Nov 28, 2019
TN is good: Implementing food safety norms
CHENNAI: Though Tamil Nadu is among the 10 states that have performed well on the enforcement of food safety rules, the state was the worst performer in terms of “unsafe food” and “labeling defects.”
Even as the adulteration in milk rocks the state, official figures indicate that TN tops with 12.7 per cent share of unsafe samples in the country. Assam (8.9 per cent), Jharkhand (8.8), West Bengal (7.6) and Odisha (6.7 per cent) are among the top states with unsafe samples. When it comes to labeling defects in samples, TN accounts for the highest share of 18.5 per cent, followed by Jammu and Kashmir (17.8) and Punjab (15.6 per cent).
During 2018-19 fiscal, a total of 1,06,459 samples were analysed. While 3.7 per cent of these samples were found to be unsafe, 15.8 per cent were found to be sub-standard and 9 per cent samples had labelling defects. While, there should be zero tolerance to unsafe food, issue of sub-standard and labelling defects require greater efforts on capacity building of food businesses and food standards as well as labelling requirements.
Bad: Labelling defects accounts for 18.5%
There has been a 7 per cent increase in the number of samples analysed during 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18. It is said 25 per cent more samples were found non-conforming compared to the previous year. This shows that there has been better targeting of enforcement efforts by States/UTs in the country, according to the data released by Food Regulator, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). There has been 36 per cent increase in civil cases launched and a 67 per cent increase in the number of cases where penalties were imposed. The amount of penalty imposed has increased by 23 per cent during 2018-19 compared to the previous year. A total amount of `32.58 crore has been realised during 2018-19.
According to Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI, more rigorous enforcement by states was essential to build public trust in food. He admitted that public trust has been eroded in recent times due to fake news creating widespread perception of large-scale adulteration in the country.
“FSSAI is working with states and UTs, particularly with weaker ones in this regard. For this, FSSAI is increasing the capacity of State food laboratories and enabling use of private food labs for testing food samples. Enforcement efforts have to be better targeted and preceded by surveillance efforts to identify hotspots and problem areas,” he said.
Poison on your plate
New report from food regulator comes as a shock to residents of Tamil Nadu
CHENNAI: FOOD Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Tuesday dropped a bombshell saying over 45 per cent of food samples taken for study last year in Tamil Nadu did not meet the required standards with 12.7 % coming up as adulterated and unsafe for consumption.
While FSSAI report on National Milk Safety and Quality Survey released last month revealed the name of toxic contents in samples, the regulatory body has not mentioned the hazardous content in the samples.
However, the report noted that Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group of World Health Organisation has identified 31 food-borne hazards.
“The group has found that frequent causes of food-borne illness are diarrhoeal disease agents, particularly norovirus and Campylobacter spp,” the report said.
Organisms from cattle
“The samples mostly get adulterated because of organisms found in cattle and agriculture field. However, some samples may also contain chemicals used in the local market,” said a food safety officer.
The food regulator blamed the absence of food testing labs and inadequate enforcement authorities for poor quality.
While food safety officials remained tight-lipped on the names of food items, they said steps are being taken to increase vigil and promote hygienic practices among farmers and traders.
On Tuesday, TN Foodgrain Merchants' Association submitted a petition to Agricultural Production Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi seeking government intervention in protecting merchants.
Association state president S P Jayaprakasam told Express that most of the food items which failed the quality test, including foodgrains, vegetables, fruits are contaminated by fertilizers and chemicals used by farmers. "The FSSAI should release a detailed report of the samples," he said.
Cleaning the dairyIt is the right of the consumer to get pure milk
The tie-up of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) with Punjab for its pilot project aimed at educating farmers on milk contaminants holds the promise of supplementing the government’s efforts. The pact will yield good practices by the suppliers if followed by stringent measures to ensure excellence of milk and milk products. In a bid to track the quality supplied by the unorganised vendors, the FSSAI also plans to certify their products after verification.
Incentives to the dairy farmers abiding by safety standards would hasten the process towards wholesome products. The phenomenal success of the cooperative model, Amul, pioneered by Verghese Kurien, holds the torchlight. He transformed India from a milk-deficit nation into the world’s largest milk producer by making the milkmen a partner in the company. The authorities endeavouring to clean the system would do well to remember his advice: ‘Any sensible government must learn to unleash the energy of its people and get them to perform instead of trying to get a bureaucracy to perform.’
FSSAI releases action plan for milk safety
Taking into consideration the results of both the surveys and available testing infrastructure, a 12-point action has been drawn up
On the occasion of ‘National Milk Day’, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released Action Plan for Safe and Quality milk and milk products
Subsequent to the release of national milk safety and quality survey report which revealed that only 7% milk samples had contaminants or adulterants that rendered such milk unsafe, FSSAI carried out a survey on milk products. The results of 399 samples analyzed so far (out of total 1048) indicate only quality and hygiene concerns in milk products. Major quality concern observed is adulteration with vegetable fats with no concern about presence of heavy metal contaminants. Microbiological concern observed relates to poor hygiene, while no bacterial pathogens have been found. The interim report will soon be published.
Taking into consideration the results of both the surveys and available testing infrastructure, a 12-point action has been drawn up to ensure safety and quality of milk and milk products in the country. These actions are broadly in three areas, namely – (1) testing and continued surveillance, (2) preventive and corrective action for implementation and monitoring; and, (3) consumer engagement.
For testing and continued surveillance and to upgrade testing infrastructure, several rapid testing and high-end precision test equipment have been provided to States/UTs. In addition, FSSAI has notified NABL accredited private and other public food laboratories for primary, regulatory and surveillance testing which can be used by the States/UTs to complement testing by the state laboratories.
