Jun 28, 2012
Watch out for wax on your apples, detergent in milk
Andheri resident Sunita Agarwal has become extremely cautious while shopping for groceries. Like many consumers in the city, the increasing use of adulterants in daily food items, including fruits, vegetables, spices and even tea, has led her to be sceptical about everything she eats.
“All these food items look appealing, ripe and big. When you eat them, you realise that they either taste different, or are not as ripe,” said Agarwal.
Consumers’ fears are not without reason. Recent tests carried out by several organisations have shown presence of adulterants in several items have you consume regularly, including milk and fruits. Commonly used adulterants include harmful chemicals and substances such as iron filings, washing powder, or even animal dung. While some of them are carcinogenic (can cause cancer), others can affect the liver, kidneys or the digestive system.
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mumbai seized 6,000 kg of mangoes that had been artificially ripened using calcium carbide – known to be carcinogenic. It can also precipitate calcium deposits in the body.
In tests carried out by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), high levels of antibiotics were found in honey, a natural product. Antibiotics are used to keep the beehive disease-free for honey bees. Small doses of antibiotics ingested over a period of time can have chronic health affects and reduce immunity.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took 1,791 milk samples under its National Survey of Milk Adulteration in 2011. Eight percent of the milk samples had been mixed with detergent, which can result in food poisoning and gastro-intestinal complications.
Taking serious note of the concerns over food adulteration, the Bureau of Indian Standards on Monday organised a seminar on Food Safety – Role of Standards in the city on Monday. Stressing on the importance of food standards, Union minister for consumer affairs, food and distribution system VK Thomas said: “Standards promote public health by reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses.”
“The consumer needs to be aware. If they come across adulterants in food items, they should immediately collect information about the vendor, collect samples and report it to the FDA” said Sitaram Dixit, chairman, Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI).
“All these food items look appealing, ripe and big. When you eat them, you realise that they either taste different, or are not as ripe,” said Agarwal.
Consumers’ fears are not without reason. Recent tests carried out by several organisations have shown presence of adulterants in several items have you consume regularly, including milk and fruits. Commonly used adulterants include harmful chemicals and substances such as iron filings, washing powder, or even animal dung. While some of them are carcinogenic (can cause cancer), others can affect the liver, kidneys or the digestive system.
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mumbai seized 6,000 kg of mangoes that had been artificially ripened using calcium carbide – known to be carcinogenic. It can also precipitate calcium deposits in the body.
In tests carried out by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), high levels of antibiotics were found in honey, a natural product. Antibiotics are used to keep the beehive disease-free for honey bees. Small doses of antibiotics ingested over a period of time can have chronic health affects and reduce immunity.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took 1,791 milk samples under its National Survey of Milk Adulteration in 2011. Eight percent of the milk samples had been mixed with detergent, which can result in food poisoning and gastro-intestinal complications.
Taking serious note of the concerns over food adulteration, the Bureau of Indian Standards on Monday organised a seminar on Food Safety – Role of Standards in the city on Monday. Stressing on the importance of food standards, Union minister for consumer affairs, food and distribution system VK Thomas said: “Standards promote public health by reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses.”
“The consumer needs to be aware. If they come across adulterants in food items, they should immediately collect information about the vendor, collect samples and report it to the FDA” said Sitaram Dixit, chairman, Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI).
Jun 27, 2012
Detained milk tankers clear adulteration test
PANJIM: None of the milk samples tested by the Directorate of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a surprise check on tankers bringing milk into the State, were found to be adulterated.
To ensure that the State receives certified quality milk from outside the State, inspectors of the FDA randomly swooped down on tankers carrying milk into the State and check the milk for urea, hydrogen peroxide, sugar, synthetic milk and starch.
“The FDA conducted a special survey on the quality of milk brought into the State of Goa by milk tankers from neighbouring states on June 22. The FDA inspectors conducted spot tests on the milk, for the presence of adulterants and none of the adulterants were detected,” Director of FDA Salim Veljee said in a statement.
The inspectors had detained three milk tankers for checking milk samples – one from Siddarth Milk Dairy carrying 8,100 litres of milk, another from Yashwant Dudh Prakaiya, Sangli carrying 13,000 litres of milk and a third from Sri Mahakali Milk Dairy Belgaum tanker carrying 10,000 litres of milk.
Goa largely depends on milk from neighbouring states with even the State’s main dairy Goa Dairy and others bringing in milk from outside to meet the demand.
The FDA is also cracking down on hookah parlours operating in eateries especially in the coastal belt.
“These hookah parlours in the garb of fruit based hookah products are pushing products containing tobacco and the nicotine content... which are not claimed on the product labels, thereby misleading the public as well as the authorities,” Veljee said.
The Director of FDA has asked all food business operators to obtain a food safety registration or licensing under the new Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
“The last date for switching over to the new registration or licensing system is July 31, 2012. With effect from August 2012, every such delayed application shall carry a delayed late fee penalty of Rs 100 per day,” he said.
India Removes “Energy” From Energy Drink Label
NEW DELHI, INDIA – Out of concern for public health, India’s food regulator has stripped energy drinks of their “energy” tag, Mail Online India reports. Henceforth, such drinks will be called “caffeinated beverages” and will be labeled with a safety warning.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India reached its decision after considering the issue for two years. It said the name “energy drinks” is misleading because it gives the false impression that drinking an energy drink is required to boost energy.
The authority is also finalizing regulations for other caffeinated drinks, with a draft regulation placing the limit of caffeine at 320 mg per liter. Additionally, all caffeinated drinks will come with a safety warning specifying, “not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, persons sensitive to caffeine and sportspersons.” The drinks must also include “high caffeine content” on their label and will not be allowed to make energy-boosting or nutritive claims.
The regulation is based on the recommendations of a committee that weighed scientific evidence, regulations in other countries, and data about caffeine consumption.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India reached its decision after considering the issue for two years. It said the name “energy drinks” is misleading because it gives the false impression that drinking an energy drink is required to boost energy.
The authority is also finalizing regulations for other caffeinated drinks, with a draft regulation placing the limit of caffeine at 320 mg per liter. Additionally, all caffeinated drinks will come with a safety warning specifying, “not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, persons sensitive to caffeine and sportspersons.” The drinks must also include “high caffeine content” on their label and will not be allowed to make energy-boosting or nutritive claims.
The regulation is based on the recommendations of a committee that weighed scientific evidence, regulations in other countries, and data about caffeine consumption.
TNCCI meet on FSSA lauds Act, takes note of implementation bottlenecks
The Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TNCCI) along with Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chennai, organised a Workshop on Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Rules and Regulations 2011, recently in Madurai.
Chamber president N Jegatheesan said that the chamber welcomed the new Act by the Central government which was intended to provide safe and quality food in hygienic conditions to the people. The chamber had submitted several memorandums to the government for removal of many irritants and procedural bottlenecks in the new legislation, which were under the consideration of the government, he pointed out.
Dr Lalithaa R Gowda, head, CFTRI, Mysore, in her address, elaborated on the various provisions and standards prescribed in the new Act and on the consequences of selling unsafe food items. She also gave a detailed account on the various tests and analyses undertaken by CFTRI.
A Sakthivel, former chairman, MPEDA, informed that abundant marine wealth was available in our country with its 8,000 km coastline. “However, with inadequate infrastructure we are unable to make use of it in full. Only 10 per cent of our marine products are exported and 90 per cent are used internally,” he said.
Dr A Savitri, manager, corporate, scientific and regulatory affairs, Britannia Industries Ltd, Bangalore, in her address, insisted that manufacturers and dealers of food products should adhere to the provisions of the new Food Act considering the well-being of the consumers. She said that those within Rs 12 lakh turnover should get themselves registered and others should obtain licences under the Act.
R Srinivasan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Hotel Association, said that so far about 58,000 licences have been issued under the new Act in Tamil Nadu and the association had submitted an elaborate 470- page memorandum to the government on various changes and amendments to be made in the Act which was under the consideration of the government.
Anshul Mishra, district collector, Madurai; Somi Hazari, executive committee member; and S Ragavan, secretary, Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry; also addressed the meet.
Chamber president N Jegatheesan said that the chamber welcomed the new Act by the Central government which was intended to provide safe and quality food in hygienic conditions to the people. The chamber had submitted several memorandums to the government for removal of many irritants and procedural bottlenecks in the new legislation, which were under the consideration of the government, he pointed out.
Dr Lalithaa R Gowda, head, CFTRI, Mysore, in her address, elaborated on the various provisions and standards prescribed in the new Act and on the consequences of selling unsafe food items. She also gave a detailed account on the various tests and analyses undertaken by CFTRI.
A Sakthivel, former chairman, MPEDA, informed that abundant marine wealth was available in our country with its 8,000 km coastline. “However, with inadequate infrastructure we are unable to make use of it in full. Only 10 per cent of our marine products are exported and 90 per cent are used internally,” he said.
Dr A Savitri, manager, corporate, scientific and regulatory affairs, Britannia Industries Ltd, Bangalore, in her address, insisted that manufacturers and dealers of food products should adhere to the provisions of the new Food Act considering the well-being of the consumers. She said that those within Rs 12 lakh turnover should get themselves registered and others should obtain licences under the Act.
R Srinivasan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Hotel Association, said that so far about 58,000 licences have been issued under the new Act in Tamil Nadu and the association had submitted an elaborate 470- page memorandum to the government on various changes and amendments to be made in the Act which was under the consideration of the government.
Anshul Mishra, district collector, Madurai; Somi Hazari, executive committee member; and S Ragavan, secretary, Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry; also addressed the meet.
Jun 26, 2012
BIS Finalizes Standards for Street Food Vendors
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has finalized an Indian Standard on basic requirements for street food vendors as food safety is a major concern with street foods. This was disclosed by Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof Thomas at Mumbai yesterday .He said that street food sector has shown phenomenal growth recently. Readily accessible and affordable to urban populations, street food provides the energy and nutrient needs to large segments of workers and their families in the cities. This sector is also a source of livelihood for a large number of people. Hence the standard developed by BIS has immense potential to safeguard public health and also promote the confidence of the consumer over the entire spectrum of food industry.
