducting raids on restaurants across the state to check the quality of food sold in the market. They have sealed three eateries in the capital.
Incidentally, the same day son of thespian actor Thilakan and his family also had 'shawarmas' from the same restaurant and they too fell ill and had to be admitted to hospital.
A day later the health authorities sealed the hotel.
On the suggestion of food safety commissioner, police have registered a complaint against the owner of the restaurant.
Though samples of food from the restaurant have not been taken, the authorities are awaiting the medical reports on those who consumed this food item and were hospitalised.
Incidentally, the police swung into action only after the death of Sachin.
The youth wing of the Communist Party of India-Marxist Tuesday took out a protest march here shouting slogans against the health authorities for not doing their duty, Following this, concerned authorities have started searches at eateries not only in the city but also across the state.
On July 10, 21-year-old Sachin Mathew, a hotel management graduate, before boarding his bus to Bangalore bought three 'shawarmas' from the restaurant located close to the Congress party headquarters here.
En route to Bangalore that night, he rang up his mother and said he is unwell. From the next day on there was no contact with the parents, and on July 14 they got a call from a hotel in Bangalore where he stayed, that their son had passed away.
The incident led to huge uproar in the state against the health authorities, who now have swung into action and are conducting raids on restaurants across the state to check the quality of food sold in the market. They have sealed three eateries in the capital.
Incidentally, the same day son of thespian actor Thilakan and his family also had 'shawarmas' from the same restaurant and they too fell ill and had to be admitted to hospital.
A day later the health authorities sealed the hotel.
On the suggestion of food safety commissioner, police have registered a complaint against the owner of the restaurant.
Though samples of food from the restaurant have not been taken, the authorities are awaiting the medical reports on those who consumed this food item and were hospitalised.
Incidentally, the police swung into action only after the death of Sachin.
The youth wing of the Communist Party of India-Marxist Tuesday took out a protest march here shouting slogans against the health authorities for not doing their duty, Following this, concerned authorities have started searches at eateries not only in the city but also across the state.
Key flaw in FSSA, FBO guidelines missing: Confectioner Gurbani
The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, that has been drawing flak from different sections of the food & beverage industry, has not impacted the confectionery industry in a big way but according to B K Gurbani, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh-based confectionery maker Gurbani Group, “We do have minor objections to it.”
He goes on to add, “Since the Food Products Order (FPO), the predecessor to the existing Act, has been repealed, we have noticed one major flaw: all the guidelines of the FPO have not been incorporated in the FSSA.”
Further with regard to the contentious issue of licensing and registration, Gurbani states, “Yes, licensing and registration are indeed contentious issues. The new chapters on them in the Act are ambiguous.”
According to Gurbani, there was no clarity on proprietary or novel products. In fact, the definition of this term has been a bone of contention for quite some time.
As for the trends the confectionery industry is currently witnessing, Gurbani said, “Apart from its regular offerings, the confectionery industry has moved to high-value products in the past few years.”
“From a market perspective, it has not yet found favour, so that is a huge challenge for all of us. But we hope that in the years to come, a number of new and innovative products will be launched,” he said.
“As the population's buying capacity increases, there will be a more ready acceptance for these high-value products,” Gurbani remarked.
He also stated that a number of non-confectionery industries have made forays into the confectionery space.
The confectionery industry is facing a number of challenges, and Gurbani not only identified these, but also mentioned the steps it is taking to overcome the same.
“Firstly, our margins aren't very high. But we are trying to increase them to an extent by upgrading the prices of the products,” he said.
Gurbani added, “Sugar is the main raw material used to make confectionery products. Its price has sky-rocketed in the last few years, and consequently, the confectionery industry has taken a hit.”
“Thirdly, the prices of packaging materials have increased,” he said, adding that this has had an adverse impact on the confectionery industry. “But it can be overcome. In fact, a number of new packaging materials are now available in the market. These are cost-effective and innovative.”
“Advertising and merchandising perhaps has to play a bigger role now than it has ever played in the past. That is because we are all witnessing a drastic slump in the per capita consumption,” Gurbani said.
“And lastly, children have always been (and will continue to be) the main target group for confectionery products. But the onus is on the industry to constantly launch new and innovative products to catch adult consumers' fancy as well,” he said.
Before signing off, he was quizzed about whether Gurbani Group has any immediate plans to enter new geographies, to which he categorically said, “No, at least at this point, we are not, but in future, we may do so.”
He goes on to add, “Since the Food Products Order (FPO), the predecessor to the existing Act, has been repealed, we have noticed one major flaw: all the guidelines of the FPO have not been incorporated in the FSSA.”
Further with regard to the contentious issue of licensing and registration, Gurbani states, “Yes, licensing and registration are indeed contentious issues. The new chapters on them in the Act are ambiguous.”
