Changing definitions of safe food

My local vegetable vendor sells ordinary lemons packed in plastic bags. It has got me thinking if this is a sign of improving standards of food safety and hygiene. After all, if we go to any supermarket in the rich and food-processed world, we will find food neatly packed so that there is no contamination through human hands. Then there is the army of food inspectors, who check everything from the processing plant to the supplies in restaurants. The principle is clear: the higher the concern for food safety, the higher the standards of quality and, consequently, the higher the cost of enforcement. Slowly, but surely, small producers get pushed aside. This is how the business of food works.

But is this the right model of food safety for India? It is clear that we need safe food. It is also clear that we cannot afford to hide behind small producers to say that we should not have stringent standards for quality and safety. Nor can we argue that since we are a poor developing country, our imperative is to produce a large quantity of food and make it available it to the large - and unacceptable - number of malnourished people. We cannot say this because, though we are poor and hard-pressed to produce and provide more food, we cannot ignore the fact that we are eating bad food, which is making us ill. This is one of the many double burdens we carry.
The most noxious of problems is adulteration - when people deliberately add bad stuff to food for profit. In India, milk mixed with urea or chemical colour added to chilli is just the tip of the adulteration iceberg. We know we need effective enforcement against such practices.

The second worry is about the safety of what is added to food when it is processed. This is not adulteration because in this case additives permitted under food standards are used. The question is whether we know enough about their side effects. For instance, there has been a huge row over the potential dangers of artificial sweeteners, first saccharine and then aspartame. In the world of industrially manufactured food, the problem also is that each product is backed by vested interests that claim it to be safe till proved otherwise.

Often we know very little about the additives allowed in our food. For instance, we eat vanilla thinking it is the real queen of spices, flavouring ice creams and cakes. Little do we know that most of the vanilla in food is made synthetically, and that this chemical - believe it or not - has been harvested from paper mill effluent or coal tar components used in petrochemical plants. It is cheap, and it has been passed for human consumption by the food and drug administrations of different countries.

The third challenge comes from the toxins in our food - chemicals used during the growing and processing of food, even in minuscule quantities, add up to an unacceptable intake of poisons. Exposure to pesticides through our diet leads to chronic diseases. The best way is to manage the food basket - calculate how much, and what, we eat - to ensure that pesticide limits are set at safe levels. We have no option but to ingest a little poison to get nutrition, but how do we keep it within acceptable limits? This means setting safe pesticide standards for all kinds of food.

Then there are toxins, which should not be present in food at all. For instance, a few years ago, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found antibiotics in the honey sold in Indian markets. It was present because industrial honey farmers fed bees antibiotics as a growth promoter and for disease control. Ingesting antibiotics makes us resistant to drugs. After this study, the government notified standards for antibiotics in honey produced for the domestic market. It cannot be denied that small producers of honey, who do not have the capacity to handle the additional burden of paperwork and inspectors, can be hit badly. But this does not mean we should allow the use of antibiotics in our food. Or does this mean we change the business of food so that it is safe even as it protects livelihoods?

There is a fourth challenge, which may just provide answers to this question. Food has to be not just safe, but also nutritious. Today, the world's panic button has been pressed on the matter of food that is junk - high on empty calories and bad for health. There is more than enough evidence that bad food is directly linked to the explosion of non-communicable diseases in the world. There is enough to say that enough is enough.

The answer is to think of a different model for the food business. It cannot be the one-size-fits-all design of industrial production. It must be based on societal objectives of nutrition, livelihood and safety-first-and-profit-later. If we get this right, we will eat right.

Ensure 30 ppm of iodine at production level, says official

Iodisation of salt is mandatory for both producers and consumers, according to Kumar Jayant, Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration.

Delivering the keynote address at Salt Processors’ Meeting organised by the Micronutrient India Initiative (MII), Tuticorin Project Unit, here on Friday, he said that 30 ppm of iodine should be maintained at production level and 15 ppm at consumption level. The Commissioner ruled out any possibility of exempting salt iodisation from the purview of the Food Safety Standards Act.

Mr. Jayant appealed to salt manufacturers to be aware of such parameters.

“Iodised salt has many health benefits and lack of it will raise health concerns.”

