Sep 30, 2018
Activists commit to maintain food quality
Assistant Commissioner (Food) Ravinder Garg addresses a meeting of food service entrepreneurs at Ahmedgarh.
Mandi Ahmedgarh, Sept 29
Office-bearers and activists of various organisations of food industry and service entrepreneurs vowed to maintain standards of purity and quality of food items, besides maintaining hygienic environment on their premises.
An oath was taken in response to call made by officials of the Food Safety Department led by Assistant Commissioner (Food) Ravinder Garg during a meeting held at MGMN Senior Secondary School here.
Milk and milk product dealers, besides sweetmeat manufacturers led by Vijay Kumar Kakria, councillors Bimal Sharma and Bhojraj Sharma reiterated their earlier stand to support the Tandarusat Punjab Mission by following and implementing guidelines of the Food Safety Department issued from time to time.
Comprehending that ill profits made by adopting unlawful activities were dissipated uselessly, the entrepreneurs acknowledged that only genuine growth and development could be spontaneous and perpetual.
Earlier, officials led by Garg visited workshops of hotels, dhabas, sweet manufacturers and catering contractors to ensure if guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India were being implemented in letter and spirit.
Garg illustrated modalities about mandatory obtaining of a license or get registration under the Food Safety Act. He also highlighted the guidelines of the Act and exhorted all concerned to follow these guidelines in case they wanted to avoid action, including heavy fine and punishment.
Garg updated the participants on the methods of checking adulteration in various food products, including milk, ghee, paneer and khoya.
Sep 29, 2018
Mumbai: FDA seizes adulterated milk in raids
The state's Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) department raided two milk selling places after getting a tip of milk adulteration in Santacruz East.
The inspection was done on September 26 by the food inspectors.
During the inspection, the FDA authority got milk packets of branded companies like Amul, Mahananda, Govardhan which were found adulterated. According to the officials, the milk packets were found tampered with. Good quality milk from the packet was thrown away and adulterated milk was filled in the branded milk packets.
Shailesh Adhav, Joint Commissioner Food, Mumbai, said, "We have taken samples from two different places in Santacruz. Four samples from the collected milk packets have been given for further testing at the laboratory. Milk packets worth Rs 44,982 have been sealed by our officials because the packets were found to have been tampered with."
A total of 1,071 litres of milk was found adulterated. Besides the milk, the food inspectors also sealed 6600 empty packets of Amul brand from both the places where the raid was conducted.
"Four people have been arrested by the Mumbai Police in this matter under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. We will be taking strict action in the milk adulteration incident as well as surprise inspection will be conducted across the city," added Shailesh Adhav.
While purchasing milk packets consumers can look at different parameters to check the milk pouch.
The parameters are: The milk should be cold/room temperature, stitches should be zigzag and sealed, four corners should be pointing outwards, name and address of the manufacturer should be mentioned, net quantity should be written, MRP must be visible, type of milk must be mentioned on the packet, expiry date must be mentioned, FSSAI license number must be written on the packet.
Sale of misbranded food items goes unnoticed in Kashmir
At a time when rampant sale of adulterated food items in the retail markets in Kashmir is proving to be a serious health concern, misbranded packaged “traditional” Kashmiri food products, including spices, tea and edible oils are being openly sold in valley markets.
As per Food Safety Standards Act, 2006 “misbranded food means an article or food if it is purported, or is represented to be, or is being offered or promoted for sale with false, misleading or deceptive claims either upon the label of the package or sold by a name which belongs to another firm”.
Commissioner, Food Safety, Abdul Kabir Dar said Drug and Food Control Organisation admitted that there is a wide-spread presence of misbranded traditional packaged Kashmiri food products such as nun chai, spices and edible oils in Kashmir. However, Dar said with a “limited manpower” it is not possible for his DFCO to keep a check on "each and every violator" whose sale of misbranded products goes unnoticed.
“Although there are scores of such cases of misbranding but many of them are still operating slyly but we seek public support to bust these unethical firms,” Dar said.
Greater Kashmir accessed latest laboratory test reports (copies of which are in possession of GK) pertaining to certain declared cases of misbranding with the DFCO. A leading spice company produced sample picked up by DFCO officials was "declared as misbranded" by the department last month.
“The sample does not fulfil label specifications as date of packing and best before is not provided on the label of sample which is in the contravention of Food Safety Act (packaging and labelling) and hence declared misbranded," stated the lab test report.
In view of frequent cases of misbranding and adulteration, DFCO recently issued an order asking all food business operators (FBOs) to register themselves with the department. Dar said misbranding "is a widespread menace" and to keep a check on it all sorts of FBOs have been told to register, he added.
“We have also recently sent some samples of wari masala and nun chai for testing as well. In recent past nun chai brands have been selling sub-standrad tea in Valley” Dar added.
Another recent DFCO lab test report reveals that samples of nutri under label Araph Nutri were last month "declared as misbranded" by the department.
“The sample is not in contravention of the Food Safety Standards Act, Rules and Regulations 2011. Samples don’t fulfil labelling specifications as best before is given in small letters. Hence sample is declared misbranded,” reads a laboratory test report of DFCO.
Another lab report accessed of a misbranded product was that of “Snowber Premium Bread”. The report stated that “sample does not confirm the labelling provisions as the use by date is not given on label hence declared as misbranded,”
DFCO had recently seized 4000 litres of adulterated cooking oil during a raid at Al Noor Colony, Hyderpora which was being “repacked as misbranded product”. He said surprise checks will continue in the markets adding that "people must inform the DFCO if they come across misbranded products"
Food safety experts also point-out that several cases of “misbranding” of mustard oil, which has been traditionally used for Kashmiri dishes including wazwan, is taking place in Kashmir’s retail markets.
“There are many dubious practices that are used to manufacture low pungency or low smoke mustard oil. The most common among these is to mix cheaper refined oil or oils with mustard oil. The pungency drops and the oil is no longer 100 percent natural because the refining process involves chemicals, some of which are extremely detrimental to your health,” said a food expert wishing anonymity.