As aflatoxin-M1 and antibiotic residues emerged as a major contaminant in milk, various preventive and corrective action are proposed for the stakeholders in milk sector. There is need for extensive capacity building at primary production levels for following Good Dairy Farming Practices through focused training programs in the areas of animal husbandry, animal health and Feed and nutrition.
FSSAI also noticed quality issues in milk mostly related to proportion of fat and solid non-fat (SNF) which varies widely by species and depends on breed as well as quality of feed and fodder. This can be improved by proper feeding of Cattle and adopting good farm practices.
The milk survey had revealed that even processed milk has both quality and safety concerns which is a serious matter. In this regard, FSSAI has developed and released a harmonized Scheme of Testing and Inspection (STI) to be adopted by dairy processing plants for the purpose of monitoring and self-compliance throughout their production chain in order to strengthen their internal controls.
FSSAI also emphasizes the dairy plants to undertake fortification of milk with Vitamins A and D which are lost during processing. Since milk is consumed by all population groups, fortification of milk with specified micronutrients is a good strategy to address micronutrient malnutrition.
To build up trust of consumers in safety and quality of milk, consumer awareness and engagement programs will be organized throughout the country. This will include dissemination of details about DART book, magic box containing simple tests to be performed at home to check adulteration in milk and Consumer guidance note on milk products. A guidance document on the Hygienic and Safe Practices for Handling of milk products will also be released. FSSAI has also undertaken a project under joint funding for comprehensive awareness campaign in Punjab through the Punjab State Farmers and Farm Workers Commission for improved awareness and knowledge of adulterants in milk and milk products. Learning from this would be extended as well as replicated in different parts of the country based on the outcome and its impact.
Finally to address the unorganized sector which has a major share and to address the issue of raw milk quality, FSSAI would launch a “Verified Milk Vendors Scheme” where milk vendors can voluntarily register through online registration portal and would be provided photo-identity card and properly calibrated lactometer. Trainings would be imparted on clean milk practices with periodic sampling and testing of their milk. The hot spot areas identified would help stringent enforcement/surveillance activities. Food Safety Mitras will also be given a mandate to facilitate registration of these vendors at a very nominal cost. A dedicated portal will be created to facilitate these actions.
In order to implement the action plan effectively, regional workshops would be organized jointly by FSSAI, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), NDDB, NDRI and food safety departments of the States/UTs.
Assam bans ‘pan masala’, ‘gutka’ for a year
The ban, which comes into immediate effect, follows an order issued by the food safety department under clause (a) of Sub-section 2 of Section 30 of Food Safety and Security Act, 2006.
Besides ‘pan masala’ and ‘gutka’ any other chewing material containing tobacco or nicotine would also come under the purview of the ban in Assam
The Assam government has banned the manufacture, distribution, storage, sale, transportation and display of ‘pan masala’ and ‘gutka’, which contains tobacco and nicotine, for one year.
The ban, which comes into immediate effect, follows an order issued by the food safety department under clause (a) of Sub-section 2 of Section 30 of Food Safety and Security Act, 2006.
The notification signed by Assam’s commissioner of food safety said the prohibition comes under regulations 2, 3 and 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulation, 2011.
Besides ‘pan masala’ and ‘gutka’ any other chewing material containing tobacco or nicotine would also come under the purview of the ban, the notification said.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) carried out in 2016-2017, the use of tobacco decreased in India from 34.6% to 28.6% but it increased in Assam from 39.3% to 48.2% in five years.
It added that in Assam 25.3% of men, 0.8% women and 13.3% of all adults smoke tobacco.
Additionally, 50.5% men, 32.5% women and 41.7% of all adults use smokeless tobacco.
Assam fails to ensure food safety
India’s food safety regulator, Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) says ten states have performed poorly including Assam
Assam and nine other states across India have failed to ensure food safety, raising concern over the health issues of their citizens.
A government statistics that could raise eyebrows of cross section of people, India’s food safety regulator, Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) said ten states that have performed poorly include Assam, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telengana, and Uttarakhand.
As many as 515 food samples in Assam were tested in 2018-19.
The report has found 46 unsafe food, 48 sub standard food and 17 with labeling defects.
During the same year, Rs 77,000 have been imposed as penalties whereas 14 civil and seven criminal cases were also registered during the time.
However, no convictions took place during the same period.
The FSSAI said that many of the poorly performing states have not been able to put in place full-time officers for food safety and do not have proper food testing laboratories despite the food safety law coming into force over a decade ago.
The FSSAI has also identified ten states/UTs that have performed well.
The states are Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh.
The regulator said that food safety issues extend beyond food adulteration as it is often believed by most people in India.
“Food borne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group of the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 31 food borne hazards,” the FSSAI said.
“In its first estimates of the incidence, mortality, and disease burden, this group has found that the global burden of food borne diseases (FBD) is comparable to those of the major infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis,” it added.
The most frequent causes of food borne illness were diarrheal disease agents, particularly noro virus and Campylobacter spp.
Diarrheal disease agents, especially non-typhoidal Salmonellaenterica, were also responsible for the majority of deaths due to FBD.
Other major causes of FBD deaths were Salmonella Typhi, Taenia solium and hepatitis A virus.
The global burden of FBD caused by the 31 hazards in 2010 was 33 million – Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs); children under five years old borne 40 per cent of this burden, although they represented only nine per cent of the global population.
These facts call for urgent action by all stakeholders to improve food safety throughout the food chain with more coordinated efforts and greater focus.
According to the data released by FSSAI, during the year 2018-19, a total of 1,06,459 samples were analysed.