The manufacturers of salt should not have any difficulty in adding iodine and the MII has come forward to help them. Food safety officers were also organising awareness programmes on the significance of iodine in salt production and consumption. He said many producers under the unorganised sector had been indulging in false labelling of salt products for sale. V.V. Laxmi, Assistant Salt Commissioner, Tuticorin Division, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, urged the need for building brand equity by maintaining quality standards in production of salt.

“India stands third in salt production globally next to China and the US. Average production of salt per year in India is 200 lakh tonnes. Total average production constitutes 28 per cent on edible consumption, 54 per cent industrial consumption and 18 per cent on export trade,” she said. Michael Motha, Member, Central Advisory Board for Salt, New Delhi, and Managing Director, Sahayamatha Salt Refinery, said that 71 million people were suffering from iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). It was the leading cause of mental retardation, he said. Under the 12th Five Year Plan, India is aiming at bringing down the prevalence of IDD to below five per cent. To increase salt production, the state government should provide loans liberally on long term lease.

A.R.A.S. Dhanabalan, Secretary, Tuticorin Small Scale Salt Manufacturers Association, sought preventive measures to control pollution, which contaminates salt products.

Importance Of Organic Certification

Organic farming is the word today and organic products have become the first choice of health-conscious population. India has been earning a good amount of foreign exchange as well as reputation by exporting organic products. Certifying and grading these products would be the next best step to match the rising popularity.

Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm.
Organic farming uses fertilizers and pesticides but excludes or strictly limits the use of manufactured (synthetic) fertilizers, pesticides (which include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides), plant growth regulators such as hormones, livestock antibiotics, food additives, and genetically modified organisms.

Why Organic Farming!

Organic agriculture is the oldest form of agriculture on earth. Technological progress during World War II [8] resulted in post-war innovation in all aspects of agriculture, leading to advances like large-scale irrigation, fertilization, and the use of pesticides.
But these inorganic methods have had serious side effects over time such as pollution of water bodies from washed away fertilizers, decreased nutrient availability and low organic matter content of soil, health problems to animals and humans etc.
Thus it is required to adopt an appropriate approach suitable to our requirements which is not at the expense of ecology, environment and well being of people. Thus the need for organic agriculture. It is also one of the approaches to meet the objective of sustainable agriculture which is the need of the hour.

Organic Regulations [9]

Organic agricultural [10] methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations, based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements [11] (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for organic farming organizations established in 1972.

IFOAM definition of Organic Farming

Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.

Since 1990, the market for organic products has grown from nothing, reaching $55 billion in 2009 according to Organic Monitor (www. organicmonitor.com). This demand has driven a similar increase in organically managed farmland. Approximately 37,000,000 hectares (91,000,000 acres) worldwide are now farmed organically, representing approximately 0.9 percent of total world farmland (2009) (see Willer/ Kilcher 2011).

Indian Scenario: Agmark Certification

Internationally and nationally, standards regulate production methods and in some cases final output for organic agriculture. Standards may be voluntary or legislated. But certification of products/process may be described as what confidence in organic agriculture rests on. An organized system of inspection and certification supported by regulations enables to build a confident consumer community. Thus, Government of India has implemented the National Programme [12] for Organic Production (NPOP).
The National Programme for Organic Production proposes to provide an institutional mechanism for the implementation of National Standards for Organic Production, through a National Accreditation Policy and Programme.
​The National Programme for Organic Production includes the policies for development and certification of organic products and provides national standards for organic products and processes. The standard for National Programme for Organic Production provides information on standards for organic production, systems criteria & procedures for accreditation of certifying bodies, the national organic logo and the regulations governing its use.
India has been exporting certified organic foods for some years now and the demand is gradually on the rise with respect to domestic markets too. Keeping in view the growing demand and to check fraudulence in organic production, the Ministry of Agriculture, GOI launched the notification “Organic Agricultural Produce Grading and Marking Rules, 2009” in 2009. Thus organic agricultural produce may now be graded and certified under AGMARK [13].
AGMARK is the accreditation body and the Agricultural Marketing Adviser issues the certificate of authorisation to certification agencies authorising them to certify organic farms, products and process, to grade and mark organic agricultural produce. Any accredited inspection and certification agency under the NPOP is eligible for the grant of certificate of authorization under these rules by applying with complete documentation as prescribed in the guidelines. These authorized inspection and certification agencies in turn certify the agricultural produce of operators/grower groups as organic.