Prof Thomas was addressing National Seminar on “Food Safety – Role of Standards” at Mumbai. The seminar was organized with objective of creating awareness and to provide an insight into the concept of food safety with emphasis on the role of standards.
Stressing over safety of food and quality, the Minister said that as awareness regarding food safety issues among our citizens and concerns bout the hazards in food is showing an upward trend, the need to provide them with greater assurance about the safety and quality of food is also growing. Role of standards in the domain of food safety is immense. Standards promote public health and protect consumers from unsanitary, unwholesome, mislabelled or adulterated food; and provide a sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade in food. He said that in this background, the role of BIS, the National standards body of India is significant.BIS has also formulated about 1000 Indian Standards in the area of food products and food safety. This includes IS/ISO 22000: 2005 ‘Food Safety Management Systems – Requirements for any organization in the food chain’. IS/ISO 22000: 2005 is an internationally harmonized standard and has emerged as the international bench mark for food safety.
Prof Thomas said that Similarly, the three Indian Standards recently formulated by BIS, Indian Standards on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and Food Retail Management (FRM) are also important in this respect as they are envisaged to act as foundations of Food Safety Management System. They delineate the basic conditions and activities that are necessary to maintain a hygienic environment throughout the food chain suitable for the production, handling and provision of safe end products for human consumption. He expressed hope that Implementation of these food safety standards can lead to exceptional improvements in food safety performance.
Prof Thomas was addressing National Seminar on “Food Safety – Role of Standards” at Mumbai. The seminar was organized with objective of creating awareness and to provide an insight into the concept of food safety with emphasis on the role of standards.
Stressing over safety of food and quality, the Minister said that as awareness regarding food safety issues among our citizens and concerns bout the hazards in food is showing an upward trend, the need to provide them with greater assurance about the safety and quality of food is also growing. Role of standards in the domain of food safety is immense. Standards promote public health and protect consumers from unsanitary, unwholesome, mislabelled or adulterated food; and provide a sound regulatory foundation for domestic and international trade in food. He said that in this background, the role of BIS, the National standards body of India is significant.BIS has also formulated about 1000 Indian Standards in the area of food products and food safety. This includes IS/ISO 22000: 2005 ‘Food Safety Management Systems – Requirements for any organization in the food chain’. IS/ISO 22000: 2005 is an internationally harmonized standard and has emerged as the international bench mark for food safety.
Prof Thomas said that Similarly, the three Indian Standards recently formulated by BIS, Indian Standards on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and Food Retail Management (FRM) are also important in this respect as they are envisaged to act as foundations of Food Safety Management System. They delineate the basic conditions and activities that are necessary to maintain a hygienic environment throughout the food chain suitable for the production, handling and provision of safe end products for human consumption. He expressed hope that Implementation of these food safety standards can lead to exceptional improvements in food safety performance.
Stress on security, hygiene at BIS seminar on food safety through FSMS
A national seminar on Food Safety - Role of Standards for Food Safety through Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) was organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on Monday, at Mumbai.
The seminar highlighted how food safety was related to the presence of food-borne hazards in food at the point of consumption. The other aspects that it looked at included how food safety hazards could occur in the food chain at any stage, and hence, adequate control throughout the supply chain was essential.
It also threw light on how recent studies showed that there was significant increase in illness caused by infected food in both developed and developing countries, which had necessitated the need for establishing a food safety management system by all types of organisations within the food chain.
The seminar was inaugurated by K Sankaranarayanan, governor, Maharashtra. K V Thomas, minister of state (independent in charge) for consumer affairs, food and public distribution; Alinda Chandra, director-general, BIS; and Rajiv Agrawal, secretary, ministry of consumer affairs, food and pubic distribution; were also present on the occasion.
“One of our major challenges is to ensure food security for this vast population despite the limitations of decreasing area under cultivation and vagaries of monsoon and the limitations with regard to our irrigation potential,” Sankaranarayanan pointed out.
He said that the demand for food had also driven major investments in the food processing industry and that it was needed to ensure that the quality of processed food was maintained at all costs adding that as per the results of census 2011 the population of India touched 1.21 billion, which amounted to an addition of 180 million in the last 10 years alone.
He said that the increase of population by a whopping 18 crore had added to the burden on our limited agricultural land, water and other natural resources.
He mentioned that the cooperation between the private and the public sectors in the food industry would only be a favourable answer to ensure a safer food supply chain.
He then quoted some of the issues like water contamination and adulteration in milk, which had been a challenging task for the industry to overcome. Also fruits and vegetables that we consumed also contained harmful chemicals and organic substances, he said.
He mentioned that the importance of consumer education in the prevention of food-borne illness could not be overstated and encouraged consumers to be quality-conscious, quantity-conscious and safety-conscious and that could help organisations like BIS to succeed in their motive in the near future.
“The street foods and street food vendors sector has shown a phenomenal growth recently,” Thomas said in his speech and explained that food safety was a major concern with street foods where the foods were prepared and sold in unhygienic conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitary services, and garbage disposal facilities.
He concluded that BIS was finalising the standards for street foods and stressed that if implemented efficiently these had the potential to safeguard public health and promote confidence among consumers and the food industry.
The seminar highlighted how food safety was related to the presence of food-borne hazards in food at the point of consumption. The other aspects that it looked at included how food safety hazards could occur in the food chain at any stage, and hence, adequate control throughout the supply chain was essential.
It also threw light on how recent studies showed that there was significant increase in illness caused by infected food in both developed and developing countries, which had necessitated the need for establishing a food safety management system by all types of organisations within the food chain.
The seminar was inaugurated by K Sankaranarayanan, governor, Maharashtra. K V Thomas, minister of state (independent in charge) for consumer affairs, food and public distribution; Alinda Chandra, director-general, BIS; and Rajiv Agrawal, secretary, ministry of consumer affairs, food and pubic distribution; were also present on the occasion.
“One of our major challenges is to ensure food security for this vast population despite the limitations of decreasing area under cultivation and vagaries of monsoon and the limitations with regard to our irrigation potential,” Sankaranarayanan pointed out.
He said that the demand for food had also driven major investments in the food processing industry and that it was needed to ensure that the quality of processed food was maintained at all costs adding that as per the results of census 2011 the population of India touched 1.21 billion, which amounted to an addition of 180 million in the last 10 years alone.
He said that the increase of population by a whopping 18 crore had added to the burden on our limited agricultural land, water and other natural resources.
He mentioned that the cooperation between the private and the public sectors in the food industry would only be a favourable answer to ensure a safer food supply chain.
He then quoted some of the issues like water contamination and adulteration in milk, which had been a challenging task for the industry to overcome. Also fruits and vegetables that we consumed also contained harmful chemicals and organic substances, he said.
He mentioned that the importance of consumer education in the prevention of food-borne illness could not be overstated and encouraged consumers to be quality-conscious, quantity-conscious and safety-conscious and that could help organisations like BIS to succeed in their motive in the near future.
“The street foods and street food vendors sector has shown a phenomenal growth recently,” Thomas said in his speech and explained that food safety was a major concern with street foods where the foods were prepared and sold in unhygienic conditions with limited access to clean water, sanitary services, and garbage disposal facilities.
He concluded that BIS was finalising the standards for street foods and stressed that if implemented efficiently these had the potential to safeguard public health and promote confidence among consumers and the food industry.
Food and drugs administration goes on hookah parlour lockdown
PANAJI: The hookah could soon disappear from Goa's shacks and restaurants. The food and drugs administration (FDA) has directed hookah parlours to discontinue the use of hookahs at their premises after FDA food safety officers conducted a drive on such parlours operating along the coastal belt.
FDA director Salim Velji told TOI that in the garb of fruit-based hookah products, the parlours are pushing products containing tobacco. He also said that in a recent judgment, the high court of Bombay at Goa directed municipal authorities to ensure that such parlours are not allowed to operate in eateries.
"We have directed these eating places operating hookah parlours to discontinue such activities," Velji said adding that the survey would be further intensified by FDA in the coming days.
"FDA has also recommended that the government examine the feasibility of directing all state bodies to issue similar directives in an attempt to ensure that tobacco smoking is not allowed to proliferate in public places," Velji added.
Food safety officers had raided around 12 food outlets along the coastal belt and drawn three samples of these alleged products used in hookah parlours to test for the presence of nicotine.
FDA has also appealed to existing food business operators to register under the new Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Rules and Regulation, 2011. The last date for switching over to the new registration system is July 31.
FDA director Salim Velji told TOI that in the garb of fruit-based hookah products, the parlours are pushing products containing tobacco. He also said that in a recent judgment, the high court of Bombay at Goa directed municipal authorities to ensure that such parlours are not allowed to operate in eateries.
"We have directed these eating places operating hookah parlours to discontinue such activities," Velji said adding that the survey would be further intensified by FDA in the coming days.
"FDA has also recommended that the government examine the feasibility of directing all state bodies to issue similar directives in an attempt to ensure that tobacco smoking is not allowed to proliferate in public places," Velji added.
Food safety officers had raided around 12 food outlets along the coastal belt and drawn three samples of these alleged products used in hookah parlours to test for the presence of nicotine.
FDA has also appealed to existing food business operators to register under the new Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Rules and Regulation, 2011. The last date for switching over to the new registration system is July 31.
Jun 25, 2012
Energy drinks will be renamed to caffeinated beverages
The food regulator has decided to respond to health concerns over the high caffeine content of non-alcoholic beverages being marketed as energy drinks, stripping them of the "energy" tag.
Energy drinks will soon be renamed
The matter was discussed at the ninth meeting of the authority on June 6.
The draft regulation — yet to be published — puts the upper limit of caffeine in a caffeinated beverage at 320 mg per litre or parts per million (ppm). The currently prescribed limit for caffeine in soft drinks or aerated sugar waters is 145 ppm.
All caffeinated drinks will come with a mandatory safety warning specifying "not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, persons sensitive to caffeine and sportspersons". Most energy drinks are targeted at young adults and "manufacturers compare the effects of their drinks to the use of drugs like cocaine", a note prepared by the authority pointed out.