Sep 28, 2018
Licence does not ensure food is safe for consumption: Ashwin Bhadri
An end-to-end solution for food, water and air quality testing / auditing in the country, Equinox Labs is a Food Safety And Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified laboratory. It also has accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and is among the first few private Food Safety Training And Certification (FoSTaC) partners in the country. Ashwin Bhadri, chief executive officer, Equinox Labs, in conversation with Ashish K Tiwari, speaks about the delisting of food business outlets from various online food delivery platforms, the purpose it serves in the area of promoting food safety and hygiene. Edited excerpts...
What's your take on the recent uproar on food safety and hygiene issues with large and small food service businesses in the country?
The situation is not as bad as it looks like. There have been a few instances of videos going viral on social media platforms but those are just a handful of fly-by-night food service businesses bringing a bad name to the industry. It's like if there have been few instances of Ola or Uber cab drivers misbehaving or being unprofessional doesn't mean people should stop using their services. It can't be a one represents all scenario. There is no denying that there have been instances of food safety and hygiene issues and whether online platforms are involved or not, it is a concern and a critical aspect for every (food industry) player irrespective of the size.
What stops food business operators from following safety and hygiene practices?
There appears to be a perception that following food safety norms is expensive, it is not. There is a lack of awareness and knowledge gap among food business owners. I have been in the food safety domain for 13 years now and have trained over 45,000 people. From what I have witnessed, it's not that a food business owner / handler deliberately wants to cause food poisoning. The issue is that no one has taught the food handler the dos and don'ts of doing it right.
The FSSAI has a training programme for creating awareness on that front.
FoSTaC is a great initiative by FSSAI where they have now made it mandatory that at least one person in 25 needs to get trained and s/he can then train the remaining. That's the onus being passed on to the food safety supervisor. That's a programme if it actually gets to the root wherein 80% to 90% of the people in the food service business are trained, it will have a much bigger impact on food safety and hygiene practices across the industry.
The main challenge however, is with food businesses in the lower strata where one person managing the entire operations and makes Rs 200 to 300 a day, the person doesn't have enough time on hand to ensure food safety and hygiene standards because s/he is short on staff. You can't blame such players because s/he is struggling for her/ his livelihood and cannot afford additional resources to support the business. But as you go up the food chain wherein people are a more responsible and have the resources they need to take it very seriously and should invest in educating their employees on the dos and don'ts of food safety and hygiene standards. That's where the FoSTaC programme plays a very crucial role.
Does having a licence or a certification ensure dispensing of safe food?
Just because someone has a license it doesn't mean the food being dispensed is safe for consumption and vice-versa. Many people confuse safety for license/ documentary compliance. Delay in procuring a license is an issue faced largely by the newer restaurants. The business owner has invested significantly in setting up a modern kitchen and waiting for the authorities to audit and issue a license. The regulatory delays sometimes compels the business owner to start operations as license and related certifications are already work-in-progress. So, just because they don't have a license it doesn't mean s/he is dispensing unsafe/ unhygienic food.
The FSSAI has asked food delivery platforms to delist non-registered food business operators.
Delisting the FBOs is a good move but it will have some repercussions on the online food delivery platforms. That's because almost 50% of the paying food service operators will go out of system and that's certainly going to impact revenues. While due procedure is being followed for listing new FBOs, it will take time to get all the details from the existing ones who are now being delisted for lack of necessary documents/ certifications. Food delivery platforms are proactively working on finding a solution to the current challenge in the market. Initiatives include setting up a helpline, asking food service businesses to submit licences, assisting those who do not have one and so on. A lot of good work is happening in this space but it will take some time to streamline it all. While everyone is working on meeting the deadline set by FSSAI it may be a challenge to achieve it in such a short span.
What are the possibilities of FSSAI license and registration becoming mandatory irrespective if whether one is selling from food delivery platforms or not?
Food businesses license is mandatory for any outfit to function but that's not the case with the FSSAI certification, which is generally issued by third-party auditing agencies on behalf or in lieu of FSSAI. It's not mandatory at present but is very likely to become mandatory in the coming years. It cannot be done overnight because there isn't enough bandwidth to implement the same. Even FoSTaC was started as a voluntary programme two years ago and now it has been made mandatory.
Efforts are also being made to promote self vigilance through food safety display boards that tell the customer 10 things to expect (from the food handler at the outlet) in terms of food safety and hygiene. If there is a discrepancy the consumer can bring that to the notice of the food safety officer by calling or sending a visual on the contact details provided on the display board. This was voluntary earlier but is gradually being made mandatory across food catering businesses. The idea behind making it mandatory to have a FSSAI license/ registration number for a food business outlet is basically for quick and efficient traceability. For instance, if there is any issue with food being delivered from an FBO registered with one of the online food delivery platforms, it will become easy to track/ trace that FBOs through the FSSAI number. So there will be a central helpline as well as a local branch number to call and complaint. If there is no satisfactory resolution at the local level then the consumer can esclate it to FSSAI on the central number.
Won't it make doing business more challenging for food businesses?
The compliance requirements may appear to be blocks / hurdles initially but what's been done through all this is that the entire food business value chain is being brought into the FSSAI system. It definitely increases problems for the food business owners one way or the other. The FBOs will have no option but to quote their FSSAI registration number to be able to do business on any of the e-commerce / food delivery platforms. Not only that, it may also happen at a later stage that major suppliers will not be able sell to FBOs that do not have a FSSAI registration number. So whether one likes it or not, every FBO owner will be forced to come under the FSSAI system. Very much like what's being done through the goods and services tax (GST) number. While GST was rolled out much quicker, FSSAI will take it slow.
Hell’s kitchen
When a 1,000-seater restaurant at Ikea’s Hyderabad store, the Swedish retailer’s first India outlet that was launched early August with much fanfare, served a ‘worm’ in vegetarian biryani, social media went berserk. The much-affordable and do-it-yourself furniture range from the home solutions major weren’t discussed so much in detail, but the dead worm ‘crawled’ its way across India to incite hot debates on the pitiable safety standards in the country’s fast-growing food industry.
As per news reports, Nagpur-based Haldiram was the vegetable biryani supplier to the Hyderabad store. Of course, the incident drew so much ire that Ikea had to stop serving two items – vegetarian biryani and samosa at its restaurant. The retailer initiated an internal review to undertake “corrective actions” before they plan to reintroduce the items at a later stage.