Grade Designation

The grade designation for such certified agricultural produce will be “Agmark India Organic." The grade designation mark consists of Agmark India Organic Insignia which is a design incorporating the name of the commodity, certificate of authorization number and the grade designation. The mark may be affixed to products, or used on packaging or promotional material or in context of advertising activities.

The decision of Ministry of Agriculture enables farmers, farmer groups and processing units use Agmark Organic Certification [14] for their products. This ensures organic produce that are sold in the domestic market to comply with India's organic agriculture regulation - NPOP as well as grading and marking rules under Grading and Marking Act 1937.

 

Market Potential (INDIA)

With the change in dietary need and enhanced income coupled with awareness for health there is a growing appreciation for organic products. Many of the hotels consume green food grown under the contracts. Organically labeled fruits  and vegetables are also appearing on some of markets. Since India has a large area, which have used minimal pesticides and chemical where potential for conversion exist, organic movement has taken a root in many of the states and there is growing demand especially in cities and market is expected to grow more than 20 percent annually. It is envisaged that 20 percent of production shall be organic in 5 years.

Organic farming provides long- term benefits to people and the environment. Awareness and education in Western countries has brought about an unprecedented demand for organic foods. There is a need in India for public information and education to encourage more appreciation for organic foods and certification will support and enhance the consumer confidence.
Food Safety and Standard Authority India has introduced the new category of food as ‘Organic Food’ as per section 22 and thus in coming days the organic food will have huge potential.

Whose concern is the health of the public?

Detergent’ milk exposed, depts pass the buck

DIMAPUR, MAR 24: How are the food safety standards laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act being regulated by our State Health Department? And how concerned are the authorities about the health of the public?

These are the questions that are now being raised.
A report was recently published by local dailies here on the contaminants found in the locally packaged milk product DIMUL as well as the ‘fresh’ milk supplied by local dairy farmers. However, even as days have passed, it is learnt that the report is yet to be probed.
While the testing done on the milk was not official, the testing kit, Adulteration Testing of Milk (ATM) developed by the Government of India, is authentic and so was the test result.
A Food Safety Officer (FSO) was also witness to the testing carried out on the different samples of milk.
The tests on the milk product revealed strong presence of detergents, urea, sodium chloride (common salt), maltose and traces of nitrate. It should be mentioned that DIMUL is the only pasteurised toned milk produced in the State.
Urea and detergent, which contains caustic soda, are very harmful to heart and liver among others. However, the State Health authorities seem unaware of the seriousness of the matter.
Health Minister Imkong L Imchen, when contacted by this reporter on Sunday evening, said he was not aware of the news report and so would not be able to comment on it.
Commissioner & Secretary for Health & Family Welfare Sentiyanger, on the other hand, told another reporter that until and unless the Veterinary department sends an official report seeking assistance, he will not be able to take any action.
A veterinary official, on his part, said it is not the responsibility of the Veterinary department to monitor adulteration of milk, though it is a produce of animals. Their duty is on the health of animals, he said.
Another Health department official said it is the duty of the Health Commissioner to direct food safety officers or the Food Safety Cell to collect samples and investigate on such reports.
“DIMUL Milk might be an autonomous corporative society. But when it comes to issues of public health, the Department of Health and Family Welfare should be held accountable on the quality being offered,” he said, on condition of anonymity.
It may also be noted that the concerned corporative society producing the milk in question has remained silent on the report.
And even as the various officials and departments pass the buck and remain least concerned, the question that arises is - whose concern is public health?

Adulteration of PDS Foodgrains

Supply of poor quality of foodgrains through the Public Distribution System (PDS) have been reported but not of adulteration of foodgrains.

Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) is operated under the joint responsibility of Central Government and State/ Union Territory(UT) Governments. The Central Government is responsible for procurement, allocation and transportation of foodgrains upto designated depots of the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The operational responsibilities for lifting and distribution of the allocated foodgrains within the States/ UTs and supervision over distribution of allocated foodgrains to eligible card holders through Fair Price Shops(FPSs) are of the States/ UTs. There is a well established mechanism of joint inspection of foodgrains by FCI and State Government authorities before issue from FCI godowns to State Governments to ensure that only good quality foodgrains are issued for distribution under PDS. This information was given by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

In order to ensure that only good quality foodgrains are issued for distribution under TPDS, instructions have been issued to FCI and State Governments as follows:

• Only good quality foodgrains free from insect infestation and conforming to the Standards of Food Safety and Standards Act/Rules (formerly PFA) are to be issued under TPDS.