Such drinks are heavily promoted in bars or for use in combination with alcohol, which could further increase health risks.
There are a number of scientific reports on the adverse consequences of excessive consumption of caffeine.
The industry, however, is upset over the inclusion of sportspersons in the warning.
Mona Malhotra Chopra, a representative of All India Food Processors Association, opposed including sportspersons in the same category as children and lactating mothers in the safety warning.
Earlier too, the industry has opposed warnings on caffeinated drinks.
In addition to the safety warnings, all such drinks will have to print the tag "high caffeine content" and will not be allowed to make any energy- boosting or nutritive claims. Malhotra Chopra also opposed the clause relating to nutritive claims.
There would be another warning saying "not to be consumed more than two cans a day". The labelling will have to be printed prominently on every can. The font size, percentage of space it should occupy and language will all be defined, just like pictorial health warnings on tobacco packs.
The new regulation is based on the recommendations of an expert committee which went into all available scientific evidence, regulations in other countries and data about caffeine consumption in India.
It concluded that "caffeine is not addictive but is a chemical with addictive properties".
While a risk assessment done by the National Institute of Nutrition came to the conclusion that caffeine consumption in India — mainly from tea and coffee — is low at present, the FSSAI felt that regulating caffeinated drinks is necessary in view of the " potential impact of their consumption on young people and adverse effects on health". Moreover, the authority feels that the name " energy drinks" is misleading because it gives the impression that " taking an energy drink is required to boost energy".
Such drinks will now be called caffeinated beverages and will come with a statutory warning.
Faced with sudden spurt in court cases, FSSAI on a hiring spree of advocats
Faced with growing number of litigations and proceedings related to the haphazard implementation of the FSS Act, 2006, across the country, the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is hiring advocates or law firms to defend itself. In this regard, the Authority has called for Expression of Interest (EoI) for selection of advocates.
An FSSAI official explained in a chat over telephone, “There were different cases relating to various issues of foods and also with regard to implementation of the new law, which had created a lot of confusion.”
He said that it was mandatory to clear all the cases pertaining to different issues on food in various courts across the country for the new law to be implemented successfully.
“We would select able advocates and the numbers would differ depending upon the number of cases to be fought in the court,” he said.
And this number is substantial especially in the south. For instance, V S S Velshankar, honorary secretary, Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Merchants ' Association, said, “There are already seven injunctions pending in the Chennai court.”
Velshankar said that the issue regarding the implementation of the new Act has already created a lot of uproar in the state. He then highlighted some of the issues which were already in the limelight such as water and chillies.
He explained that water, which was to be used for different purposes and consumed was considered to be “potable water” under the earlier Act, while the current one stated that the one consumed or drinking had to be potable and not for other purposes.
Another significant issue was the specifications laid down for chillies and turmeric powder. He said that these specifications were based on the 1954 Act, which had roots in British rules, which needed to be reframed.
He stressed that chillies which were grown in different parts of the country had different odour, colour and taste and that each had its own requirement to grow.
Meanwhile, B C Bhartia, president, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that the apex regulatory body was aware of the fact the new Act would definitely give rise to multiple complications and litigations.
“Therefore the law must be simplified, which is one of the opinions of the industry where the FSSAI should focus to make it consumer-friendly,” Bhartia said.
He mentioned that there were issues with regard to implementation of the law, the registration and licensing, procedure for registration and also the method of collecting samples. All these are among many such cases wherein the Authority needs to defend itself.
Meanwhile, the EoI stated that FSSAI being a statutory body possessed the power to select and elect party respondents to defend their stand before the Supreme Court, various High Courts and Central Administrative Tribunals or any other court of law.
The advocates may also be required to submit their legal opinion on the issue and such other miscellaneous work related to court matters, therefore, FSSAI invites proposals from experienced advocates or law firms to submit their bid for each of their work to be carried out like defending matters on behalf of the apex regulatory body before various courts.
Further, the agency would be required to carry out activities like preparation of drafts, replies, para-wise comments, affidavits to the writ petitions or similar legal or quasi legal petitions filed before courts of law.
The agency would be advised to take up preparation of draft appeal as well as legal vetting to be filed before the court of law against any order or judgement, injunctions of lower court or tribunal or high court and after finalising, file the same before the appropriate court(s).
Also, the agency should pose legal opinion on specific legal matters referred to by FSSAI and its officials on matter involving a point of law including any subordinate legislation.
Lastly, it should also defend FSSAI as when required before various courts of law and that the selected advocates should pose as a prosecutor before an arbitrator as well as draft arbitration proceedings in which FSSAI is a party.
The advocates are needed to handle related matter in the labour courts, industrial tribunals and other similar tribunals and examine legal viewpoint in consultation with scientific experts, labs, and research.
An FSSAI official explained in a chat over telephone, “There were different cases relating to various issues of foods and also with regard to implementation of the new law, which had created a lot of confusion.”
He said that it was mandatory to clear all the cases pertaining to different issues on food in various courts across the country for the new law to be implemented successfully.
“We would select able advocates and the numbers would differ depending upon the number of cases to be fought in the court,” he said.
And this number is substantial especially in the south. For instance, V S S Velshankar, honorary secretary, Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Merchants ' Association, said, “There are already seven injunctions pending in the Chennai court.”
Velshankar said that the issue regarding the implementation of the new Act has already created a lot of uproar in the state. He then highlighted some of the issues which were already in the limelight such as water and chillies.
He explained that water, which was to be used for different purposes and consumed was considered to be “potable water” under the earlier Act, while the current one stated that the one consumed or drinking had to be potable and not for other purposes.
Another significant issue was the specifications laid down for chillies and turmeric powder. He said that these specifications were based on the 1954 Act, which had roots in British rules, which needed to be reframed.
He stressed that chillies which were grown in different parts of the country had different odour, colour and taste and that each had its own requirement to grow.
Meanwhile, B C Bhartia, president, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that the apex regulatory body was aware of the fact the new Act would definitely give rise to multiple complications and litigations.
“Therefore the law must be simplified, which is one of the opinions of the industry where the FSSAI should focus to make it consumer-friendly,” Bhartia said.
He mentioned that there were issues with regard to implementation of the law, the registration and licensing, procedure for registration and also the method of collecting samples. All these are among many such cases wherein the Authority needs to defend itself.
Meanwhile, the EoI stated that FSSAI being a statutory body possessed the power to select and elect party respondents to defend their stand before the Supreme Court, various High Courts and Central Administrative Tribunals or any other court of law.
The advocates may also be required to submit their legal opinion on the issue and such other miscellaneous work related to court matters, therefore, FSSAI invites proposals from experienced advocates or law firms to submit their bid for each of their work to be carried out like defending matters on behalf of the apex regulatory body before various courts.
Further, the agency would be required to carry out activities like preparation of drafts, replies, para-wise comments, affidavits to the writ petitions or similar legal or quasi legal petitions filed before courts of law.
The agency would be advised to take up preparation of draft appeal as well as legal vetting to be filed before the court of law against any order or judgement, injunctions of lower court or tribunal or high court and after finalising, file the same before the appropriate court(s).
Also, the agency should pose legal opinion on specific legal matters referred to by FSSAI and its officials on matter involving a point of law including any subordinate legislation.
Lastly, it should also defend FSSAI as when required before various courts of law and that the selected advocates should pose as a prosecutor before an arbitrator as well as draft arbitration proceedings in which FSSAI is a party.
The advocates are needed to handle related matter in the labour courts, industrial tribunals and other similar tribunals and examine legal viewpoint in consultation with scientific experts, labs, and research.
“Registration essential for effective implementation of Food Safety Act”
The Hindu Collector Anshul Mishra speaking at a workshop on Food Safety Standards Act 2006, in Madurai on Saturday.
The Right to safe food is like right to life and liberty and the right of the consumer to get the required food on exchange of money should be guaranteed and implementation of the Act should be done fully in ‘letter and spirit’ said Collector Anshul Mishra.
Delivering the valedictory address at the workshop on the Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations 2011, held by Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Madurai and Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chennai, he said that the whole idea of the Act is to ensure that safe and hygienic food is available for the people at the prescribed rates.
Coverage of registration is essential for effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
All hotels, eateries and roadside food vendors should register their particulars with food safety officials at the office of the Deputy Director of Health Services, he said.
Earlier in the day, technical sessions were held on the subject where experts from the various fields made presentations. Lalitha Gowda, Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) Mysore, gave a presentation on regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Act and explained how referral laboratories would analyse a sample of contaminated food. She said that the technical staff members involved in testing the samples are well equipped and sophisticated.
A. Sakthivel, former chairman, Marine Products Export Development Authority, spoke about the sea food industry and the intricacies involved in maintaining safety and standards.
A. Savitri, manager, corporate, scientific and regulatory affairs, Britannia Industries Limited, Bangalore, gave a presentation highlighting issues of labelling, packaging, registration and penal provisions.
R. Srinivasan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Hotel Owners Association, spoke on safety and standards in hotel industry.
Somi Hazari, executive committee member, SICCI presided over the valediction.
N. Jegatheesan, president, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivered the welcome address and J. Rajamohan, secretary, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry proposed a vote of thanks.
Beverages, milk adulteration high in TN
High levels of adulteration are found in beverages, milk and milk products in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal, even as the overall percentage of adulteration in food articles is on the decline across most parts of India.
This was stated in a note circulated during the workshop on ‘The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, and rules & regulations, 2011’, organised by the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TNCCI) and Southern India Chamber of Commerce & Industry here on Saturday.
Dr Lalitha R. Gowda, chief scientist and head, food safety and analytical quality control laboratory, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, referred to instances of adulteration detected by authorities in India and abroad, to drive home the case for FSSA.
“In India, a biscuit manufacturer’s claim that his product contained substances that enhanced the cognitive abilities of children was found to be misleading as there was no scientific evidence to back it. The manufacturer was forced to withdraw his product,” she elaborated. Pesticides in imported fruits were found to be within limits, she said
This was stated in a note circulated during the workshop on ‘The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, and rules & regulations, 2011’, organised by the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (TNCCI) and Southern India Chamber of Commerce & Industry here on Saturday.
