Food Crusader

 It’s said that an empty stomach echoes more and what better to feed it with loads and loads of food. Before gorging on that yummy burger and munching on that delicious Paani-puri, have you checked that it’s hygienic and safe for your health. Well if not, then go in for food safety as safety standards are always there to help you protect your taste and nutritional value which you need and desire.

The Ongoing Forum for Indian Food importers (FIFI) in association with FSSAI (food safety and standards and authority of India) is addressing the challenges faced by the food retail sector.

FSSAI, established under the overarching legislation, lays down science based standards for food items and regulates their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

“There is a need to supplement the manpower and strengthening of the system. The licenses are to be issued to all Food Business Operators (FBO) through conversion of their earlier licenses issued under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and in cases where FBOs have come into being, issuance of new licenses. Similarly, a large number of small time FBOs would need to be registered,” Mr K. Chandramouli, chairperson of the Authority has said for the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which came into effect from August 5 last year.

With more food importers turning to India and opening their dedicated outlets which act as one point contact for people the food sector is experiencing dynamic developments.

As part of expansion, these outlets not only serve food but also cater to business enquiries such as franchising, logistics and so on. Opportunist People who want to end up being business partners or sole dealers of food products by a particular company look into various aspects such as food quality served, taste, texture of food, food safety, hygiene, acquiring raw materials for their preparations etc. come into play .This fuels competition and tends to increase as more new outlets are opened every now and then and in this mad rush to present something new and unique, the food outlets neglect safety and hygiene which is of utmost importance. A key to the concern seems to be available with TQS Global Management System- a known name that offers technical consultancy in the field of food safety also tries to keep up with the regulations which are set by FSSAI. The Global consultancy firm which works on food security and safety has in-depth practical knowledge of safety standards and expertise in it for more than a decade which has earned it the repute of a trusted name when it comes to food safety.

Today, the food industry has diversified in various verticals; food safety being an important one has a lot more to offer. The retail sector in India is growing at a pretty good pace and food retail is one of them. With new consumption patterns and new category market the need to recognize safety is also gaining more prominence. Eating out at restaurants, hotels and roadside vendors is what one is exposed to with major reason being busy schedule of working class individuals. The food served at these places normally does not look into the secure and safe factor while preparing their delicacies.

This leaves scope for a better mechanism wherein not only the food is audited but the various infrastructures used in preparing the food also goes under the scrutiny. To add to it new technology also plays a pivotal role as it uses scientific approach and methodology. Here, the consistency between international technical standards and domestic food standards is what is needed most. Regular checkups at timely intervals and stringent penal action under food safety and standards act 2006 ensure that the food and the technique used in it are in no way more prone to unhealthy and filthy environment. Also, more conscious steps should be taken at operational issues and it needs to match up to international safety standards. So, next time when you are eating out or even for that matter in home, do take care for your stomach and take the needed steps that ensure safe food as it would not only savor your taste buds but also keep you healthy.