Recent cases where foreign objects – lizards to be precise – were present in vada served at outlets in Ambernath and Badlapur, two extended suburbs of Thane in Maharashtra, sent a shock wave across the food industry. What is more appalling is that these incidents happened within the space of a month at two different outlets at nearby locations. The complete disregard for following the basic safety and hygiene practices has surely frightened customers.
The eateries have since been shut down and complaints have been filed against the outlet owners. However, the fact that such incidents continue to happen raises major concerns over food safety issues and practices associated with such eateries operating across the country.
Incidents of food contamination and adulteration in hotels, restaurants, snacking and fast food outlets are not new. Many such instances may have gone unreported or settled privately to avoid public outcry.
Change in the air
A lot of such instances have started making headlines in the last few years, thus building awareness among consumers. Additionally, it is also building pressure on the food business owners to adhere to the prescribed safety and hygiene norms. This is evident from the fact that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which regulates over 28 lakh small, medium and big food businesses in the country, is handling around 10,000-12,000 complaints every month.
Occurrences of food contamination and adulteration in the organised/ branded food and beverage retailing businesses have a strong recall in the minds of the consumers. Shockingly though, the food safety and hygiene situations are much worse when it comes to the unorganised fast/snacking food eateries operating in every nook and corner. Since most instances never get addressed, owners of these food businesses don’t feel compelled to adopt basic safety and hygiene practices.
FSSAI is making efforts to put in place quality and hygiene standards for almost all food items to make them suitable for human consumption. But the enormous size of the industry poses a big challenge.
In a recent interaction with DNA Money, Pawan Agarwal, chief executive officer, FSSAI, had said there are over 3,000 food safety field offices under the state governments to carry out inspections and compliance. “Recently, we have got an additional close to 500 positions under FSSAI to help us in better enforcement. Next, we are going to build capacities of food businesses so that they can ensure safety by themselves.”
“We have started Food Safety, Training and Certification (FoSTaC) system. Under this, all food businesses need to have at least one person trained and certified as per our standards. Around 40,000 people, out of a total of 3.5 lakh, have been trained so far under this programme. The focus is largely on restaurants, hotel segment, manufacturing and processing units,” added Agarwal.
Food delivery under scrutiny
In July 2018, FSSAI issued a directive to food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, UberEats, Box8, Faasos, FoodCloud, Foodmongo, Foodpanda, JusFood and LimeTray to delist unregistered food business operations on their platform. The diktat was issued after complaints/video evidence posted on social networks by consumers about unhygienic operations and sub-standard food being delivered by certain food business operations (FBOs). In fact, earlier this month, the online food delivery platforms began the process of delisting thousands of FBOs that did not comply with FSSAI’s hygiene requirements.
The FSSAI move is expected to see a significant churn in listings of food delivery platforms due to non-compliance of FBOs. While food delivery platforms are pushing the FBOs for listing, industry experts are of the view that a lot of the secret kitchen and sweatshop operations may not re-list on the platforms. This is mainly because such FBOs operate from desolate locations and do not invest in state-of-the-art kitchens, skilled/trained manpower and premises that conform to the basic food safety and hygiene standards.
“What percentage of the delisted FBOs will come back on the food delivery platforms is an area of concern. That’s because secret kitchens and sweatshops operate on a shoestring budget, it is unclear if every FBO would want to go through the hassles of incurring costs on dealing with a food safety officer, or for that matter, conforming to FSSAI guidelines. The delisted FBOs could go back to conducting business sans online food delivery platforms,” said a top industry executive.
Challenges galore
Although a system is being put in place by the regulator, it can’t pick up every sample as the entire ecosystem is very large and that many of these practices will take years to get embedded, he said.
While it’s mandatory for the organised and branded players to follow the standards/criteria being set by the FSSAI, the same is not true for their counterparts.
According to Ravi Wazir, a food and restaurant industry consultant, food safety and hygiene cannot be organised versus unorganised player topic. “It needs to be practised consciously by every single food and beverage operator regardless of whether s/he runs a sophisticated restaurant, a mid-level delivery kitchen or for that matter a simple snack-food cart on the street. After all, what use is the tastiest food if it isn’t safe to eat?” he said.
Consumers have been very particular about contamination and adulteration at branded outlets because they are paying a premium and expect high standards of safety and hygiene levels to be followed. While a few years ago, the roadside or neighbouring snack food vendor was able to get away with unsafe and unhygienic practices, that’s not the case anymore as consumers are becoming more aware and not shying away from reporting such incidents to municipal authorities and FSSAI for taking necessary disciplinary actions.
Industry experts believe that eateries flaunting regulatory permissions and/or FSSAI certifications are not necessarily a sign that all safety and hygiene rules are being followed. “Food safety works best when a business owner sees it as his moral obligation to society rather than merely another legal requirement to comply with. Those who think that the cost of initiating and maintaining food safety standards is high will soon realise that the cost of not doing so is considerably higher. One incident can badly damage the brand’s reputation, sales and relationships and at times, even result in the business shutting down,” said Wazir.
What can be done to make food safety and hygiene practices a top priority in every food business owner’s mind? FSSAI’s Agarwal outlines, first and foremost, greater public awareness around food safety is vital. “Second, training is required to build capacities around food safety in food businesses. Third is to have more effective enforcement. Since we have a large number of businesses to regulate and have a small staff, we expect businesses to ensure food safety by themselves.”
The FSSAI is also moving towards making regulations and their enforcement more effective through large-scale surveillance and monitoring activities. “As far as the law is concerned, it does not make any distinction between branded or non-branded players. The whole effort on building capacity in the food business is around making businesses more responsible from the food safety angle so that unintentional incidents of food safety while manufacturing, transportation or storage could be avoided,” Agarwal added.