While 3.7 per cent these samples were found to be unsafe, 15.8 per cent were found to be sub-standard and 9 percent samples had labelling defects.
This is the first year the data has been compiled for unsafe, substandard and labelling defects separately.
Officials believe that this would help support food safety authorities to take precise corrective and preventive action.
While, there should be zero tolerance to unsafe food, issue of sub-standard and labelling defects require greater efforts on capacity building of food businesses and food standards as well as labelling requirements.
There has been a seven per cent increase in the number of samples analysed during 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18.
Twenty five per cent more samples were found non-conforming compared to the previous year.
This shows that there has been better targeting of enforcement efforts by states/UTs in the country.
There has been a 36 per cent increase in civil cases launched and a 67 per cent increase in the number of cases where penalties were imposed.
The amount of penalty imposed has increased by 23 per cent during 2018-19 compared to the previous year.
A total amount of Rs. 32.58 crore has been realized during 2018-19.
As far as criminal cases are concerned, there has been 86 per cent increase in criminal cases launched.
Since the conclusion of criminal cases takes time, a total of 5198 cases were concluded during 2017-18 that included a backlog of previous years.
During the year there have been 701 convictions in criminal cases so far.
Nov 27, 2019
Food Safety officials seize 41 tonnes of jaggery in Salem
Officials of the Food Safety Department conducted a surprise check and seized jaggery in Shevapet,
The raids were conducted based on complaints received about possible adulteration
Officials of the Food Safety Department conducted surprise raids at a jaggery auction market on Tuesday morning and seized approximately 41.7 tonnes of jaggery.
A team led by R. Kathiravan, Designated Officer, Food Safety, conducted the sudden inspections at a jaggery auction centre near Shevapet. Dr. Kathiravan, along with seven Food Safety officials checked jaggery balls brought in 42 trucks to the centre. A total of 41.7 tonnes of jaggery was seized, and 23 samples lifted. The jaggery had been brought in from various parts of Salem.
Dr. Kathiravan said the raids were conducted based on adulteration complaints sent to both the Food Safety Department and the Chief Minister Special Cell. “About 80 tonnes were brought for auction here and about 41 tonnes have been seized. We have lifted 23 samples to check for adulteration. These samples will be sent to the Food Samples Laboratory, Guindy in Chennai, for a detailed analysis."
Dr. Kathiravan said a combination of substances could have been added to the jaggery, one of them being a substance called sodium hydrosulfite. This is a permitted bleaching agent but its residual value should be only 50 ppm. The seized goods could have residual values of this agent beyond permissible limits, officials said. Officials also said that super phosphate, a fertiliser is also being used as a binding agent.
Dr. Kathiravan said that further action would be taken based on test results.
FSSAI to launch Verified Milk Vendor Scheme to register unorganised suppliers
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) plans to write to the GST Council to reduce the tax rate on packaged milk products to zero. The move is part of its efforts to address the issues of safety and hygiene in the unorganised milk products sector.
The food safety authority will also launch the Verified Milk Vendors Scheme to address the issues of quality and safety in raw milk that is supplied directly to consumers by unorganised milk vendors.
Unveiling an action plan for safe and good quality milk and milk products, FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal said on Tuesday, “We have noticed that many unorganised players who were earlier selling packed milk products have now begun selling them as open products to avoid GST.
“So we plan to write to the GST Council to bring down the rate on packed milk products from 5 per cent to 0 per cent to address hygiene and safety issues.”
The FSSAI plans to take several key measures for increased and targeted testing and surveillance, preventive and corrective actions, and to increase consumers’ engagement as part of the action plan.
Online registration
While all milk vendors are required to register per the Food Safety and Standards Act, only 5 per cent are currently registered. Under the Verified Milk Vendors Scheme, unorganised milk vendors will be able to voluntarily register through an online portal.
They will be provided with a photo identity card, properly calibrated lactometer and training.
“Addressing the issues of quality and safety in the unorganised milk sector is challenging. We also hope to make consumers aware of this scheme so that they ask their milk vendors whether they are verified. We hope to initially get as many as one lakh milk vendors verified under this scheme. Then the scheme will be reviewed,” Agarwal said.
As far as the organised dairies sector is concerned, the FSSAI has already notified a Scheme of Testing and Inspection, under which the players will need to test products throughout the production chain and maintain records of safety and quality parameters.
“This scheme will get enforced from January 1, 2020. And we will use third-party audit agencies to conduct audit on dairy players next year,” Agarwal added.
Precision testing
Meanwhile, the FSSAI is providing State food laboratories with key testing equipment to conduct high-end precision testing as well as rapid testing to check for contaminants such as aflatoxin M1, antibiotics and pesticides, besides determining the quality of milk and milk products.
It has also asked NABL-accredited private food laboratories to complement the testing by State food labs. Additionally, it will work with consumer organisations, specially in smaller cities and towns, for carrying out surveillance activities on milk and milk products.
“Milk and milk products safety and quality is one of the key priorities for the FSSAI and we will be making efforts to address issues impacting the quality and safety of products in this industry,” Agarwal said.
The FSSAI will be closely working with the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries along with the National Dairy Development Board to enhance awareness among small dairy farmers regarding improved animal husbandry and farm practices, he added.
Fast food joints issued show-cause
Under these regulations, advertisements are required not to undermine the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Aligned with WHO advice, the FSSAI recently finalised the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2018.
Mumbai: The designated officer of the central licencing authority and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Mumbai has taken cognisance of faulty food advertisements and issued show-cause notices to various fast food outlets for contravening the Food Safety and Stand-ards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI said that food companies must desist from issuing advertisements/publicity materials that are in violation of the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and rules/regulations made thereunder.