Dr Lalitha R. Gowda, chief scientist and head, food safety and analytical quality control laboratory, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, referred to instances of adulteration detected by authorities in India and abroad, to drive home the case for FSSA.
“In India, a biscuit manufacturer’s claim that his product contained substances that enhanced the cognitive abilities of children was found to be misleading as there was no scientific evidence to back it. The manufacturer was forced to withdraw his product,” she elaborated. Pesticides in imported fruits were found to be within limits, she said
Mittal apprehends return of 'inspector raj' due to Food Safety Act
Punjab health minister Madan Mohan Mittal lighting a lamp to inaugurate a seminar on food safety standard Act in Ludhiana on Saturday.
The Food Safety and Standards Act has not only raised apprehensions among those in the food business, but also the Punjab government which too seems concerned about more powers that would be vested in the implementing authorities. Punjab health minister Madan Mohan Mittal on Saturday
said though the Act would benefit the masses by ensuring the safety of food, he said it might give rise to a system of 'Inspector Raj'. However, he assured that the government would take the necessary steps to avoid such a problem.
The health minister was in Ludhiana to attend a seminar on the Food Safety and Standards Act. The seminar was aimed at spreading awareness about the Act among the masses.
Under the Act, all food-serving units will be required to get permission from the health department. Units with sales above Rs. 12 lakh per year will need to get licences, while others will only have to get registration.
"The Food Safety and Standards Act will be very helpful in maintaining a system that will ensure safety of food. For that, the people involved in the food industry will have to get registered or acquire a license, according to the provisions of the Act."
However, he added, "Since there are lot of people involved in the industry, including those with tiny businesses, we feel there is scope of 'Inspector Raj'. But we will design a proper system to keep a regular check on all the officials, to eliminate that possibility."
The Act has already created trepidation among the people associated with the food industry. Harjit Singh, president, Bakery Association Ludhiana, said, "This law is suitable for big business units. Small units like ours can never fulfil the norms of the Act. The Act does not even allow us to use water that is not passed as hygienic. Now, if the municipal corporation's water also does not pass the hygiene test, how will we use this water? The Act will only give more powers to inspectors and will certainly create 'Inspector Raj'."
In fact, worried about the provisions of the Act, the sweet makers have submitted a memorandum to the health minister.
Narinder Pal Singh, president, Punjab Halwai Association, said, "We have submitted a long list of demands regarding the Food Safety and Standards Act. There are provisions in the Act, which need to be revised. For instance, the Act directs us to get a water-testing certificate. Now, a certificate for both bacterial and chemical testing from private labs cost us around Rs. 4,500 with six months' validity. Therefore, we should be exempted from the mandatory water analysis."
Department does not have manpower to give licences
According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, all food-serving units from a top hotel to a small tea stall will have to get registration or licence from the heath department. However, at present the health department does not even have the infrastructure to get the registration and licensing done.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official from the health department said, "In Ludhiana district alone, there will be more than 5,000 licences and around 1 lakh registrations required. But the health department is short of staff and people are coming to get licences are already getting harassed."
When Punjab health minister Madan Mohan Mittal was asked on Saturday about the workforce required to get the licensing and registration done, he said, "It will take time. We will have a separate wing for those purposes and we will solve the problem of staff shortage."
Till now, the health department has issued 834 licences and completed 1,375 registrations under the Food Safety and Standards Act across the state.
Under the Act, all food-serving units will be required to get permission from the health department. Units with sales above Rs. 12 lakh per year will need to get licences, while others will only have to get registration.
"The Food Safety and Standards Act will be very helpful in maintaining a system that will ensure safety of food. For that, the people involved in the food industry will have to get registered or acquire a license, according to the provisions of the Act."
However, he added, "Since there are lot of people involved in the industry, including those with tiny businesses, we feel there is scope of 'Inspector Raj'. But we will design a proper system to keep a regular check on all the officials, to eliminate that possibility."
The Act has already created trepidation among the people associated with the food industry. Harjit Singh, president, Bakery Association Ludhiana, said, "This law is suitable for big business units. Small units like ours can never fulfil the norms of the Act. The Act does not even allow us to use water that is not passed as hygienic. Now, if the municipal corporation's water also does not pass the hygiene test, how will we use this water? The Act will only give more powers to inspectors and will certainly create 'Inspector Raj'."
In fact, worried about the provisions of the Act, the sweet makers have submitted a memorandum to the health minister.
Narinder Pal Singh, president, Punjab Halwai Association, said, "We have submitted a long list of demands regarding the Food Safety and Standards Act. There are provisions in the Act, which need to be revised. For instance, the Act directs us to get a water-testing certificate. Now, a certificate for both bacterial and chemical testing from private labs cost us around Rs. 4,500 with six months' validity. Therefore, we should be exempted from the mandatory water analysis."
Department does not have manpower to give licences
According to the Food Safety and Standards Act, all food-serving units from a top hotel to a small tea stall will have to get registration or licence from the heath department. However, at present the health department does not even have the infrastructure to get the registration and licensing done.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official from the health department said, "In Ludhiana district alone, there will be more than 5,000 licences and around 1 lakh registrations required. But the health department is short of staff and people are coming to get licences are already getting harassed."
When Punjab health minister Madan Mohan Mittal was asked on Saturday about the workforce required to get the licensing and registration done, he said, "It will take time. We will have a separate wing for those purposes and we will solve the problem of staff shortage."
Till now, the health department has issued 834 licences and completed 1,375 registrations under the Food Safety and Standards Act across the state.
JK sans trained officers to check adulterations
Srinagar, June 23: The credible reports about high percentage of adulterants in the milk may have alarmed the common consumer, but it has not moved the State Food Safety Authority!
According to sources the Authority has yet to train its manpower to check the food adulteration and regulate quality of edibles, as is required under the provisions of Food Safety Act, 2006.
Sources said: “The Food Safety Officers of the Authority were not trained at all as was required under the provisions of the new Act that was implemented from 2011.”
“Even as prior to coming of the new Act, the officers were given a statutory training of three months, but they don’t know anything about the provisions of the Act 2006,” sources said, questioning how could the officers do their duties without any training?
“Some of the safety officers have conveyed to me about their helplessness in dealing with the violators of the Food and Safety Standards Act 2006,” said a designated officer of the Authority on condition of anonymity.
Pertinently, last month, a 3-day programme “training of trainers” was organized by Food and Safety Authority of India to equip and enrich the Designated Officers and Additional Deputy Commissioners with the new changes brought in the Act 2006.
As per the Act the Designated Officers are required to train the Food Safety Officers.
According to the section 43 of the Act, the food safety personnel across India need to equip and enrich themselves about the shift (changes in new act) in the shortest possible time, failing which the food safety works would suffer serious setbacks and would nullify the positive changes that are purported to be brought in by the new Act (FSSA).
Furthermore, the Act states that the existing food regulatory staff is focused on sampling and prosecution and may not be equipped to carry out the much wider range of responsibilities envisaged under the Act.
The Food Safety regulators including State Food Safety Commissioners, Designated Officers, Adjudicating Officers and Food Safety Officers have to acquire requisite dedicated national level Capacity building program for various categories of Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 and are to be involved in granting licenses to various categories of Food Business Operators.
In this backdrop, FSSAI has devised interim induction programs modules to be taken up as an initial exercise to make existing food safety regulators well acquainted with wide spectrum of regulatory provisions and new concepts developed in various regulatory mechanisms under the FSS Act, 2006.
Apart from training them, the Act calls for training those officers who have also aptitude for training others, “This will enable the concerned States to cope with the changed mandate of the FSS Act, 2006 and would make the migration smother for various stakeholders in the concerned States.”
Official in the department wishing anonymity said that despite a huge talent pool of students from Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology or Oil Technology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Bio-Chemistry, etc, the department has “failed” to hire them as Food Safety Officers through concerned agencies.
When contacted Commissioner Food Safety J&K, Satish Gupta, said, “We have already trained the officers last year.”
According to sources the Authority has yet to train its manpower to check the food adulteration and regulate quality of edibles, as is required under the provisions of Food Safety Act, 2006.
Sources said: “The Food Safety Officers of the Authority were not trained at all as was required under the provisions of the new Act that was implemented from 2011.”
“Even as prior to coming of the new Act, the officers were given a statutory training of three months, but they don’t know anything about the provisions of the Act 2006,” sources said, questioning how could the officers do their duties without any training?
“Some of the safety officers have conveyed to me about their helplessness in dealing with the violators of the Food and Safety Standards Act 2006,” said a designated officer of the Authority on condition of anonymity.
Pertinently, last month, a 3-day programme “training of trainers” was organized by Food and Safety Authority of India to equip and enrich the Designated Officers and Additional Deputy Commissioners with the new changes brought in the Act 2006.
As per the Act the Designated Officers are required to train the Food Safety Officers.
According to the section 43 of the Act, the food safety personnel across India need to equip and enrich themselves about the shift (changes in new act) in the shortest possible time, failing which the food safety works would suffer serious setbacks and would nullify the positive changes that are purported to be brought in by the new Act (FSSA).
Furthermore, the Act states that the existing food regulatory staff is focused on sampling and prosecution and may not be equipped to carry out the much wider range of responsibilities envisaged under the Act.
The Food Safety regulators including State Food Safety Commissioners, Designated Officers, Adjudicating Officers and Food Safety Officers have to acquire requisite dedicated national level Capacity building program for various categories of Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act, 1954 and are to be involved in granting licenses to various categories of Food Business Operators.
In this backdrop, FSSAI has devised interim induction programs modules to be taken up as an initial exercise to make existing food safety regulators well acquainted with wide spectrum of regulatory provisions and new concepts developed in various regulatory mechanisms under the FSS Act, 2006.
Apart from training them, the Act calls for training those officers who have also aptitude for training others, “This will enable the concerned States to cope with the changed mandate of the FSS Act, 2006 and would make the migration smother for various stakeholders in the concerned States.”
Official in the department wishing anonymity said that despite a huge talent pool of students from Food Technology, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology or Oil Technology, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Sciences, Bio-Chemistry, etc, the department has “failed” to hire them as Food Safety Officers through concerned agencies.
