Maharashtra FDA chief urges scientists to help enforce FSS regulations

Mumbai

Food scientists and technologists have been urged to work closely with FDA to introduce new ideas and methods for the enforcement of FSS regulations in the state of Maharashtra. This call was given by Harshdeep Kamble, commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Maharashtra, at the recently-held annual general body meeting of Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) (AFSTI), Mumbai Chapter, and Prof. J V Bhat Memorial Lecture.

Speaking at the meeting, Kamble asserted that FDA is working not only as a regulator, but also as a facilitator and quality agent for food processing industry. Food scientists, technologists and regulatory experts from different parts of the city and state were present at the meeting. 

He further said, “Collaboration of the scientific community with the food safety authority could help the initiative of Make in Maharashtra and for the development of food processing industries with focus on quality and safety. Such a combined effort and proper regulations could bring down retail prices of many unregulated products including pharmaceuticals. AFST(I) can play a role in the technological and knowledge development of both food business operators and food safety officers.”

“FDA Maharashtra is one of the best food safety authorities in the country with a track record of strict control on quality and standards for public health and development of industries. We have ordered a testing on Maggi noodles from different parts of the state after serious quality concerns. We still need to develop proper methods of checking to ensure food safety and avoid unwanted panic in public about food products,” he said. 

Later, names of the new office bearers of the AFST(I) Mumbai chapter were announced. Prabodh Halde is the new president, while Nilesh S Amritkar and Vidyutt K Naram are vice- presidents. Nilesh Lele is the new secretary with Rashmi Kolhe as the treasurer. 

Halde stated, “We are grateful to the commissioner of FDA Maharashtra for his presence and notion to collaborate with the food scientific community and industries to better quality implementation and regulatory measures. Scientific community can contribute greatly to the innovation in products and simplification of various regulatory issues with combined efforts. The association will continue to strive for the advancement of all aspects of science and technology relating to the production, processing and distribution of food.”