“The FSSAI is committed to ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food for all citizens of the country through various means like education, awareness building and regulatory enforcement and to achieve these goals, the ‘Eat Right Campaign’ is underway on across the country,” he said. Aligned with WHO advice, the FSSAI recently finalised the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2018. Under these regulations, advertisements are required not to undermine the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and not to promote or portray their food and beverages as a meal replacement unless otherwise specifically permitted by the FSSAI.
FSA dept collaborates with 2,600 schools in Agra to create awareness on food safety
The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department of Agra (FDSA) has collaborated with 2,600 schools of the district to create awareness among the community about food safety measures.
Already, 2,200 schools across the district have responded to the awareness efforts.
Speaking to PTI on Tuesday, District Designated Officer, FDSA Department, Agra, Manoj Verma, said, The FDSA has planned to spread awareness about how health gets affected if bad or adulterated food is consumed."
"School children have been involved because it is seen that children have the willingness to learn and absorb. Whatever message is given to children, it will have a manifold multiple effect on the community, he said.
Verma added the aim was to make the consumer aware about the adulteration problem that existed in all kinds of food
From November 4-18, the department had organized an 'Eat Right Moment' programme in 113 schools in Agra. Around 64,540 children had participated. The department will initiate the same programme with more schools from December first week.
Nov 26, 2019
10 states unequipped to ensure food safety: FSSAI
- FSSAI says many of the poorly performing states have not been able to put in place full-time staff for food safety and do not have proper labs
- Food regulator analyses total 106,459 samples across the country and finds over 15.8% food samples as sub-standard, 3.7% unsafe and 9% mislabelled during the year 2018-19
NEW DELHI : At least 10 states in India are unequipped to ensure food safety, owing to scarcity of staff and food testing laboratory infrastructure, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said on Monday.
According to the apex food regulator, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telengana, and Uttarakhand are the worst performing states on food safety.
With its own admission to the shortfalls, the FSSAI said that many of the poorly performing states have not been able to put in place full-time officers for food safety and do not have proper food testing laboratories despite the food safety law coming into force over a decade ago.
“More rigorous enforcement by States is essential to build public trust in food. Public trust has been eroded in recent times due to fake news creating widespread perception of large-scale adulteration in the country. FSSAI is working with states and UTs, particularly with weaker ones in this regard," said Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI. “For this, FSSAI is increasing the capacity of State food laboratories and enabling use of private food labs for testing food samples. Enforcement efforts have to better targeted and preceded by surveillance efforts to identify hotspots and problem areas," he said.
However, the food regulator has also noted improvement in food safety in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh.
FSSAI on Monday also released data on enforcement efforts by states and Union Territories in India.
It analysed a total of 106,459 samples across the country and found over 15.8% food samples as sub-standard, 3.7 % unsafe and 9% mislabelled during the year 2018-19.
This is the first year the data has been compiled for unsafe, sub-standard and labelling defects separately. Data released include samples analysed, non-conforming samples, cases launched, convictions and penalties by states/UTs during the year 2018-19 and also trends over the past three years.
According to the report, there has been a 7% increase in the number of samples analysed during 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18. 25% more samples were found non-conforming compared to the previous year. This shows that there has been better targeting of enforcement efforts by states/UTs in the country.
There has been a 36% increase in civil cases launched and a 67% increase in the number of cases where penalties were imposed. The amount of penalty imposed has increased by 23% during 2018-19 compared to the previous year, the report said.
A total amount of Rs32.58 crore has been realised during 2018-19. As far as criminal cases are concerned, the official statement said, there has been 86% increase in criminal cases launched. Since the conclusion of criminal cases takes time, a total of 5,198 cases were concluded during 2017-18 that included a backlog of previous years. During the year there have been 701 convictions in criminal cases so far.
Food borne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group of the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified 31 food borne hazards. In its first estimates of the incidence, mortality, and disease burden, this group has found that the global burden of food borne diseases (FBD) is comparable to those of the major infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
The most frequent causes of foodborne illness were diarrheal disease agents, particularly norovirus and Campylobacter spp. Diarrheal disease agents, especially non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica, were also responsible for the majority of deaths due to FBD. Other major causes of FBD deaths were Salmonella Typhi, Taenia solium and Hepatitis-A virus.
The global burden of FBD caused by the 31 hazards in 2010 was 33 million -- Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs); children under five years old borne 40% of this burden, although they represented only 9% of the global population. These facts call for urgent action by all stakeholders to improve food safety throughout the food chain with more coordinated efforts and greater focus.
Shops flout rules, caught selling cooking oil in loose
Madurai: Cooking oil, which was being sold in loose in two shops at the K Pudur Bus Stand and on a vehicle near Alagarkovil was seized by a team of food safety officials on Sunday evening. Officials said the seized oil was worth Rs 50,000.
Officials said they began the crackdown after coming to know that the shops were selling cooking oil in loose, despite being explained about the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act, which prohibited its sale, a month ago. Though the shop owners had assured to stop selling such oil, they did not take any steps. Seizure memos were issued to shopkeepers, officials said.
Designated officer for food safety, Dr M Somasundaram who led the raid said the rule prohibiting loose oil sale will be enforced slowly, but steadily. “The traders have been given adequate time. When they already have a manufacturer licence, what is stopping them from packing the oil while selling?” he asked.
Somasundaram said that palm oil is often sold as gingelly oil after mixing a few drops of essence. “There is nothing wrong in selling palm oil, but it should not be sold as other cooking oil. Adulteration in oil is rampant and it can be addressed when traders start selling them in packs,” Somasundaram said.