When contacted Commissioner Food Safety J&K, Satish Gupta, said, “We have already trained the officers last year.”
Jun 23, 2012
Temples serving food must follow norms set by food safety authorities soon
COIMBATORE: Temples providing Annadhaanams to devotees will soon come under the gambit of the safety and quality norms prescribed by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI).
The move is to ensure that proper hygiene is maintained while preparing and serving food to devotees at these religious centres. A high level meeting was also convened here in the city on June 1 which was attended by officials from Hindu Charity and Religious Endowments( HR&CE) department and the designate officer for the FSSAI. The temples will have to get registered with the FSSAI as per the norms of section 31 of the FSSAI Act.
"We have already written to Executive Officers of all these temples regarding the issue. We will be able to monitor the mass food distribution ceremonies at the temples, once they register with us," said Dr R Kathiravan, designate officer, FSSAI, Coimbatore.
As per section 31, any commercial or charitable organisation indulging in food distribution and sale with an annual turnover of over Rs 12 lakh (commercial ones) both governmental and non governmental should obtain a license from FSSAI while charitable institutions and commercial food stalls with less than Rs 12 lakh turnover should obtain a registration to bring them under the purview of the food safety and standard norms. The deadline extended to the HR&CE to obtain registration is August 14, 2012.
"We have been informed about the registration norms but are yet to officially receive it in writing. But we have already passed on the message to the temples under us and proper measures will be taken," said a senior HR& CE official.
At the moment there are 60 temples in the four western districts of Coimbatore, Erode, Tirupur and Nilgiri where Annadhaanam is conducted on a regular basis. Out of these 21 temples are in Coimbatore, 22 in Erode, 15 in Erode and two in Nilgiris district.
The state government has announced in the recent budget that food distribution will be extended to seven more temples in the region including two in Coimbatore and three in Tirupur districts. HR&CE officials also added that they will conduct periodic inspections of the temples through their own HR& CE inspectors and revenue officials. They also claimed that instructions have been given to the temples to ensure that the kitchen facility should be modernised and proper seating arrangements should be provided to devotees while serving food.
"We provide proper seating arrangements to the devotees and have a separate enclosure for conducting Annadhaanam in the temple complex. About 150 people come here to have food everyday from 11.30 am to 12.30 am," said an official at a popular temple in Sidha Pudhur in the city.
Maharashtra FDA, FBOs discuss licensing, registration at AFST(I) event
The Mumbai chapter of the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) [AFST(I)] organised a regulatory meet for officials of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and food business operators (FBOs) in Mumbai recently.
The objective of this event was to have an interaction between between FBOs and the FDA commissioner and his team of officers with respect to the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations in the state of Maharashtra, especially with respect to licensing.
Mahesh Zagade, FDA commissioner, Maharashtra, was the chief guest at the conference. K D Yadav, president, AFST(I), gave the welcome speech. He thanked the Maharashtra FDA for their support.
Yadav said, “The implementation of licensing is not going to be an easy task. We will have to work hard with the FDA and FBOs to overcome the challenges. This conference gives a good platform to discuss the issues faced by FBOs.”
“The main objective of the regulations is to provide safe and wholesome food to people in general. The FDA will get the full support from the food business operators,” he said. His opening remarks were followed by Zagade's speech.
“We have to move at a faster pace to get the registration and licensing done in the state of Maharashtra. If the FDA and FBOs work together, the objective will be achievable,” the state FDA commissioner said.
“We have to work in a structured manner,” he said, emphasising on the maintenance of business continuity. He also spoke about the objectives of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and salient features of Maharashtra FDA.
Zagade said, “Maharashtra FDA has become powerful over the years. The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, strives to minimise the control on FBOs. We want the FBOs to regulate themselves.”
While speaking about the licensing and registration of food businesses, he assured the FBOs that the FDA will not be stringent in the licensing and registration procedure, and FBOs will be able to obtain licenses and registrations without much trouble.
However, he stressed that to run any food business, a license/registration is compulsory. He also said Maharashtra is growing economically, and like any other sector, the food and beverage industry is also growing rapidly.
“We don't want problems that will stop the growth of this sector,” Zagade said. For that, FBOs should follow the regulations. He also spoke about the punishment for not taking a license or registering.
Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, pertains to the punishment for carrying out business without a license. It states that, “FBOs commencing business without licenses are liable for a maximum punishment of upto six months' imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.”
Zagade said, “Maharashtra has 45 lakh FBOs, and so far, the state FDA has issued more than 1.5 lakh licenses/registrations. The national total is 2.5 lakh licenses/registrations, so the state is on top,” adding that every FBO should get licenses before the August 4, 2012 deadline.
Dilip Shrirao, joint commissioner, Maharashtra FDA, spoke about the challenges in the implentation of licensing. He said, “There are no agents, and there is no need to pay commission to anyone to get a license.”
A business whose turnover is below Rs 12 lakh has to register itself, and if its turnover is Rs 12 lakh or more, it has to be licensed. He added that the Rs 12 lakh turnover criterion isn't applicable to people who do business on their own (without any employee).
“However, if the proprietor of the business employs three or four people, or more, the Rs 12 lakh criterion will be applicable. We have simplified the documents required to obtain a license/registration,” Shrirao said.
“For registration, only the ID prood and additional proof is required, and the kind of business he plans to do has to be informed. There is no requirement for inspection for registration. Inspection is also not compulsory for renewing the license,” he said.
Shrirao added, “If someone doesn't get the registration within a month after he has filed it, it is deemed that the registration has been given to him. For licensing, it is two months.”
Prabodh Halde, vice-president, Mumbai chapter, AFST(I), spoke about the challenges faced by FBOs in licensing. He mentioned the generic issues such as the glitches faced when one is filing an online application.
“There are also issues relating to the confusion between the definition of retailer and manufacturer; licenses for non-food items and proprietary foods, and problems related to the state FDA,” he said.
Halde said, “Transporters' unions are not ready to take licenses. And who will force retailers to take licenses or registrations, Those are also issues.” This was followed by a question-and-answer session between the FDA and the FBOs. It concluded with the vote of thanks by M M Chitale of AFST(I).
The objective of this event was to have an interaction between between FBOs and the FDA commissioner and his team of officers with respect to the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations in the state of Maharashtra, especially with respect to licensing.
Mahesh Zagade, FDA commissioner, Maharashtra, was the chief guest at the conference. K D Yadav, president, AFST(I), gave the welcome speech. He thanked the Maharashtra FDA for their support.
Yadav said, “The implementation of licensing is not going to be an easy task. We will have to work hard with the FDA and FBOs to overcome the challenges. This conference gives a good platform to discuss the issues faced by FBOs.”
“The main objective of the regulations is to provide safe and wholesome food to people in general. The FDA will get the full support from the food business operators,” he said. His opening remarks were followed by Zagade's speech.
“We have to move at a faster pace to get the registration and licensing done in the state of Maharashtra. If the FDA and FBOs work together, the objective will be achievable,” the state FDA commissioner said.
“We have to work in a structured manner,” he said, emphasising on the maintenance of business continuity. He also spoke about the objectives of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and salient features of Maharashtra FDA.
Zagade said, “Maharashtra FDA has become powerful over the years. The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, strives to minimise the control on FBOs. We want the FBOs to regulate themselves.”
While speaking about the licensing and registration of food businesses, he assured the FBOs that the FDA will not be stringent in the licensing and registration procedure, and FBOs will be able to obtain licenses and registrations without much trouble.
However, he stressed that to run any food business, a license/registration is compulsory. He also said Maharashtra is growing economically, and like any other sector, the food and beverage industry is also growing rapidly.
“We don't want problems that will stop the growth of this sector,” Zagade said. For that, FBOs should follow the regulations. He also spoke about the punishment for not taking a license or registering.
Section 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, pertains to the punishment for carrying out business without a license. It states that, “FBOs commencing business without licenses are liable for a maximum punishment of upto six months' imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh.”
Zagade said, “Maharashtra has 45 lakh FBOs, and so far, the state FDA has issued more than 1.5 lakh licenses/registrations. The national total is 2.5 lakh licenses/registrations, so the state is on top,” adding that every FBO should get licenses before the August 4, 2012 deadline.
Dilip Shrirao, joint commissioner, Maharashtra FDA, spoke about the challenges in the implentation of licensing. He said, “There are no agents, and there is no need to pay commission to anyone to get a license.”
A business whose turnover is below Rs 12 lakh has to register itself, and if its turnover is Rs 12 lakh or more, it has to be licensed. He added that the Rs 12 lakh turnover criterion isn't applicable to people who do business on their own (without any employee).
“However, if the proprietor of the business employs three or four people, or more, the Rs 12 lakh criterion will be applicable. We have simplified the documents required to obtain a license/registration,” Shrirao said.
“For registration, only the ID prood and additional proof is required, and the kind of business he plans to do has to be informed. There is no requirement for inspection for registration. Inspection is also not compulsory for renewing the license,” he said.
Shrirao added, “If someone doesn't get the registration within a month after he has filed it, it is deemed that the registration has been given to him. For licensing, it is two months.”
Prabodh Halde, vice-president, Mumbai chapter, AFST(I), spoke about the challenges faced by FBOs in licensing. He mentioned the generic issues such as the glitches faced when one is filing an online application.
“There are also issues relating to the confusion between the definition of retailer and manufacturer; licenses for non-food items and proprietary foods, and problems related to the state FDA,” he said.
Halde said, “Transporters' unions are not ready to take licenses. And who will force retailers to take licenses or registrations, Those are also issues.” This was followed by a question-and-answer session between the FDA and the FBOs. It concluded with the vote of thanks by M M Chitale of AFST(I).
Jun 22, 2012
'Label food based on glycemic index'
MUMBAI: Don't just count calories, check the glycemic index of each foodstuff as well. Doctors and nutritionists want Indians to learn this new health mantra in order to check the twin epidemics of diabetes and heart diseases.