According to Gurbani, there was no clarity on proprietary or novel products. In fact, the definition of this term has been a bone of contention for quite some time.
As for the trends the confectionery industry is currently witnessing, Gurbani said, “Apart from its regular offerings, the confectionery industry has moved to high-value products in the past few years.”
“From a market perspective, it has not yet found favour, so that is a huge challenge for all of us. But we hope that in the years to come, a number of new and innovative products will be launched,” he said.
“As the population's buying capacity increases, there will be a more ready acceptance for these high-value products,” Gurbani remarked.
He also stated that a number of non-confectionery industries have made forays into the confectionery space.
The confectionery industry is facing a number of challenges, and Gurbani not only identified these, but also mentioned the steps it is taking to overcome the same.
“Firstly, our margins aren't very high. But we are trying to increase them to an extent by upgrading the prices of the products,” he said.
Gurbani added, “Sugar is the main raw material used to make confectionery products. Its price has sky-rocketed in the last few years, and consequently, the confectionery industry has taken a hit.”
“Thirdly, the prices of packaging materials have increased,” he said, adding that this has had an adverse impact on the confectionery industry. “But it can be overcome. In fact, a number of new packaging materials are now available in the market. These are cost-effective and innovative.”
“Advertising and merchandising perhaps has to play a bigger role now than it has ever played in the past. That is because we are all witnessing a drastic slump in the per capita consumption,” Gurbani said.
“And lastly, children have always been (and will continue to be) the main target group for confectionery products. But the onus is on the industry to constantly launch new and innovative products to catch adult consumers' fancy as well,” he said.
Before signing off, he was quizzed about whether Gurbani Group has any immediate plans to enter new geographies, to which he categorically said, “No, at least at this point, we are not, but in future, we may do so.”
Food safety awareness programme held
PMUDHAMPUR, July 16: The Department of Food Safety, Udhampur organized a one day awareness programme on Food Safety and Standard Act 2006 in collaboration with All Food Traders Association, Udhampur here today at Goverdhan Palace.
The aim of the awareness programme was to educate the functionaries responsible for implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act about its salient features and laws to ensure sale of quality food articles in the district.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Jammu Lotika Khajuria stressed for the need of safe and hygienic food.
She said that a massive awareness programme has been launched to educate the general masses at different level about the food safety and preventive measures about various diseases due to our day to day eating habits.
She emphasized the need to change the mindset of people and to generate awareness about the safe food through coordinated efforts and active involvement of various associations of the district.
Khajuria appealed to all Food Business Operators of the district to get their business registered and Licensed before August 4, 2012 accordingly.
The interactive session was also held during the programme which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety and Assistant Controller Food Safety (HQ) during which the participants get replies to their queries.
Assistant Controller Food Safety (HQ), Jammu, Sanjeev Gupta, Designated Officer of Food Safety, Udhampur, Khamider Choudhary, Food Safety Officers of all the districts, President Retailer Federation Jammu, Yash Paul Gupta and other functionaries associated with the Food Safety in the district were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety, Jammu Lotika Khajuria stressed for the need of safe and hygienic food.
She said that a massive awareness programme has been launched to educate the general masses at different level about the food safety and preventive measures about various diseases due to our day to day eating habits.
She emphasized the need to change the mindset of people and to generate awareness about the safe food through coordinated efforts and active involvement of various associations of the district.
Khajuria appealed to all Food Business Operators of the district to get their business registered and Licensed before August 4, 2012 accordingly.
The interactive session was also held during the programme which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Food Safety and Assistant Controller Food Safety (HQ) during which the participants get replies to their queries.
Assistant Controller Food Safety (HQ), Jammu, Sanjeev Gupta, Designated Officer of Food Safety, Udhampur, Khamider Choudhary, Food Safety Officers of all the districts, President Retailer Federation Jammu, Yash Paul Gupta and other functionaries associated with the Food Safety in the district were present on the occasion.
Notices to state, central govts on PIL seeking ban on gutka
A division bench headed by Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen ordered the issue of notices to the government of Karnataka, state Food and Safety Commissioner, Anti-Tobacco Cell, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The PIL filed by Cancer Patients Aid Association referred to the regulations passed by the central government, namely the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011 (notified on August 1, 2011) which prohibits the addition of nicotine and tobacco in food products.
The petitioner stated that in 2004 the Supreme Court had clearly identified gutka and paan masala to be categorised as food products (in Godawat Pan Masala Products vs Union of India, AIR 2004 SC 4057).
States such as Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh have already enforced the ban on gutka and paan masala and in a few other states like Maharashtra, the ban has been approved by the government and a notification was pending, the PIL said.
Advocate Jayna Kothari from the Centre for Law and Policy Research, Bangalore, is representing the petitioner.
The court adjourned the matter to August 6.
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