Officials said that when the announcement on implementation of the rule was issued, members of oil traders association had told them that it will pave way for increase in usage of plastic as they have to use plastic covers for packing. But, traders were already using plastic for packing loose oil as customers were not encouraged to bring containers.
Meanwhile, a group of regular customers, who were not aware of the happenings in the shops, and had come to make their purchase, were urged by Somasundaram to exercise discretion while choosing oils. People should not expect good quality oil at a cheaper price. “They should start suspecting the quality of oil when it is sold at throwaway prices,” he insisted.
Penalties from errant food companies up 23%: FSSAI
Sharp rise in number of civil, criminal cases, as per data from States and UTs
Penalties worth ₹32.58 crore have been realised from errant food business operators in 2018-19, up by about 23 per cent compared with realisations in 2017-18, according to data released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Monday.
There was also a nearly 67 per cent rise in the number of cases where penalties were imposed on food companies in 2018-19 (12,734 cases) compared with the previous year, as per the data compiled by FSSAI on enforcement activities of food safety officers from States and Union Territories for 2018-19. In the previous year, penalties amounted to about ₹26.36 crore.
The regulator said there has been an improvement in the overall enforcement activities indicating better targeting of such efforts by States. About 1.06 lakh food samples were analysed by State food safety officers in 2018-19, which was nearly 7 per cent higher than 2017-18.
Of this, while 3.7 per cent (3,900) of the samples were found to be unsafe, 15.8 per cent were sub-standard and 9 per cent samples had labelling defects.
The food safety authority’s data also revealed that there was a 36 per cent rise in civil cases filed in 2018-19 (18,550 cases) over the previous year. There was an 86 per cent increase in criminal cases launched against food business operators in 2018-19 compared to the previous year.
“Since the conclusion of criminal cases takes time, a total of 5,198 cases were concluded during 2017-18 that included a backlog of previous years. During 2018-19, there have been 701 convictions in criminal cases,” FSSAI stated.
Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh were among the top 10 States which performed well in terms of enforcement parameters.
“Ten States that have performed poorly include Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana, and Uttarakhand,” it added. It was noted that poorly performing States do not have full-time food safety officers and proper food testing laboratories.
Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI, said, “More rigourous enforcement by States is essential to build public trust in food. FSSAI is working with States and UTs, particularly with weaker ones, in this regard. For this, FSSAI is increasing the capacity of State food laboratories and enabling use of private food labs for testing food samples. Enforcement efforts have to be better targeted and preceded by surveillance efforts to identify hotspots and problem areas”.
The food safety authority said that this is the first time that data was compiled for samples found as unsafe, substandard or with labelling defects separately. This is being done to enable State food safety authorities to take precise corrective and preventive action.
3.7 Percent of over 1.06 Lakh Food Samples Analysed in 2018-19 Found Unsafe, Says FSSAI
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reported 36 per cent rise in civil cases to 2,813 and 86 per cent increase in criminal cases to 18,550.
New Delhi: Food regulator FSSAI on Monday said that over 1.06 lakh food samples were analysed last fiscal, of which 3.7 per cent were found to be unsafe and 15.8 per cent sub-standard.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reported 36 per cent rise in civil cases to 2,813 and 86 per cent increase in criminal cases to 18,550, it said in a statement.
There has been a 67 per cent increase in the number of cases where penalties were imposed to 12,727. A total amount of Rs 32.58 crore has been realised during 2018-19, up 23 per cent from previous year. There have been 701 convictions in criminal cases.
FSSAI released the data on enforcement efforts by states/UTs in the country. The released data includes samples analysed, non-conforming samples, cases launched, convictions and penalties by states/UTs during the year 2018-19
"During the year 2018-19, a total of 1,06,459 samples were analysed. While 3.7 pc of these samples were found to be unsafe, 15.8 pc were found to be sub-standard and 9 pc samples had labelling defects," FSSAI said in a statement.
There has been a 7 per cent increase in the number of samples analysed during 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18 and "25 per cent more samples were found non-conforming compared to the previous year", the regulator said, adding that this indicates there has been better targeting of enforcement efforts by states/UTs.
"More rigorous enforcement by states is essential to build public trust in food," FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal said.
He admitted that public trust has been eroded in recent times due to fake news, creating widespread perception of large-scale adulteration in the country.
FSSAI is working with states and UTs, particularly with weaker ones in this regard, he added.
"For this, FSSAI is increasing the capacity of state food laboratories and enabling use of private food labs for testing food samples. Enforcement efforts have to be better targeted and preceded by surveillance efforts to identify hotspots and problem areas," Agarwal said.
Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh performed well, while states that have performed poorly include Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telengana, and Uttarakhand.
Many of the poorly performing states have not been able to put in place full-time officers for food safety and do not have proper food testing laboratories despite the food safety law coming into force over a decade ago, FSSAI said.
4% of food samples analysed last year unsafe, FSSAI data shows
The better performing states and UTs are Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh.
Nearly 4% of the one lakh food and beverage samples analysed by the states and Union Territories last year were unsafe
Nearly 4% of the one lakh food and beverage samples analysed by the states and Union Territories last year were unsafe, about 16% were sub-standard and 9% were mislabelled, shows data released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
This is the first time that data has been separately compiled for unsafe, substandard and labelling defects. It also includes cases launched, convictions and penalties during the year 2018-19 and also trends over the years, which shows that at 1,06,459, there was a 7% increase in the number of samples analysed as compared to the previous year.
Nearly 25% more samples were found non-conforming compared to the previous year, and there was a 67% increase in the number of cases where penalties were imposed. Among criminal cases imposed on defaulters, there has been 86% increase since the previous year, highlighting the fact that there has been an improvement in enforcement efforts by the States.