• Ample opportunities are to be provided to the State Government to check the quality of foodgrains prior to lifting the foodgrain stocks from FCI godowns.

• Samples of foodgrains are to be collected and sealed from the stocks of foodgrains to be issued under the TPDS jointly by FCI and State Food & Civil Supplies Department for display in Fair Price Shops (FPSs) for the benefit of consumers. FPS dealers are to maintain a complaint register to enable the consumers to lodge their complaints, in case the quality of the foodgrains issued is not proper.

• An officer not below the rank of Inspector is to be deputed from State Government to take the delivery of foodgrain stocks from FCI godowns.

• Regular inspection to check the quality of foodgrains is to be carried out by the officers of State Government and surprise checks are carried out by the officers of Quality Control Cell of the Ministry.

• It is the responsibility of the concerned State Government/ UT Administration to ensure that during transportation and storage at different stages in the distribution chain, the foodgrains retain the required quality specifications.

• The State Government, where the decentralized procurement is in operation, should ensure that the quality of foodgrains issued under TPDS and other welfare schemes meet the desired standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Food bill norms give contractors the edge -Nitin Sethi

The government has provided a back-door entry for contractors and the food industry to corner the lucrative ICDS food supply budget through the National Food Security Bill - a move that had seen controversy earlier too but could now become part of the law if passed by Parliament. In a footnote to one of the three schedules of the bill, the government has provided that children between 6 months to 3 years, malnourished children between 6 months to 6 years and pregnant and lactating women would only get energy dense fortified foods - something only food companies and contractors can produce through centralized production units. If accepted, the food security bill could ensure that food companies and contractors get a legally guaranteed foothold in the business worth more than Rs 17,000 crore annually. The second schedule of the bill, which is to be tabled in the current session of Parliament, sets the nutritional standards for the food to be provided under the Integrated Child Development Scheme. The bill envisages that children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years should be provided take-home rations containing 500 kilo calories and 12-15 grams of proteins. Similarly, malnourished children between 6 months and 6 years of age should be provided 800 kilo calories and 20-25 grams of proteins. For pregnant and lactating mothers, the bill provides take-home rations containing 600 kilo calories and 18-20 grams of protein. But the catch lies in a footnote to the schedule of the bill. The note defines what 'take-home rations' are. The food security bill says take-home rations are 'energy dense food' fortified with micronutrients. Another note at the bottom of the schedule also enforces the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to any meal served. Only centralized food production units are capable of producing food that is fortified and which matches these standards. In 2004, the Supreme Court had passed an order banning the use of contractors in running of food schemes. This was reiterated in another order by the apex court in 2006. Then, the government put out new guidelines for the ICDS which included nutritional norms for the food to be supplied to children. The norms were so strict and finely detailed that it rendered it impossible for self-help groups and local groups to provide the rations under the scheme. The Supreme Court's food commissioners brought the guidelines to the apex court's notice, warning that the norms held the danger of opening the door to contractors. The court again reiterated its earlier orders banning contractors but gave a stamp of approval to the guidelines. The women and child development ministry informed the states that the norms had become part of the Supreme Court order and should be implemented. Some states got back to the Centre noting that the strict norms laying down micronutrient levels and other detailed standards could only be followed if the food was produced through a mechanized route. In another case before the Gujarat high court, some suppliers providing these rations took the position that they were not 'contractors' but original manufacturers and therefore did not fall foul of the apex court ruling of 2004. The Gujarat government brought the case before the apex court, which is yet to decide on the matter. In the meanwhile, in 2012, the principle advisor to the Supreme Court commissioners also reported another scam of contractors acting as self-help groups to take over the ICDS ration supply in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. This was brought to the court's notice in 2012. As of now, many states allow pre-packaged food as part of the take-home rations under the ICDS scheme. The role of food companies and contractors could get cemented firmly by a legal mandate from Parliament to provide fortified packaged food daily in the name of take-home rations to millions of children under the government scheme if the bill is passed in its current shape.