SERVICE INTERRUPTED
In July, FSSAI issued a directive to platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, UberEats, Box8, Faasos, FoodCloud, Foodpanda to delist unregistered food business operations on their platform
The diktat was issued after complaints/video evidence posted on social networks about unhygienic operations and sub-standard food being delivered by certain food business operations
FSSAI’S HYGIENE RULE CODES
Keep premises clean and have regular pest control
Use potable water for food preparation
Cook food thoroughly
Store veg and non-veg food, raw and cooked food in separate containers
Keep hot food above 60 degree celsius, cold food below 5 degree celsius and frozen foods at or below -18 degree celsius
Use separate chopping boards, knives, etc, for raw cooked and veg/ non-veg food
Wear clean clothes/ uniform
Wash hand before and after handling food and after using toilets, coughing, sneezing, etc
Use water proof bandage to cover cuts or burn woods
Do not handle food when unwell
Keep separate and covered dustbins for food waste
PIPING HOT
28 lakh Small, medium and big food businesses regulated by FSSAI in the country
40,000 People trained under Food Safety, Training and Certification system
10,000-12,000 complaints FSSAI handling every month
Globally, food control systems in advanced nations have much more staff and resources.
The United States has a staff of 14,200 in its two agencies, the USDA and FDA to look after food safety.
Canada has over 4,000 staff in its food safety inspection services.
Given the size of the country’s population, the geographical spread, diversity and the widespread prevalence of food businesses in the unorganised sector, India’s 824 posts in the country food safety authority is very low.
FDA ‘courts’ wrong: FSSAI
Acting on complaint from licensees, authority CEO advises state FDA against elevated desks for joint commissioners
The chief executive officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove its court-like set-up stating that this is wrong. The All Food and Drug Licence Holders Association (AFDLHA) had written to the FSSAI and the state commissioner of FDA claiming that the court-like setup in FDA offices is unethical and misleading. The AFDLHA had also claimed that even the joint commissioners of the FDA, who conduct hearings in these court-like set-ups are not empowered to do so according to the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006. The FSSAI ruling comes even as the state FDA commissioner is yet to look into the complaint.
AFDLHA president Abhay Pandey had written to the state FDA commissioner and FSSAI claiming that the arrangement of ‘court’ rooms in Pune, Thane, Nagpur and Nashik. Pandey stated that FDA joint commissioners have made its sitting arrangements like judges in courts with desks three to four feet above the ground with separate sitting arrangements for visitors at a level lower than the joint commissioner’s elevated position. He argued that this is misleading and is disrespectful behaviour towards the Indian judicial system.
Speaking on behalf of the AFDLHA, Pandey said, “This arrangement is only visible in the Maharashtra state FDA offices and there is no similar precedent in other states. The Food Safety Standards Act, 2006, states that when samples of food items are found suspicious during investigation and proved by lab reports, a case has to be filed against persons or institutes found guilty. As per the rule, the case has to be heard by the adjudicating officer who then penalises the culprit according to the case.”
Pandey added, “It is clearly stated in the 2006 Act that the adjudicating officer cannot be below the rank of additional district magistrate. The Maharashtra FDA conducts investigation of cases and notification is issued by the joint commissioners as they are adjudicating officers with a pay scale at par with additional district judges. “The director of FSSAI, who is the implementing officer of the Act had also clearly stated in a letter, ‘It should not be mistaken that a state government officer with a pay scale on a par with the ADM can be notified as adjudicating officer’, This letter had been written by SS Ghonkrokta, former director of FSSAI, to the state government in June 2011.”
Pawan Kumar Agarwal, chief executive officer, FSSAI, said, “We have discussed the issue and we are agreed that the arrangement is not right. We have discussed with the Maharashtra state government and also instructed them that the arrangements need to be reviewed. The discussion happened during a recent meeting involving all food safety commissioners of all states. We have also told them that there was a similar arrangement in the Gujarat FDA but they have changed it now. We have advised the Maharashtra FDA to change it also. The state FDA is examining our suggestion and we are sure they will change it.”
Pallavi Darade, state FDA commissioner said, “I am unaware of the issue and am yet to look into the complaint we received and the suggestion from the association. I am yet to go through the complaint. I cannot comment on this till I do so.”
Workshop on food safety to be held
Dehradun: Days after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) asked restaurants to put up food safety display boards on their premises by October 15, the food safety cell of Uttarakhand will organise a workshop on the need to display safety boards and general hygiene and sanitary requirements in restaurants.
Food Safety Display Boards mention food safety and hygiene practices to be followed. Ganesh Kandwal, designated officer (food safety), Dehradun district, said, “The food safety cell of Uttarakhand will conduct a hand-holding workshop with the businessmen concerned on the need and importance of displaying safety boards and general hygiene and sanitary requirements in restaurants. We had already sent a communication to them in May but it got a lukewarm response.”
The FSSAI guidelines were issued earlier this year but were not being complied with. Failing to follow the guidelines will result in the cancellation of licences, the FSSAI has warned.
Sep 27, 2018
Food item samples collected
Ambala: A team of the Drug and Food Administration wing collected seven samples of food items from sweets shops, Vita Milk Plant, and a dhaba on Wednesday in Ambala district for analysis. As per the information, samples of raspberry sweets, badam giri, moong dal, lassi (salted and plain), flour, and khasta kachori were collected from Ambala City and Cantonment. Food safety officer Subhash Chander said seven samples were collected by the team. These samples would be sent to the Food Laboratory in Karnal for analysis, he added. Around 50 kg of food items, which were found uncovered during the inspection, were destroyed.
50 kg of adulterated ghee seized
Samples sent for lab test
The Food Safety Department officials raided an adulterated ghee manufacturing unit at Thadagapatti in the city on Wednesday.
Official sources said that a team led by by S. Mariyappan, Designated Officer, Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, conducted a surprise check in a grocery shop in Thadagapatti and spotted ghee sachets without mandatory details.
Enquiries with the shopkeeper revealed the functioning of an adulterated ghee unit.
Following this, the officials raided a house in Narayana Pillai street in Annathanapatti and found Prabhu (33) involved in the production of adulterated ghee using palm oil and other additives. He was marketing the same in 500 ml and one litre sachets.
The officials seized 50 kg of adulterated ghee.
Investigations revealed that Prabhu was involved in the manufacture and marketing of adulterated ghee using fake labels for the past one and a half years.
The officials registered case against him and the samples were sent to the laboratory, the sources said.
Sep 26, 2018
Hyderabad: Eateries warned over safety display
Restaurants are required to display a food safety display board all the times at a prominent place to obtain licenses.
HYDERABAD: The Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has set a deadline of October 15 for all the registered hotels across India to display the food safety measures prescribed under the guidelines. Failing to follow the guidelines will result in the cancellation of licences, warned FSSAI. Six months after issuing the guidelines, FSSAI noted that owners were not complying with the conditions set by it.