"Foods should be marked and labelled as low or high on the glycemic index (GI) so that people can make healthy choices,'' said Dr Shashank Joshi, endocrinologist and editor of medical journals.
Both calories and GI are measurements of how food affects one's metabolism. Calories is a measure of the total energy one's body receives from a food item, while GI is a relatively new concept that tells how quickly one's body can convert carbohydrates into blood sugar.
The need for GI-consciousness, say doctors, is essential if people want to watch their weight, control their blood sugar and stay healthy. "A food with high GI releases sugar instantly that could lead to fluctuations in sugar levels or increase wear and tear of tissues,'' said Dr Joshi. Low GI foods, in contrast, increase the blood sugar as well as insulin levels gradually. "We, in fact, have asked the government to make such labelling mandatory,'' said Dr Joshi.
Speaking at a seminar on "Placing the glycemic index at the centre of healthy food choices" in Bangalore on Friday, experts said that 70% of the Indian diet is made up of carbohydrates. "Hence it is important to watch the GI of the food we eat,'' said city-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. She gave the example of rice. "Indians love longer grain but they should check on the GI of rice before buying it. Lower GI is better,'' she said.
A survey titled 'GUIDe Study' ('Glycemic Index-Usage, Interpretation in Diabetes & Well-being) released during the seminar showed that Mumbaikars were second only to Bangalore in awareness about GI. "Our survey found 50% of Bangaloreans and 47% of Mumbaikars were aware of GI,'' said Dr Priyanka Rohatgi of Apollo Hospital, Bangalore. Around 94% of Mumbai's dieticians who participated in the survey felt that GI was an important tool for reducing the incidences of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease and cancer.
What is GI?
It is defined as the rise in blood glucose after eating 50 gm of carbohydrates
High GI: 70 and up.
Instant white rice, plain white bread, white skinless baked potato
Medium GI: 56 to 69.
Sweet corn, bananas, raw pineapple, raisins and certain types of ice cream.
Low GI: 55 and below.
Raw carrots, peanuts, raw apple, grapefruit, peas, skim milk, kidney beans and lentils.
"Foods should be marked and labelled as low or high on the glycemic index (GI) so that people can make healthy choices,'' said Dr Shashank Joshi, endocrinologist and editor of medical journals.
Both calories and GI are measurements of how food affects one's metabolism. Calories is a measure of the total energy one's body receives from a food item, while GI is a relatively new concept that tells how quickly one's body can convert carbohydrates into blood sugar.
The need for GI-consciousness, say doctors, is essential if people want to watch their weight, control their blood sugar and stay healthy. "A food with high GI releases sugar instantly that could lead to fluctuations in sugar levels or increase wear and tear of tissues,'' said Dr Joshi. Low GI foods, in contrast, increase the blood sugar as well as insulin levels gradually. "We, in fact, have asked the government to make such labelling mandatory,'' said Dr Joshi.
Speaking at a seminar on "Placing the glycemic index at the centre of healthy food choices" in Bangalore on Friday, experts said that 70% of the Indian diet is made up of carbohydrates. "Hence it is important to watch the GI of the food we eat,'' said city-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. She gave the example of rice. "Indians love longer grain but they should check on the GI of rice before buying it. Lower GI is better,'' she said.
A survey titled 'GUIDe Study' ('Glycemic Index-Usage, Interpretation in Diabetes & Well-being) released during the seminar showed that Mumbaikars were second only to Bangalore in awareness about GI. "Our survey found 50% of Bangaloreans and 47% of Mumbaikars were aware of GI,'' said Dr Priyanka Rohatgi of Apollo Hospital, Bangalore. Around 94% of Mumbai's dieticians who participated in the survey felt that GI was an important tool for reducing the incidences of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, obesity, coronary heart disease and cancer.
What is GI?
It is defined as the rise in blood glucose after eating 50 gm of carbohydrates
High GI: 70 and up.
Instant white rice, plain white bread, white skinless baked potato
Medium GI: 56 to 69.
Sweet corn, bananas, raw pineapple, raisins and certain types of ice cream.
Low GI: 55 and below.
Raw carrots, peanuts, raw apple, grapefruit, peas, skim milk, kidney beans and lentils.
Learn food pairing for best benefits
Like human beings, foods can also bring out the best in each other, nutritionally speaking. Read on to find out who should date whom for your good health
You already know a lot about what foods are good for you. But there's more to healthy eating than just that. Sometimes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And this especially true for some food combinations, even if they sound weird when you first hear about them. Dietician Sheela Tanna tells you how to pair food to unlock the benefits of individual ingredients.
Turmeric and salmon
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Salmon is low on carbohydrates and high on protein. When the two are combined, the properties of Omega 3 fatty acids present in salmon get a boost and it guards the nervous system against the effects of ageing. It also increases the level of HDL (good cholesterol) which improves heart health by keep the arteries clear of bad cholesterol.
The combination is also believed to slow tumour growth by keeping the cancer cells from multiplying.
Whole grains and onions
Whole grains, such as maize, brown rice, barley and wheat contain iron and zinc in different quantities. The two minerals are absorbed by the human body more easily in the presence of sulphur compounds present in onions - which is also what makes you cry when you slice them.
Beans and greens
Beans are rich in proteins and iron. When paired with veggies rich in Vitamin C such as spinach, sprouts and potatoes, it aids weight loss. "Your body uses three times more energy to metabolise proteins than carbs and fats," says Tanna. "Vitamin C rich foods do not aid weight-loss directly. But they have water soluble nutrients which make them very low calorie foods. The combination of beans and veggies won't let you gain those extra kilos."
Also the iron content of beans gets better absorbed in the presence of Vitamin C from vegetables.
Tomato and olive oil
Tomatoes contain Vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene in substantial quantities. This antioxidant lowers the risk of cataracts, osteoporosis, cancer and the effects of ageing. Olive oil, also rich in antioxidants, promotes the formation of HDL (good cholesterol) in the body. Lycopene gets better absorbed in the presence of olive oil and is highly beneficial for the heart. It purifies the blood and dissolves gallstones. The combo also boosts liver function of protein synthesis and detoxification of the body. It's believed to reduce effects of hypertension.
Broccoli and mustard
Broccoli is a good source of Vitamin C, antioxidants and a compound called sulforaphane. This compound exhibits anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. The absorption of sulforaphane is better in the presence of myrosinase, an enzyme present in mustard. The two combat bacterial infections in the urinary tract, excretory system, digestive system and the colon. Iron is part of blood cells in the body and carries oxygen from the lungs to muscles and organs. Zinc helps in healing wounds. Antioxidants and Vitamin C present in onions also facilitate the iron absorption from whole grains.
Whole grains are also rich in Vitamin E which when combined with Vitamin C become beneficial for the skin. "This also goes for other combinations of vegetables rich in Vitamin C such as carrots, cabbage, peas and pumpkin with whole grains," says Tanna.
You already know a lot about what foods are good for you. But there's more to healthy eating than just that. Sometimes, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And this especially true for some food combinations, even if they sound weird when you first hear about them. Dietician Sheela Tanna tells you how to pair food to unlock the benefits of individual ingredients.
Turmeric and salmon
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Salmon is low on carbohydrates and high on protein. When the two are combined, the properties of Omega 3 fatty acids present in salmon get a boost and it guards the nervous system against the effects of ageing. It also increases the level of HDL (good cholesterol) which improves heart health by keep the arteries clear of bad cholesterol.
The combination is also believed to slow tumour growth by keeping the cancer cells from multiplying.
Whole grains and onions
Whole grains, such as maize, brown rice, barley and wheat contain iron and zinc in different quantities. The two minerals are absorbed by the human body more easily in the presence of sulphur compounds present in onions - which is also what makes you cry when you slice them.
Beans and greens
Beans are rich in proteins and iron. When paired with veggies rich in Vitamin C such as spinach, sprouts and potatoes, it aids weight loss. "Your body uses three times more energy to metabolise proteins than carbs and fats," says Tanna. "Vitamin C rich foods do not aid weight-loss directly. But they have water soluble nutrients which make them very low calorie foods. The combination of beans and veggies won't let you gain those extra kilos."
Also the iron content of beans gets better absorbed in the presence of Vitamin C from vegetables.
Tomato and olive oil
Tomatoes contain Vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene in substantial quantities. This antioxidant lowers the risk of cataracts, osteoporosis, cancer and the effects of ageing. Olive oil, also rich in antioxidants, promotes the formation of HDL (good cholesterol) in the body. Lycopene gets better absorbed in the presence of olive oil and is highly beneficial for the heart. It purifies the blood and dissolves gallstones. The combo also boosts liver function of protein synthesis and detoxification of the body. It's believed to reduce effects of hypertension.
Broccoli and mustard
Broccoli is a good source of Vitamin C, antioxidants and a compound called sulforaphane. This compound exhibits anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. The absorption of sulforaphane is better in the presence of myrosinase, an enzyme present in mustard. The two combat bacterial infections in the urinary tract, excretory system, digestive system and the colon. Iron is part of blood cells in the body and carries oxygen from the lungs to muscles and organs. Zinc helps in healing wounds. Antioxidants and Vitamin C present in onions also facilitate the iron absorption from whole grains.
Whole grains are also rich in Vitamin E which when combined with Vitamin C become beneficial for the skin. "This also goes for other combinations of vegetables rich in Vitamin C such as carrots, cabbage, peas and pumpkin with whole grains," says Tanna.
Thirty-two packaged water units seized - THE HINDU
They were found supplying water to people without maintaining standards
The district administration cracked a whip on the spurious packaged drinking water supplying units in Karimnagar district by seizing 32 units for not possessing Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certificates as part of the Food Safety and standards Act 2006.
In a press note here on Thursday , district food inspection officer (DFIO) Preetham Kumar said that they had inspected 104 packaged drinking water units in the district and sent the samples for tests in Hyderabad laboratory. Following the supply of spurious water to the people without maintaining standards, they have seized 32 packaged drinking water units in the district. Earlier, the authorities seized 14 units for failing to follow the stipulated norms.
He informed the people to consume only safe bottled water being supplied by the units possessing BIS certification.