“This would help support food safety authorities to take precise corrective and preventive action. While, there should be zero tolerance to unsafe food, issue of sub-standard and labelling defects require greater efforts on capacity building of food businesses and food standards as well as labelling requirements,” said FSSAI in a statement.
The better performing states and UTs are Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh. The ones having performed poorly are Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telengana, and Uttarakhand.
“More rigorous enforcement by states is essential to build public trust in food,” says FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal.
“FSSAI is working with states and UTs, particularly with weaker ones, in increasing the capacity of state food laboratories and enabling use of private food labs for testing food samples. Enforcement efforts have to better targeted and preceded by surveillance efforts to identify hotspots and problem areas,” he added.
3.7% food samples found unsafe, 15.8% sub-standard, says regulator
Kerala, Tamil Nadu among the best performing States, says FSSAI
Data released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on enforcement of norms has noted that 3.7% of the samples collected and analysed were found unsafe, 15.8% sub-standard and 9% samples had labelling defects.
Releasing the data for 2018-19 where 1,06,459 samples were analysed, the food regulator said this was the first year the data had been compiled for unsafe, substandard and labelling defects separately. This would help authorities take precise corrective and preventive action. While there should be zero tolerance to unsafe food, sub-standard and labelling defects require greater efforts on capacity building of the businesses and standards as well as labelling requirements.
There has been a 7% increase in the number of samples analysed during 2018-19 compared to 2017-18. Compared to the previous year, 25% more samples were found non-conforming. This shows that there has been better targeting of enforcement efforts by States/UTs.
There has been a 36% increase in civil cases launched and a 67% increase in the number of cases where penalties were imposed. The amount of penalty — ₹32.58 crore— imposed has increased by 23% during 2018-19 compared to the previous year.
There has been 86% increase in criminal cases launched. Since the conclusion of criminal cases takes time, 5,198 cases were concluded during 2017-18 that included a backlog of previous years. During the year there have been 701 convictions in criminal cases so far.
Ten States/UTs that have performed well include Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh.
Ten States that have performed poorly include Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Telangana, and Uttarakhand.
Many of the poorly performing States have not been able to put in place full-time officers and do not have proper testing laboratories despite the food safety law coming into force over a decade ago.
Expressing satisfaction over the improved enforcement, Pawan Agarwal, CEO, FSSAI, said the regulator was increasing the capacity of the State laboratories and enabling the use of private labs for testing food samples. Enforcement efforts must be preceded by surveillance efforts to identify hotspots and problem areas.
Nov 23, 2019
Food regulator slaps notice on McDonald's for 'irresponsible advertising'
- FSSAI is committed to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for all citizens
- FSSAI is also in the process of finalizing regulations to ensure safe and wholesome food for school children
Creative advertising by McDonald’s has landed it in trouble. The apex food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Friday issued show cause notices to McDonald’s for contravening the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
Taking cognizance of a full page advertisement by McDonald's in New Delhi and Mumbai newspapers that said “Stuck with Ghiya-Tori Again? Make the 1+1 Combo you love", the central licensing authority and FSSAI’s designated officer at New Delhi and Mumbai issued the notices saying as to why further action should not be initiated against McDonald's for this.
“The food companies must desist from issuing advertisements/publicity materials which are in violation of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and rules/regulations made there under. The FSSAI is committed to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for all citizens of the country through various means like education, awareness building and regulatory enforcement and to achieve these goals the Eat Right campaign is going on across the country," said Pawan Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FSSAI.
Stating that advertising and marketing plays a key role in people making food choices, particularly children, FSSAI is actively taking note of the “irresponsible" advertising by some food companies to promote sales of their own foods often considered unhealthy as substitute for healthy foods.
“Tendency of the food companies to disparage freshly cooked food and vegetables that are healthier is a matter of grave concern. Such advertisements are against national efforts for promoting healthier and right eating habits, especially in the children from a young age, with the aim to ensure safe and wholesome food for them so that the kids feel better, grow better and learn better," FSSAI said in an official statement.
The World Health Organization (WHO) in its resolution on marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children has asked the member-states to reduce the impact on children of marketing of foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt.
It also recommends that given the effectiveness of marketing is a function of exposure and power, the overall policy objective should be to reduce both the exposure of children to, and power of, marketing of foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt.
Aligned with the WHO advice, FSSAI has recently finalized the ‘Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018’. Under these regulations, the advertisements should not undermine the importance of healthy lifestyles, and also shall not promote or portray their food and beverages as a meal replacement unless otherwise specifically permitted by FSSAI.
Further, no advertisements or claims for articles of foods shall be made by any food business operator that undermines the products of any other manufacturer for the purpose of promoting their products or influencing consumer behavior, according to the food regulator.
Violation of these regulations attracts a penalty up to ₹10 lakh under Section (53) of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI is also in the process of finalizing regulations to ensure safe and wholesome food for school children.
“A key proposal in the regulations is that foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar cannot be sold to school children in school canteens/mess premises/ hostel kitchens or within 50 meters of the school campus. Unhealthy diets are a key risk factor in childhood obesity that is rising rapidly," FSSAI statement said.
“Diets that have excess of salt and sugar not only harm the body but also the cognitive capabilities of the children. Therefore, at the heart of the proposed regulations is a fundamental idea to make it clear what is healthy for children and what is not and promote healthy eating habits amongst the children. These regulations are in draft stage under consultation," it said.
According to FSSAI, products deemed "less healthy" are now required to display labels grading their nutritional and sugar content, with those considered to be most unhealthy banned from appearing in ads across all media platforms, including broadcast, print and online channels. This aims to reduce the influence of such advertisements on consumer preferences, the food regulator said.
