In what seems to be midnight crackdown, state machineries pounded hundreds of ‘Cherry’ fish cans imported from Karnataka (Sea Cherry Mackerel worth Rs 17 lakhs impounded, 23rd Aug, 2013, Huieyen Lanpao). However, ban was lifted (perhaps after understand). We always felt that State food safety officers were cosmetic posts but, with this action, they were proved to be really alive. The reasons for banning cherry cans were:
1) Violation of FSSA (Fish and Fish Products) no. 2.6.1 (8) (note II). It said that the can in question contained yeast and mold which are unsafe for human consumption.
2) Violation of FSSA clause no 2.2.1 (general requirements of labelling). Lot/ batch no are not printed.
What is FSSA? Food safety and Standards Act, FSSA in short, is an integrated law passed in 2006 and came into force in 2011. FSSA is implemented by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) which is under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Why is it so unique? In India there were multitude of laws related to food. For example, Fruits Products order, Meat Products Orders, Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, Essential Commodities Act, Solvent Extracted Oil, De-oiled Meal and Edible Flour, Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, etc. With the advent of FSSA, all laws related to food have been integrated/consolidated into one act. As a result of this, instead of control emphasis is given more on preventive measures. It also covers more areas of food related business which was earlier not covered by earlier laws.
The above episode opens a can of worms. Regarding the question of batch number printing, is it a unique case? Most of the local manufacturers never print lot batch number and even manufacture date. If that is the case, should local foods that violate general requirements of labelling not be banned? I feel that even batch numbering is not enough, it also need to be reciprocated with the production system. For instance, a batch number may be printed for the sake of legality but if it does not have a system that links with production and quality control systems, number doesn’t make any sense. Whatsoever the case, State authority can’t choose ‘pick up selectively’ policy if they are really concerned about food safety.
There are many issues which need to be addressed with a great sense of urgency. Some of which are:
Imported food products from Myanmar: Food products from Burma are flooding the market. All their products are total violation of FSSA. They have no batch no, manufacture date, ingredients, nutritional information. Surprisingly, our authorities are blind. May be Burmese products are too many in contrary to cherry can which is easy to pin down. However, the magnitude of business of Burmese products are massive and potential threat it may cause is enormous. Therefore, we cannot be mute or blind. Since the trade is international in nature, it is bit complex and the two countries should need a serious dialogue.
Mid-day meal: Recently in Bihar many students have been died due to the consumption of ‘poisonous’ food (7 months after Bihar deaths, school meal panel to meet, 21st Jan, 2014 TOI),While we discuss a lot on privately operated food business, we completely missed mid day meal kitchen and other socially important eateries and food serving places. Have our food inspectors ever inspected Govindhajee temple/ Ramji Prabhu/ ...? Though the kitchen may be small if we pick up singularly, their cumulative effect is enormous. Therefore the stake of unsafe food is gigantic.
Ima keithel have been serving Manipuri communities since long ago and many vendors serve food. When food safety officers are knocking at every door to comply with licence norms, they can’t simply remain aloof to Ima Keithel. Food doesn’t discriminate as far as safety is concerned.
Water bottling plants
If I am not wrong, water bottling plants works on per hour basis, minimum of 500 (L) bottles per hour. This means that in a day its production is at least 4 T if they work for only for 8 hr. If we see from ‘installed capacity’ angle, its magnitude is much larger. This means that it comes under the central licensing. Under the current laws, water bottling plants must comply with two acts/ regulation wrt food safety. Most plants complied with BIS standards but FSSA is grossly neglected/ ignored. Instead of central licensing, state licence was given. We don’t know if that was given intentionally or out of ignorance. What is the difference between central and state licencing? Central licensing process is bit lengthier than state licencing; more fee, online, and above, all, a food safety management system (FSMS) should be in place. In my recent discussion with one of the largest water plants, this issue was carefully highlighted and my complaint was well noted. I hope my voice wil be heard by the concerned food safety aurhority.
Is registration/ licencing enough to bring food safety? Yes, if it is done in its true spirit. However more unfortunate is the fact that ‘registration and licencing as of now is a cosmetic activity. It might bring govt large sum of money but it doesn’t bring any change as far as food safety is concerned. If licensing is measured quantita- tively, it would be a betrayal to the state and nation. Food manufacturers and vendors should be instructed to follow safety norms as per guidelines of FSSA. Let us hope State Food Safety Authority takes a step ahead in feed our people safety and healthy food.
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