Food Safety Display Boards are informative boards which primarily display food safety and hygiene practices to be followed by FBO in their establishment. The FSDBs are colour coded for different kind of food businesses for ease of recognition by the consumers like purple for restaurant, green for fruit and vegetable retail, red for meat retail, blue for milk retail, brown for liquor retail, yellow for storage among others.
Under section III of the Food Safety Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) 2018, restaurants who failed to comply were sent a warning letter. The restaurants are required to display a food safety display board all the times at a prominent place in their premises to obtain licenses and registrations.
The Food Safety and Hygiene Requirements mandates eateries to inform the consumers, the food handlers and the regulatory staff about these important requirements, therefore getting 360 degree assurance on food safety.
According to the latest order, “Upon non-compliance beyond October 15, 2018, the establishments will attract strict action as per provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.” As per the rules, display board can be printed on A3 size paper, stuck on cardboard and displayed at prominent places like entrance, reception or billing area.
Sep 25, 2018
Food delivery platforms set to lose 'secret kitchen' recipe
Ordered an exotic dish on a food delivery app after looking up bright food photographs reading rave reviews about the fancy named restaurant?
Chances are the restaurant may be an unhygienic sweat shop operating out a home kitchen tucked inside a winding lane of slum.
Thousands of such set-ups may be impacted as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), had in July asked food delivery platforms to delist food business operators (FBOs) that are not registered and or do not have a FSSAI licence.
This would also hit revenues of the online food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, UberEats and Foodpanda as such secret kitchens and eateries would go out of the system.
The delisting process was kick-started by online food delivery platforms earlier this month and the exercise is expected to be completed by end of September.
According to industry sources, nearly half of such FBOs would be delisted from various food delivery platforms. "The FSSAI directive will impact approximately 50% of the food business operators more so the secret kitchens in addition to those who are testing waters on such platforms. Delisting will also mean no revenues from these FBOs untill they are re-listed on the food delivery platforms and that will take some time to happen," said an industry expert.
Sources told DNA Money that FBOs typically pay 20% commission to online ordering and food delivery platform for various services offered. These platforms proved to be a great sales tool for the sweat shops which do not have to invest in state-of-the-art kitchens, hire skilled cooks and lease premises at a prominent location to operate from.
"While enjoying high ratings on the food delivery platforms, a lot of the secrect kitchens lacked basic food safety and hygiene standards as they operated from a desolate location. Using names similar to popular joints to lure customers is another often used strategy on online platforms," said a food industry executive, adding that some of the listed FBOs were operating from places like Malwani, a densely populated slum in Malad, Mumbai.
While re-listing the FBOs, when they become FSSAI compliant, could re-start the flow of revenues for food delivery platforms at a later stage, it may still lead to a reduction in revenues.
"What percentage of the delisted FBOs will come back on the food delivery platforms is an area of concern. That's because not every FBO would want to go through the hassle of incurring costs on dealing with a food safety officer or for that matter conforming to FSSAI guidelines. The delisted FBOs could go back to conducting business sans online food delivery platforms," said a top industry executive.
When contacted, food delivery platforms – Zomato, Swiggy, UberEats, Foodpanda – did not share specific details such as total number of FBOs being delisted from their respective platforms and resultant impact on their businesses.
In an email response to DNA Money queries, Mohit Gupta, chief executive officer - food delivery business, Zomato, said, "We are in the process of delisting hundreds of restaurants, across the 34 cities in India where we offer our online ordering and food delivery services. Most of our high order volume restaurant partners currently have or have applied for their FSSAI licences. We are certain this move will not have an impact on our order volumes."
Industry sources said that revenues of Zomato, which currently lists 50,000 FBOs on its platform, will be the most impacted as a result of the delisting mandate. According to a recent Registrar of Companies filing, Zomato ended fiscal 2018 with 40% growth in revenues to Rs 466 crore. Its losses were down 73% on year to Rs 106 crore in fiscal 2018.
"That may not be the case next year. Zomato will have to work overtime to maintain same levels of growth for fiscal 2019," said one of the sources.
Starting July 2018, Swiggy has delisted hundreds of restaurants that are not compliant with FSSAI regulations or have poor customer ratings, its spokesperson said.
"Currently, over 75% of the restaurants listed on the platform already have an FSSAI licence/ acknowledgement and we are well on track to complete the rest by the due date. To help speed up the process, we have set up an FSSAI Assist Programme to assist all non-compliant restaurants to procure their licences," said the Swiggy spokesperson.
According to Zomato, which currently lists over 50,000 eateries on its platform, the extension offered to high-rated food delivery partners is until the end of this month. "If they fail to furnish or apply for FSSAI licences within the stipulated period, we will delist them from our platform. We would be happy to re-list them as and when they furnish their licences," he said, adding that the company has onboarded thousands of new restaurant partners in the last two months.
Following complaints of sub-standard food being served through some of the platforms, FSSAI in July had mandated delisting of non-compliant FBOs by July 31, 2018. The notices were sent to Swiggy, UberEats, Zomato, Box8, Fasso's, FoodCloud, Foodmongo, Foodpanda, Justfood and LimeTray. Later in August, FSSAI said that 40% of the FBOs had failed to obtain licence within its deadline. The delisting process was kick-started in the first week of this month, which would be reviewed by FSSAI this month itself.
UNPALATABLE DISH
20% Commission on revenues eateries pay to food apps
40% of FBOs had failed to obtain licence despite a FSSAI deadline
Possible permissible limit for formaldehyde to be studied
Due to the controversy over formalin-in-fish, advisor (quality assurance) at FSSAI, Bhaskar N, said they have sought a scientific panel’s opinion on this.
He was addressing a press conference on Monday held along with health minister Vishwajit Rane and scientists at the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).
Goa saw a huge controversy erupt over the presence of formalin in fish after the directorate of food and drugs administration (FDA) talked about “permissible limit” of the chemical in fish.
While it corrected its stand soon after the FSSAI categorically stated that there is nothing called permissible limit for formalin in fish, the controversy is yet to die down. Once the results are received, it is assumed there will be some closure to the whole issue, and clarity on the issue.
The fish is good to eat
PANJIM: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) has given a clean chit to the fish available in Goan market stating it to be chemical-free.