“Hardcastle Restaurants Private Limited (HRPL) operates McDonald's restaurants in West and South India and the print ad in question was not issued by us. We have already written to the FSSAI clarifying the same," said a spokesperson in response to Mint's query.
*Saumya Tewari contributed to the story.
Food regulator issues notice to McDonald’s for ‘irresponsible advertising’
On November 9, 2019, McDonald’s issued a full-page advertisement in a national daily that read, “Stuck with Ghiya-Tori Again? Make the 1+1 Combo you love”.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a showcause notice to McDonald’s
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a showcause notice to McDonald’s for a newspaper advertisement it considered “irresponsible advertising”. The fast-food major could face a fine of up to ₹10 lakh in case it is unable to give a satisfactory response.
On November 9, 2019, McDonald’s issued a full-page advertisement in a national daily that read, “Stuck with Ghiya-Tori Again? Make the 1+1 Combo you love”.
“The central licensing authority and FSSAI’s designated officer at New Delhi and Mumbai have taken cognizance of this and issued showcause notices for contravening the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 as to why further action should not be initiated against McDonald for this,” read the notice dated November 20.
The FSSAI objected to the advertisement saying it was promoting unhealthy substitutes for healthy food.
“It is pushing the concept of creative liberty too far. They are trying to promote their food which is unhealthy viz-a-viz healthier vegetables like ‘tori’ and ‘tinda’. The FSSAI considered the matter and found it contravening the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018,” said Pawan Agarwal, chief executive officer, FSSAI.
McDonald’s has been given time till December 27 to respond.
“Our designated officers issued the notice a couple of days ago, and technically seven days are given to an FBO to respond to allegations. If the officer concerned is not satisfied with the response then it will go for adjudication. There is a provision for fining up to Rs 10 lakh for a violator,” said Agarwal.
Singapore recently banned advertisement for the unhealthy sugary drinks in a move to combat rising diabetes rates. “The aim is to create a healthy ecosystem, and not promote foods that are of low nutritional value,” Agarwal said.
McDonald’s did not respond to HT’s request for a comment.
FSSAI notice to McDonald’s over ‘ghiya-tori’ advertisement
McDonald’s has been asked to submit its reply to the notice within a week. The company had allegedly issued full page advertisements that read: “Stuck with Ghiya-Tori Again? Make the 1+1 Combo you love.”
XMcDonald’s and Bakshi in 1995 had signed a partnership agreement to open outlets of the US fast-food chain in India. It was for a period of 25 years.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sent a showcause notice to fast-food giant McDonald’s for contravening the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
McDonald’s has been asked to submit its reply to the notice within a week. The company had allegedly issued full page advertisements that read: “Stuck with Ghiya-Tori Again? Make the 1+1 Combo you love.”
In a statement FSSAI said: “Tendency of the food companies to disparage freshly cooked food and vegetables that are healthier is a matter of grave concern. Such advertisements are against national efforts for promoting healthier and right eating habits, especially in the children from a young age, with the aim to ensure safe and wholesome food for them so that the kids feel better, grow better and learn better.”
The Eat Right campaign, launched recently by the Health Ministry, aims at nudging people towards healthier food choices. WHO, in its resolution on marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children, has asked the member-states to reduce the impact on children of marketing of foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt. It also recommends that given the effectiveness of marketing is a function of exposure and power, the overall policy objective should be to reduce both the exposure of children to, and power of, marketing of foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt.
Aligned with the WHO advice, FSSAI recently finalised the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018. Under these regulations, the advertisements should not undermine the importance of healthy lifestyles, and also shall not promote or portray their food & beverages as a meal replacement unless otherwise specifically permitted by FSSAI.
FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal said: “Food companies must desist from issuing advertisements/publicity materials which are in violation of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006 and rules/regulations made thereunder. FSSAI is committed to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for all citizens of the country through various means like education, awareness building and regulatory enforcement and to achieve these goals the Eat Right campaign is going on across the country.”
McDonald’s operates in India through franchisees Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd (HRPL) and Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CRPL). HRPL, in a statement said, “Hardcastle Restaurants Private Limited operates restaurants in West and South India and the print ad in question was not issued by us. We have already written to the FSSAI clarifying the same.”
Calls, messages and an email to CRPL went unanswered.
Food regulator slaps notice on McDonald's for disparaging freshly cooked food in ad
NEW DELHI: Food regulator FSSAI has slapped a show-cause notice on McDonald's for disparaging freshly cooked food and vegetables in its advertisements to promote fast food.
In its notice, the FSSAI referred to a full-page advertisement by McDonald's in newspapers earlier this month that had said, "Stuck with Ghiya-Tori (bottle gourd-sponge gourd) Again? Make the 1+1 Combo you love".
The food sector watchdog issued a show-cause notice to Hardcastle Restaurants and Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd - the franchise that operates McDonald's fastfood chain in India - seeking response on why action should not be initiated against them, a statement by the FSSAI said.
McDonald's had over the last weekend carried advertisements in newspapers seeking to get traffic at its outlets by allegedly disparaging home cooked food and healthy vegetables.
The regulator has "noted with concern incidence of irresponsible advertising by some food companies to promote sales of their own foods often considered unhealthy as substitute for healthy foods", the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said.
McDonald's has been asked to give explanation in stipulated timeframe.
Violation of FSSAI's advertisement code attracts a penalty up to Rs 10 lakh.
"Central licensing authority and FSSAI's designated officer at New Delhi and Mumbai have taken cognizance of this and issued show cause notices for contravening the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018 as to why further action should not be initiated against McDonald's for this," the statement said.