The units which have been seized include Balaji Aqua Industries and Manikanta Purified Drinking Water plants in Jammikunta town, Godavari Drinking Water, Vijaya Packaged Drinking Water, Manikanta Industries and Narayana Beverages, Ayyappa and Sri Sai Yamuna Purified Drinking Water in Sircilla, Jalabugga Pure Drinking Water and Maruti in Kondagattu temple shrine.
In and around Karimnagar town, Dayals Enterprises, Kanikapa Vinayaka Industries, Godavari Industries, Pavitra Industries, Balaji Packaged Drinking Water, Sai Amrutha, Sri Venkateshwara Industries, Laxmi Enterprises, Jaladhara Packaged Water, Bharati Industries, Laxmi Industries and Padma Aqua Systems .
The Divya Manair Water, Sagar Matha Water, Sri Sai Waters and Anjaiah Waters in Sultanabad and Rangampalli Drinking Water, Godavari Water, Hanuman Water, Sri Ranga Water, Sri Raghavendra Water and Srisailam Drinking Water plants in Peddapalli town.
Jun 21, 2012
Chamber holds seminar on Food Safety Act
Kochi, June 21:
The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a seminar on Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and its impact on food industry here.
Inaugurating the seminar, Dr G.S. Rajorhia, principal consultant of Indian Registrar of Quality Systems, New Delhi, said that lack of awareness about various provisions of the Act is a major hurdle faced by the constituents in the food supply chain.
He pointed out that understanding the Act has become inevitable for the consumers as well as for the food business operators (FBO). It is imperative that they register or get licence for their trade under the Act before August 4.
All FBO’s from transporters to sellers will need to comply with the rules under the Act by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a single reference point for all matters relating to Food Safety and Standards, Regulations and Enforcement.
Under the FSS Act, it is mandatory for all FBOs including big hoteliers, small canteens, road side hawkers, wholesalers, retailers, stockists and food item sellers including grocers to obtain licenses, he said.
With the implementation of the Act, he said, the quality of the food items is expected to be enhanced and accountability will be set to the FBOs. Under the new provisions of the Act, an application for registration or for license will have to be acted upon within two months, pointing out deficiencies if any.
Mr Prakash James, president of the Chamber, said that a help centre would be opened soon at the Chamber office for the benefit of the trade.
China launches five-year food safety plan
China released a five-year plan last week, upgrading its food safety regulations, Food Safety News reports.
The new plan, developed by the country's Ministry of Health, sets out to update existing standards, write new ones, and in general close loopholes and abolish ambiguities. The framework was announced on the heels of China's Food Safety Week.Despite the spate of China food scandals in recent years, the country has more than 2,000 national food regulations and more than 2,900 industry-based regulations.
"Many of the regulations are overlapping or contradict each other, since multiple government agencies were given the responsibility of compiling their own standards years ago," said the government in a statement.
The plan calls for coordination between 14 different government departments, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture, to complete reviewing and revamping the existing standards by 2015.
"The government will prioritize safety standards for dairy products, infant food, meat, alcohol, vegetable oil, seasoning, health products and food additives so as to specify limits for dangerous ingredients in these foods," according to the release. "Moreover, the government will make special efforts to set standards for testing various contaminants, food additives, microorganisms, pesticide and animal drug residue in food production by 2015."
How hygienic is the TASMAC bar in your neighbourhood? - THE HINDU
The Hindu TASMAC runs 305 liquor retail outlets and has let on contract 278 bars in the district. File photo: A. Muralitharan
Food safety authority to make sure the premises are healthy and user-friendly
Cheers! There’s good news for tipplers from the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department.
The department has planned to ask owners of bars attached to the State-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) to clean the premises so that they are healthy and user-friendly.
According to R. Kathiravan, Designated Officer, Coimbatore, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the office will soon write to the authority concerned in TASMAC in Coimbatore in this regard.
The FSSAI’s clean-up operation is likely to begin soon after the TASMAC authorities float tenders and issue orders to contractors to run bars for the next licence period of one year. This is likely to happen in the next couple of months.
“The FSSAI is working in association with the TASMAC to ensure that the contractors abide by the hygiene norms just as they confirm to the contract conditions,” he says.
TASMAC runs 305 liquor retail outlets and has let on contract 278 bars in the district.
Registration
The bars are bound to come under the purview of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as per the new Food Safety and Standards Regulation, 2011. Establishments that deal with food will have to register with the FSSAI if their annual turnover is less than Rs. 12 lakh, or obtain a licence if their turnover is above Rs. 12 lakh.
Dr. Kathiravan says that as per the Regulation the bars should have floors and walls that are easily washable, adequate ventilation and lighting, sufficient space for free movement, separate smoking area, spittoons, washbasins and toilets, pest control measures, safe storage space for raw materials and disinfected floors.
Further, the bars should serve food (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) that is free of colouring agents, provision for proper disposal of solid and liquid wastes, provide disposable plates and tumblers, supply safe drinking water, which if packed should bear ISI label, store prepared food in covered containers and serve packed foods that follow labelling rules as per FSSAI standards, Dr. Kathiravan said.
Regulation
The move by FSSAI to regulate bars are part of its strategy to bring into its fold government-run establishments that deal with food and these include fair price shops run by both the Cooperative and Civil Supplies Departments.
Dr. Kathiravan says that the FSSAI has also written to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to register temples that provide annadhanam.
‘Ban surrogate advertisements of tobacco products’
An anti-tobacco organisation has approached the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to ban advertisements promoting tobacco products. It alleged that tobacco products are being promoted indirectly in the country.
“In the name of advertising for pan masala, tobacco companies promote products like gutkha,” said Amit Yadav, manager (legal cell) of Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth.“If you look at the advertisements, you will find images of gutkha packet instead of pan masala. In fact, the pack of gutkha will be identical to the one advertised, while a pan masala pack will look different,” said Yadav in a letter to the authority.
The letter, addressed to the standards authority chairperson K Chandramouli, stated that the tobacco industry has been using indirect and surrogate means, such as sponsoring TV shows, cricket tournaments and award functions, to promote tobacco products through identical brand extensions.
“The use of identical or similar brand names creates confusion and incites consumers, particularly youth, to experiment with such products,” Yadav wrote.
The authority had passed a regulation banning sale of tobacco products a few months ago.
“Kerala and Maharashtra have banned tobacco products after a regulation,” said Yadav.
Yadav’s organisation has written to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, asking it to remove all indirect or surrogate advertisements of tobacco products from Metro stations and feeder bus service.
The DMRC responded that this issue should not be seen in isolation since such ads are found everywhere.
This prompted the organisation to approached the authority to ban advertisement of pan masala products as well. “We are planning to write to state governments to follow the examples of Kerala and Maharashtra,” said Yadav.
FSSA, 2006: FAFAI finds Aug 5 deadline too short for proper implementation
Although the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) set an August 5, 2012, deadline for getting the existing licences converted, it might not be long enough to convincingly answer all the petty food vendors' objections to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and certain regulations of the same Act, which came into effect last year.
This was the opinion of Ravi Mehra, chairman, flavours sub-committee, Fragrances and Flavours Association of India (FAFAI).
"Retail associations in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, have filed a number of petitions in the Madras High Court, and got all of them stayed. That is because the 2011 rules are not in consonance with the Act, and anything that is outside the purview of the Act is invalid," Mehra said, adding that different segments of the industry had their own scientific committees and the panels were not represented enough by the small, unorganised food business operators (FBOs), the section of the industry it was most likely to affect.
"There is no scientific basis for the implementation of the Act, its rules and regulations. Moreover, we are afraid of implementing it - that is where the problem lies. The regulatory approach is wrong, and from the stakeholders' point of view, it would not be incorrect to say that it isn't awareness or education, but sensitisation which is an absolute must. The law is draconian, and could promote more corruption than there is now," he said.
"Since the multinational players will obviously follow the rules prevalent overseas, the smaller stakeholders need to be taken into confidence. Only then can the Act be implemented," Mehra said.
This was the opinion of Ravi Mehra, chairman, flavours sub-committee, Fragrances and Flavours Association of India (FAFAI).
"Retail associations in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, have filed a number of petitions in the Madras High Court, and got all of them stayed. That is because the 2011 rules are not in consonance with the Act, and anything that is outside the purview of the Act is invalid," Mehra said, adding that different segments of the industry had their own scientific committees and the panels were not represented enough by the small, unorganised food business operators (FBOs), the section of the industry it was most likely to affect.
"There is no scientific basis for the implementation of the Act, its rules and regulations. Moreover, we are afraid of implementing it - that is where the problem lies. The regulatory approach is wrong, and from the stakeholders' point of view, it would not be incorrect to say that it isn't awareness or education, but sensitisation which is an absolute must. The law is draconian, and could promote more corruption than there is now," he said.
"Since the multinational players will obviously follow the rules prevalent overseas, the smaller stakeholders need to be taken into confidence. Only then can the Act be implemented," Mehra said.
Tamil Nadu Governor's call to BIS
Chennai, Jun 20 : With the mushrooming of food stalls and small food businesses, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) should be more vigilant to ensure food safety norms were adhered to strictly, Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah said today.
Inaugurating a National Seminar on 'Food Safety : Role of Standards,' organised by the BIS here, he commended the role of BIS in ensuring food hygiene, good manufacturing practices, safety managements and systems. "Today we see mushrooming of food stalls and small food businesses.
The BIS should ensure the food safety norms are adhered to. Ensuring hygiene practices, fresh and quality food and good manufacturing practices are imperative,' he added. Stressing on the need for creating awareness among consumers on food safety, Dr Rosaiah said the consumer should be made vigilant not only about the nutrients in food but also safety and hygiene.
Inaugurating a National Seminar on 'Food Safety : Role of Standards,' organised by the BIS here, he commended the role of BIS in ensuring food hygiene, good manufacturing practices, safety managements and systems. "Today we see mushrooming of food stalls and small food businesses.
The BIS should ensure the food safety norms are adhered to. Ensuring hygiene practices, fresh and quality food and good manufacturing practices are imperative,' he added. Stressing on the need for creating awareness among consumers on food safety, Dr Rosaiah said the consumer should be made vigilant not only about the nutrients in food but also safety and hygiene.