The expert body has also maintained that one cannot conduct rapid test to determine formaldehyde presence in fish using a bare-hands, as done by the Congress party during their recent demonstration in Margao fish market. Stating that there is no standard called ‘permissible limit’, the FSSAI said that marine fish naturally contains certain amount of formaldehyde. The regulatory body has urged scientist panel to set the limit of naturally contain formaldehyde in fish so as to make necessary amendment into the guidelines.
ICAR-CIFT, who has developed the rapid test kit to help regulators to instantaneously determine the adulterated fish, along with team of FDA on Monday conducted random checks of fish samples in Margao and Panjim fish market. They also tested fish from the Margao wholesale market. All the samples were tested negative of formalin. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was also part of the team that conducted the tests. Addressing media persons, ICAR-CIFT scientist Lali S Jawahar said that one cannot conduct the test using bare hands as our hands are not cleaned. “One needs to use proper protection while conducting the test. If the test paper comes in contact with water or bare hands or other polluting substance, then it will change the colour,” she explained as he made demo presentation before media.
“If there is added formaldehyde, then the colour changed dark green within 30 seconds. The normal change in colour is between 1 to 1.20 minu
ACOAM Lup bans DAS bakery
IMPHAL | Sept 24 : ACOAM Lup has banned DAS bakery and appealed the people to stop buying and consuming their products in the state.
While speaking to media person at its office, general secretary of ACOAM Lup, Shanta Mangang said that the organisation on its visit to DAS Bakery, Babupara found that the bakery has been stamping the manufactured dates of their products in advance dates.
While questioning the negligence of the food safety authority, he further said that ACOAM Lup is compelled to take up the step because the food safety department has failed to do their duty.
Being a cultural organisation and whistle-blower, ACOAM Lup has submitted a formal complaint letter to the food safety officer for cancellation of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India License and take up necessary action against DAS bakery, said Shanta.
Delhi HC bans slaughter at Ghazipur Mandi
The petitioner requested the court to direct the Commissioner of the Food Safety Department to stop illegal slaughter of poultry in the national capital.
Delhi High Court bannned the poultry slaughtering in Ghazipur Murga Mandi on Monday. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V. Kameswar Rao, however, allowed sale of live chicken at the market and listed the matter for further hearing on October 29.
The court asked the authorities to file an affidavit indicating a plan to set up a designated slaughter house in the area.
The order came on a report filed by the Delhi Pollution Control Board which has raised violation of animal welfare laws at the Mandi and sought its closure. The court turned down the plea.
"We are concerned with the larger issue of pollution in the area," the judges said.
The court was hearing a plea filed by animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi, who alleged that there was indiscriminate violation of animal rights and blatant abuse of animal welfare laws at the Mandi.
Maulekhi said the poultry were openly slaughtered in the Ghazipur market without obtaining any licence.
The petitioner requested the court to direct the Commissioner of the Food Safety Department to stop illegal slaughter of poultry in the national capital and that all such slaughter should be done in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Licence and Registration Regulation.
The counsel also sought a committee for weekly inspections at the Mandi to ensure that there was no violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Sep 24, 2018
4,852kg of adulterated khoya seized from private luxury bus
PUNE: The crime branch of the Pune police on Saturday seized 4,852kg of adulterated khoya, a dairy product used for making a variety of sweets, from a private luxury bus in Swargate.
The bus, which came to Pune from Gujarat, was intercepted near Purnima Towers building in Swargate, following a tip-off. “Upon inspection, police found khoya being packed in gunny sacks in the luggage space of the bus. Soon after the recovery, police contacted Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Pune.
“The FDA officials checked the khoya and found it to be adulterated,” police said, adding that the gunny sacks containing the adulterated khoya was immediately seized.
Police have taken action against the bus driver from Gujarat and two others under the Food Safety and Standards Act. “We have also the luxury bus in the case,” police said.
A crime branch officer said the khoya was meant to be distributed in Pune, Nagpur and Hyderabad. “Adulterated khoya is not good for health and the suspects involved in the trade and manufacturing of adulterated khoya will not be spared,” he added.
“We received information about the adulterated khoya being transported to the city during a recent patrolling,” the officer said.
The police team which intercepted the bus and seized khoya was headed by assistant commissioner of police (crime) Bhanupratap Barge. It also included inspector Deepak Lagad, constables Sunil Pawar, Shankar Sampate and Jitendra Tupe, among others.
About 15 days ago, the crime branch had also seized 3,500kg of adulterated khoya in Padmavati, off Pune-Satara road.
The use of substandard products peaks during the festival season, including Ganeshotsav, as the demand for all sorts of sweets, farsan and food ingredients grows considerably during this period. Hence, FDA officials carry out extensive checking of food products in view of the festive season and also carry out raids on sweetmeat shops to check the quality of sweets.
FDA officials also conduct on-the-spot tests to check quality of milk and milk products such as khoya, besides rawa, maida and other flours during the festive season.
Adulteration causes serious health risks. “Presence of harmful starch, urea-mixed milk, caustic soda, arrowroot (ararot) powder, artificial sweetening chemicals, non-approved coloured sweets (such as heavy-metal incorporated malachite green), and unhygienic conditions can lead to acute gastritis, serious diarrhoea, dysentery, dehydration, kidney inflammation,” health experts said.
In Mansa raid, food team finds substandard ghee, salt in packets of popular brands
CHANDIGARH: The state food-safety and drug administration (FDA), in a 12am raid carried out at a house in Mansa on Friday night, busted a racket in which local-made, substandard ghee, salt and detergent were being packaged in packets of popular brands for sale in the market.
The raid came aftyer the police were tipped off and they informed the FDA. When the FDA and police raided the house, they found that locally made ghee was being recpakaged as that of Verka and Amul. The team also unearthed fakes of Tata Salt, Tide detergent powder, and more such brands, said FDA commissioner Kahan Singh Pannu.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of more persons being involved in the racket.
The accused has been identified as Mansa resident Parveen Kumar. Pannu said the accused made desi ghee from vegetable fat mixture and used to pack it in packets of five brands of vanaspati and three brands of desi ghee. A stove was installed to mix vanaspati and mixture of different oils to prepare ghee.