Hardcastle Restaurants Private Limited (HRPL) said in a statement that it "operates restaurants in west and south India and the print ad in question was not issued by us. We have already written to the FSSAI clarifying the same".
In a letter to the regulator, Hardcastle Restaurants has requested it to withdraw the notice.
Response from Connaught Plaza Restaurants could not be immediately obtained.
These FSSAI regulations, which are aimed at cracking down on misleading advertisements and making brand ambassadors accountable, came into effect from July this year.
"We Hardcastle Restaurants operate Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) under the brand name of McDonald's in the territories of west and south India. The entity which operates QSRs under the brand name McDonald's in the territories of north and east India is Connaught Plaza Restaurants which is a separate and distinct legal entity and with which we do not have any nexus and/or connection of any nature whatsoever," Hardcastle said in the letter to the FSSAI.
The franchisee further said that the Delhi market comes under north India where it does not operate.
"Tendency of the food companies to disparage freshly cooked food and vegetables that are healthier is a matter of grave concern. Such advertisements are against national efforts for promoting healthier and right eating habits, especially in the children from a young age, with the aim to ensure safe and wholesome food for them so that the kids feel better, grow better and learn better," the FSSAI said in the statement.
The regulator acknowledged that advertising and marketing plays a key role in people making food choices, particularly children but went on to expressed deep concern about "irresponsible" advertising and marketing by food companies.
It cited WHO's resolution asking member-states to reduce the impact on children of marketing of foods high in saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, free sugars, or salt.
"Aligned with the WHO advice, the FSSAI has recently finalized the 'Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018'. Under these regulations, the advertisements should not undermine the importance of healthy lifestyles, and also shall not promote or portray their food and beverages as a meal replacement unless otherwise specifically permitted by FSSAI," the statement said.
Further, no advertisements or claims for articles of foods shall be made by any food business operator that undermines the products of any other manufacturer for the purpose of promoting their products or influencing consumer behaviour, it said.
FSSAI said it is also in the process of finalising regulations to ensure safe and wholesome food for school children.
"A key proposal in the regulations is that foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar cannot be sold to school children in school canteens / mess premises / hostel kitchens or within 50 meters of the school campus," it said.
Unhealthy diets, the regulator said, are a key risk factor in childhood obesity that is rising rapidly.
"Diets that have excess of salt and sugar not only harm the body but also the cognitive capabilities of the children. Therefore, at the heart of the proposed regulations is a fundamental idea to make it clear what is healthy for children and what is not, and promote healthy eating habits amongst the children," the statement said adding the regulations are in draft stage under consultation.
‘Keep grains out of food safety act purview’
Indore: The Sakal Anaj Dalhan Tilhan Vyapari Mahasangh Samiti, an association of grain merchants, has urged government to not impose Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 on grains.
They have written to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in this regard. A delegation of the samiti would meet Union minister of Health and family welfare Harsh Vardhan next month. The samiti president Gopal Das Agrawal said, “Like farmers, traders should also be kept out of the purview of Food Safety and Standards Act. We procure and transport food grains in raw form to manufacturers or processors without any value addition.”
Grain merchants said, the liability of the act should be only on manufacturers and processors because they add value to the food grains that is consumed directly by the consumer.
The samiti general secretary Radheshyam Maheswari said, “When we are not engaged in adding any kind of value to the food grain and procure raw and transport the same in the raw form, why should it be implemented on us.” TNN
Nov 22, 2019
Soon, bakeries to have 'healthy shelf'
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health-conscious persons are often let with no choice at a bakery. However, things are changing. After introducing a draft regulation which proposed to ban sale of food containing high, salt, sugar and fat (popularly known as junk food) within 50 metres radius of school campuses, the food safety department is bringing ‘bakeries’, which is a popular hangout for students, under its safe food initiative.
Interestingly, the Bakery Owners’ Association is open to the safe food proposal of the food safety department. In a recent meeting of food safety department which was attended by representatives of Bakery Owners Association, nutritionists, dietitians and experts, the bakery owners agreed to the idea of setting up a ‘healthy shelf’ in their bakeries, which will have healthy snacks.
Food safety officer Karthika S said that the bakery owners were receptive of the idea of a healthy shelf. “The healthy shelf will have healthy items such as steamed snack that have less sugar, salt and fat content and are devoid of trans-fats. As a pilot project, we asked the bakery owners to suggest some bakeries where health shelf can be implemented. As per their suggestion, it will be implemented in five bakeries in Thiruvananthapuram in the pilot scheme," she said. Ambrosia, MRA, Supreme, St Michales and Azad will provide healthy shelf in the pilot scheme.
Michel David, owner of St Michels in Thiruvananthapuram, said that the healthy shelf will come up in their outlets by January 1. “We will provide a tag ‘corner for conscious persons. It will have health items such as our traditional snack varieties like ‘ada’, ‘kozhukatta’, ‘vattayappam’, ‘kumbilappam’ etc and also wheat bread, oats bread and other multigrain breads. We also will try to introduce healthy alternatives of burgers and cakes. The food safety department has agreed to provide all supports,” David said.
However, David added that less than 10% of consumers are seeking healthy items. “Recently, I got an order from a faculty in Kerala University for 400 pieces of steamed snack and dry ginger coffee. I suggested food safety department to launch awareness campaigns so that people choose healthy food items,” he said.
The food safety department has also requested bakery owners to reduce trans-fat contents in food items. The bakery owners informed the practical difficulties and asked the department to provide awarness to manufacturers and distributers. The department asked association to provide details of manufactures of products which have vanaspati, margarine etc.
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