A large number of labels of various products were also recovered, indicating the involvement of other people stationed at different places for preparing and selling the fake products under the garb of famous brands.
About 700 packets of Tata Tea Gold filled with poor quality tea were also found. The entire stock, including wrappers and packets, was seized and an FIR registered under different sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the accused. The accused was produced in court on Saturday. Proceedings under Food Safety and Standards Act will be initiated after the FDA gets the report from food analyst.
Punjab food safety teams bust top brands replica racket in Mansa
CHANDIGARH: The food Safety teams after keeping an eye on the suspects for a few days, finally nabbed a top brands replica manufacturing racket in Mansa, informed Mr. KS Pannu, Commissioner Food Safety and Drug Administration Punjab.
The Commissioner informed that a raid was conducted around midnight by food safety team along with the police officials at a house in Mansa.
The domestic premise was being used to prepare the ‘fake branded products’. The accused were caught preparing fake brands of Verka, Amul and Milkfood ghee. Besides, fake Tata Salt, Good Day Salt, Tide Detergent and other fake products under the label of famous brands were found on the spot.
The accused made desi ghee from vegetable fat mixture and stamped and labeled the packets at their house. Five brands of vanaspati were being used alongwith three brands of desi ghee of low cost to concoct a mixture to fill in the packaging similar to top brands in the market. A crude "chulha cylinder" was installed to mix vanaspati, cooking medium and mixture of oils to make ghee. A large number of labels of various products were recovered, indicating the involvement of other people stationed at different places for preparing and selling the fake products under the garb of famous brands. About 700 printed packets of Tata Tea Gold filled with low quality tea were also found. Entire stock including wrappers and packets was seized and FIR has been registered under relevant sections against the accused.
Similarly, a case of fake labeling case pertaining to mustard oil was detected in Sangrur where in a mustard oil packer by the name of Ganesh Trading Company was found labeling the rice bran oil as pure mustard oil. The owner confessed the crime. Sampling was done and the unit was sealed.
Sep 22, 2018
Offenders can be prosecuted under two different laws, says Supreme Court
The court said Maharashtra Police can initiate criminal action under IPC for transportation, stocking and sale of 'Gutka' or Pan Masala, which are offences also punishable under the Food and Safety Standards (FSS) Act.
A person can be prosecuted for an act or omission constituting an offence under two different laws but cannot be sentenced twice for the same offence, the Supreme Court has said.
The court said Maharashtra Police can initiate criminal action under IPC for transportation, stocking and sale of 'Gutka' or Pan Masala, which are offences also punishable under the Food and Safety Standards (FSS) Act.
"Where an act or an omission constitutes an offence under two enactments, the offender may be prosecuted and punished under either or both enactments but shall not be liable to be punished twice for the same offence," a bench of Justices S A Bobde and L Nageswara Rao said.
The bench was hearing an appeal of the Maharashtra government challenging the Bombay High Court order which had said that a person can be held liable for offences of transportation, stocking and sale of Gutka or Pan Masala under the FSS Act and not the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
"A perusal of the provisions of the FSS Act would make it clear that there is no bar for prosecution under the IPC merely because the provisions in the FSS Act prescribe penalties. We, therefore, set aside the finding of the High Court on the first point," the bench said on Thursday.
It said there was no dispute that section 55 of the FSS Act provides only for penalty to be imposed for non compliance of the requirements of the Act, Rules or Regulations or orders issued by the Food Safety Officer.
"There is no bar to a trial or conviction of an offender under two different enactments, but the bar is only to the punishment of the offender twice for the offence," the top court said.
The court said that it does not agree with the conclusion of the High Court that non compliance of the provisions of the Act, Rules or Regulations or orders cannot be subject matter of a prosecution under IPC unless expressly or impliedly barred.
The top court said that the High Court committed an error while interpreting the scope of section 188 of the IPC which relates to disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.
"Section 188 of the IPC does not only cover breach of law and order, the disobedience of which is punishable. Section 188 is attracted even in cases where the act complained of causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health or safety as well," the court said.
The bench added that it cannot agree with the findings of the high court that the prohibitory order of the Commissioner, Food and Safety is not an order contemplated under the IPC and the provisions of the FSS Act can only be resorted for non compliance of orders passed under the FSS Act as it is a special enactment.
"An act or an omission can amount to and constitute an offence under the IPC and at the same time, an offence under any other law. The High Court ought to have taken note of Section 26 of the General Clauses Act, 1897...," it said.
The top court remanded back the matter to the high court for adjudicating the point whether the offences under IPC are made out against the alleged offenders of the rule.
It, however, said that till the adjudication of petitions of stockists of Gutka and Pan Masala, no coercive action should be initiated.
The case pertains to FIR registered in Maharashtra for transportation, sale and stocking of Pan Masala, Gutka in contravention to the provisions of the FSS Act.
The stockists moved the high court seeking quashing of FIR on the ground that action can only be initiated against them under the FSS Act and not IPC.
The high court quashed the criminal proceedings against them and declared that the Food Safety Officers can proceed against the stockists and sellers of Gutka and Pan Masala under the provisions of the FSS Act only.
SC gives more teeth to food officers to curb gutka menace
NEW DELHI: Giving more power to food safety officers to curb manufacturing and sale of gutka/pan masala and other unsafe consumable items, the Supreme Court has empowered them to set in motion criminal proceedings against the offender by lodging case under Indian Penal Code in addition to proceedings under Food and Safety Standards Act which prescribe fine up to Rs 2 lakh.
A bench of Justices SA Bobde and L Nageswara Rao set aside Bombay high court ruling which had said non-compliance of FSS Act could be penalised by food safety officer only by imposing of fine mentioned in the Act and no complaint for offences under the IPC could be lodged by the officer.
"There is no bar to a trial or conviction of an offender under two different enactments, but the bar is only to the punishment of the offender twice for the offence. Where an act or an omission constitutes an offence under two enactments, the offender may be prosecuted and punished under either or both enactments but shall not be liable to be punished twice for the same offence," the bench said.
While the penalty of violation of FSS Act for sale and transportation of prohibited consumable items is up to Rs 2 lakh, the punishment under IPC for selling noxious food items or drinks is imprisonment up to six months jail term or fine which may extend to Rs 1,000 or with both.
Paving the way for food officers to initiate criminal proceedings against the offenders, the apex court said that HC erred in holding that Section 55 of the FSS Act is the only provision which can be resorted to for non compliance of orders passed under the FSS Act as it is a special enactment and provision of IPC cannot be invoked. Section 55 says that if a food business operator fails to comply with the requirements of this Act or the rules or regulations or orders issued there under, as directed by the food safety officer, he shall be liable to a penalty which may extend to Rs 2 lakh.
"There is no dispute that Section 55 of the FSS Act provides for penalty to be imposed for non compliance of the requirements of the Act, Rules or Regulations or orders issued there under by the food safety officer. But, we are afraid that we cannot agree with the conclusion of the HC that non compliance of the provisions of the Act, Rules or Regulations or orders cannot be subject matter of a prosecution under IPC unless expressly or impliedly barred. The HC is clearly wrong in holding that action can be initiated against defaulters only under Section 55 of FSS Act or proceedings under Section 68 for adjudication have to be taken,"it said.
The court passed the order on a plea of Maharashtra government challenging HC decision. The state had issued notification IN 2013 under FSS Act prohibiting manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of tobacco, gutka, pan masala, flavored, scented tobacco, flavored/scented supari.
The food safety officer had apprehended few persons for selling gutka and lodged an FIR against them under Sections 188(disobedience of order), 272(adulteration), 273(sale of noxious food) and 328 (causing hurt by means of poison) of the Indian Penal Code. The accused then moved HC which set aside the criminal proceedings.
Quashing the HC order, the apex court said , "A perusal of the provisions of the FSS Act would make it clear that there is no bar for prosecution under the IPC merely because the provisions in the FSS Act prescribe penalties. We, therefore, set aside the finding of the High Court."
Punjab: FDA steps to check sale of flour ‘unfit’ for human consumption
With over two tonne of rotten, foul smelling wheat recovered from a flour mill in Ludhiana, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Punjab has ordered steps to check the sale of flour ‘unfit for human consumption’.
The FDA commissioner KS Pannu on Friday said one may opt out of fruits, sweets or paneer (cheese) out of one’s meals, but shunning flour out of Indian meals, especially that of middle and lower middle class is near impossible as of now. “So, it is imperative to immediately check the sale of sub standard flour,” he said.
Giving details of the strategy, the commissioner informed that working out the availability of the manpower, 22 teams have been constituted and directed to check all the suspects. In two days, over a hundred flour mills have been inspected state wide and extensive sampling has been done. The results of the samples are awaited and the most stringent action prescribed under law would be taken against the adulterators, Pannu said.
Simultaneously, the flour mill owners are being sensitised to procure good quality wheat from Food Corporation of India or other trusted sources. They are being advised to maintain hygiene in the mill premises and obtain license from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
A raid by joint team of food safety officers and dairy development officers from Sangrur at Bhagwati Agro Products Manufacturing Unit in Alamgir, Ludhiana on Monday revealed the case of 2000 quintals of highly damaged wheat being added to quality wheat for production of flour.
In two days, flour mills in Mohali, Kharar, Ropar, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, Abohar, Muktsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Phagwara, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Barnala, SBS Nagar and Mansa were inspected.
Plastic ban: FSSAI warns against flouting norms
VELLORE: While the entire state is gearing up for a complete plastic ban from Januray 2019, the Vellore district designated officer for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had warned the shop keepers as well as water plant owners of stringent action if they try to flout the norms.
Addressing the reporters, J Venkatesh, designated officer of Vellore FSSAI , said the tamil nadu government had ordered ban on manufacture, sale, storage and usage of disposable plastic items including plastic cups, water sachets, carry bags, plastic plates and other items excluding polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd and medical items from January 1 2019.
The ban which aims to protect the environment for future generations will also help put to rest the stagnated one –use plastic materials sans creating further pollution.
Among the other plastic waste generated in the district, the consumed water pouches plays a major role polluting the environment in the district . At least 1,000 water packets are thrown on the streets of vellore districts daily, he said.
“As an excellent start to the ban,we had instructed the drinking water plants in Vellore to stop manufacturing and distributing water packets to its retailers after October. By all means manufacturing and distributing of water pouches is banned from first week of November,” he said.
Venkatesh notified that out of 69 water plants in the vellore district about 60 per cent of them are involved in manufacturing of water packets and all of them are using plastic that is below 50 microns. It is also hard to vigil disposed pouches been used by spurious water manufacturing companies, he said.
Venaktesh warned to take appropriate action under food safety act 2006 on water plant owners and retail shop owners who try to flout the order .
Separate standards soon for frozen peas, beans, cauliflower and spinach: FSSAI
Companies in the business of selling frozen peas, beans, cauliflower and spinach may soon have to follow standards for hygiene, stability of colour and flavour before the vegetables are packaged.
For the first time, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is working on setting separate standards for the four categories of frozen vegetables.
It has released a draft regulations for these vegetables seeking stakeholders’ comments. The standards will be part of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations 2018.
Currently, there are regulations for thermally processed vegetables, ready-to-eat vegetables, canned tomatoes and frozen vegetables. Frozen vegetables, is a segment which is growing in strong double-digits, owing to growing demand from urban consumers.
The draft regulations havealso proposed for tolerance of visual defects such as blemishes and limits for extraneous vegetable material.
In addition, the draft proposes regulations for labelling of these frozen vegetables depending on whether they are packaged as whole, cut, sliced or chopped format. For instance, in case of frozen spinach, it will need to be labelled as whole spinach, cut spinach, chopped spinach or pureed spinach.
These regulations are getting finalised at a time when many companies are looking to get into the frozen vegetable segment. While Mother Dairy is one of the key players in this segment, recently Patanjali launched frozen peas, sweet corn and mixed vegetables in the packaged forms. Other companies such as ITC are also looking at this space, at a time when the government has been focusing on reduction of wastage by increase in processing of agricultural produce to increase farmers’ income.
Over the past two years, the FSSAI has been working on filling gaps as well as revising standards for various categories of processed food products.
Last month, the regulator had notified comprehensive standards for all pulses and new standards for pearl millet grains, maize flour, sago flour, bee wax and spring water. It also recently revised standards for honey to check adulteration through artificial colours and sugars.
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