15,000 cases of substandard food products detected in China
BEIJING: As public concerns over food safety mounted following a spate of scandals, Chinese officials claimed to have detected 15,000 cases of substandard food in a crackdown and shut down 5,700 unlicensed businesses since the beginning of this year.
The State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) told media here that the irregularities were discovered after authorities across the country launched 9.97 million inspections on food businesses, which included wholesalers and sellers at market fairs.
Dairy products, edible oils, seasonal foods and alcoholic beverages were among the major food categories targeted during the inspections.
Li Yujia, deputy head of the SAIC's food bureau, said that the SAIC will continue to step up checks on sectors, including dairy products, food additives and edible oils, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.
The Chinese public has become increasingly concerned over food safety after a slew of scares - from melamine-tainted baby formula products to pork contaminated with clenbuterol - exposed the vulnerability of the country's food sector.
Recently, China's top baby formula food maker Yili Industrial Group recalled several of its products after quality regulators found an "unusual amount" of mercury in the some of the products.
The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said mercury, a metallic element that is toxic in high doses, was detected in several batches of Yili's dairy products.
Despite a well-developed dairy industry, Chinese parents continue to rely more on foreign baby food products after a series of scandals involving contaminated baby food products.
China was also shocked by a 'gutter oil' scandal in which some of the traders recycled oil discarded after usage.
The State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) told media here that the irregularities were discovered after authorities across the country launched 9.97 million inspections on food businesses, which included wholesalers and sellers at market fairs.
Dairy products, edible oils, seasonal foods and alcoholic beverages were among the major food categories targeted during the inspections.
Li Yujia, deputy head of the SAIC's food bureau, said that the SAIC will continue to step up checks on sectors, including dairy products, food additives and edible oils, state-run news agency Xinhua reported.
The Chinese public has become increasingly concerned over food safety after a slew of scares - from melamine-tainted baby formula products to pork contaminated with clenbuterol - exposed the vulnerability of the country's food sector.
Recently, China's top baby formula food maker Yili Industrial Group recalled several of its products after quality regulators found an "unusual amount" of mercury in the some of the products.
The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said mercury, a metallic element that is toxic in high doses, was detected in several batches of Yili's dairy products.
Despite a well-developed dairy industry, Chinese parents continue to rely more on foreign baby food products after a series of scandals involving contaminated baby food products.
China was also shocked by a 'gutter oil' scandal in which some of the traders recycled oil discarded after usage.
Jun 20, 2012
Check tobacco promotion, sales: Voluntary group to FSSAI
New Delhi, June 20 (IANS) An anti-tobacco voluntary group Wednesday sought intervention of India's food safety authority to check promotion and sales of tobacco products in the country as part of the public health policy.
HRIDAY (Health Related Information Dissemination Amongst Youth), in a letter to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said tobacco products were being indirectly promoted in the country. "The tobacco industry has been using indirect and surrogate means like sponsoring TV shows, cricket tournaments and award functions to promote products such as pan masala through their identical brand extensions."
"The use of identical or similar brand names creates a confusion and incites consumers, particularly youth, to experiment with such products," the letter to FSSAI chairperson K. Chandramouli said.
FSSAI, under the ministry of health and family welfare, lays down scientific standards for food articles and their manufacturing, storage and distribution.
Citing advertisements of certain products at Delhi's Metro stations and the international airport, which claim to have "zero percent tobacco", the anti-tobacco group demanded that these be tested to ensure the safety of consumer.
"We urge FSSAI to initiate a process of testing all pan masala and mouth fresheners available in the market and, based on their cancer-causing and other hazardous properties, prohibit their direct and indirect advertisements," the letter said.
FOOD SAFETY: NEED OF THE HOUR
I. What is Food Safety?
Food safety is described as handling, preparation and storage of food in a safe way to prevent food borne illness. One of the most important aspects of practicing food safety involves preventing foods from becoming contaminated. Food safety has become an important buzz as it is creating severe health hazards. Unsafe food transmits diseases from one person to other as it serves as a media for bacterial growth resulting in food poisoning. Debates are going on to find out the impact of genetically modified food on health and on further generations and environment. In under developed countries the food preparation methods are less safe as compared to developed countries. The major issue in food safety is availability of safe water. Generally we can prevent food poisoning, if we maintain hygienic conditions. According to WHO, the five important principles of food hygiene are:
1. Prevent contamination of food with pathogens spreading from people, pets, and pests.
2. Separate raw and cooked foods to prevent the contamination of cooked foods.
3. Cook foods for the appropriate length of time and at the appropriate temperature to kill pathogens.
4. Store food at the proper temperature.
5. Basic food safety should start from the kitchen itself. Use safe water and hygienic cooking materials.
II. What are the causes of Food Contamination?
• Parasites stay as hosts to many diseases in human body. The most common food borne parasites in United States are protozoa, roundworms, and tapeworms.
• Mold, toxins and contaminants are the factors for all kinds of food contaminations. Some food poisoning cases may be occurred due to natural toxins or chemical toxins.
• Allergens cause abnormal response to a food triggered by your body’s immune system. Some foods like nuts, milk, eggs and seafood causes allergic reactions in people with food allergies.
The diseases caused by food contamination are as follows:
The list of diseases caused by pathogens or their toxins (poisons) that are transmitted through the intake of contaminated food and water is a long one. Most of these diseases affect the gastro-intestinal tract, but some affect other organs, too. Food-borne pathogens include viruses such as the hepatitis A virus; bacteria such as those that cause food poisoning and various forms of gastroenteritis, cholera, typhoid fever and botulism; protozoa such as E. histolytica, the causative agent of amoebiasis; and, other parasites such as ascaris, other roundworms and tapeworms.
People with a high risk of food borne diseases are:
• Infants
• Pregnant Women
• Young children
• Adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• Individuals with certain chronic diseases
The diseases caused by food contamination are as follows:
1. Campylobacter jejuni
• Sources: Raw poultry, unpasteurized milk
• Symptoms: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, may last 7 last 7-10 days
2. Listeria
• Sources: Raw milk, raw seafood, seafood, soft cheeses
• Symptoms: 7-30 day onset; miscarriage, sepsis, meningitis
3. Salmonella
• Sources: Raw or undercooked poultry, poultry, eggs
• Symptoms: 6-48 hr onset; fever, chills, vomiting, abdominal cramps diarrhea
4. Hepatitis A virus
• Sources: Undercooked or raw fish, human contact
• Symptoms: 15-2020 day onset; day onset; liver inflammation, tiredness, nausea and vomiting
5. Coli O157:H7
• Sources: Undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk products, person to person.
• Symptoms: 12-72 hr onset; bloody diarrhea, kidney failure,
6. Staphylococcus
• Sources: Humans are carriers; poor food handling procedures
• Symptoms: 8-24 hr. onset; mimics flu; lasts
III. What are the tips for Food Safety?
The food poisoning can be done by pathogens and toxins during production, processing, distribution, preparation or storage of food. The below tips can be useful in supporting food safety procedures:
• Buy and consume only food that is processed with safety standards.
• Cook the food completely to kill the disease causing pathogens.
• Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly to avoid toxins. This will not totally eliminate pathogens, but their number can be significantly reduced for the body’s other defenses to take care of.
• Wash food items for cooking before chopping or cutting.
• Wash with soap and water all utensils, chopping boards and kitchen areas before preparing meals.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing, eating and handling food.
• Eat cooked food within 1-2 hours after cooking.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 1-2 hours.
• Re-heat leftovers thoroughly before eating.
• Do not allow contact or mixing of raw and cooked foods.
• Protect food from rodents, cockroaches, flies and other insects.
• Consume milk only if it has been pasteurized.
• Ensure that your drinking water is safe.
IV. What aspects need to be checked before purchasing Food items?
1. Check for Cleanliness: Does your supermarket, grocery store or vegetable store look clean?
2. Separate Certain Foods: Whether the raw meat, poultry and seafood are packed in separate plastic bags or not.
3. Inspect Cans, Bottles, and Jars: Don’t buy foods in spoiled cans, bottles, packs and jars with broken seals or lids.
4. Examine Frozen Food Packaging: Avoid frozen food packages which are open, torn or crushed on the edges.
5. Pick Out Fresh Eggs Carefully: Buy refrigerated eggs only, making sure they’re clean and none are cracked.
V. What are the initiatives of Government of India towards Food Safety?
FSSAI has been authorized by the FSS Act, 2006 to perform below functions:
• Framing of regulations to lay down the standards and guidelines in relation to articles of food and specifying appropriate system on various notified standards.
• Laying down mechanisms and guidelines for accreditation of certification bodies engaged in certification of food safety management system for food businesses.
• Laying down procedure and guidelines for accreditation of laboratories and notification of the accredited laboratories.
• To provide scientific advice and technical support to central government and state governments in the matters of framing the policy and rules in areas which have a direct or indirect bearing of food safety and nutrition.
• Collect and collate data regarding food consumption, incidence and prevalence of biological risk, contaminants in food and residues of various contaminants in foods products, identification of emerging risks and introduction of rapid alert system.
• Creating an information network across the country so that the public, consumers, panchayats etc receive rapid, reliable and objective information about food safety and issues of concern.
• Provide training programmes for persons who are involved or intended to get involved in food businesses.
• Contribute to the development of international technical standards for food, sanitary and phyto-sanitary standards.
• Promote general awareness about food safety and food standards.
VI. What are the initiatives taken by WHO towards Food Safety?
Recent WHO report on food safety reveals below interesting facts:
• Food safety
Unsafe food causes many acute and life-long diseases, ranging from diarrheal diseases to various forms of cancer. WHO estimates that food borne and waterborne diarrheal diseases taken together kill about 2.2 million people annually, 1.9 million of them are noted as children only. WHO’s mission is to provide assistance to the member states to strengthen their programmes on food safety from the initial stages to final consumption.
• Zoonoses
Zoonotic diseases are caused due to the infections which are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. The greatest risk for zoonotic disease transmission occurs at the human-animal interface through direct or indirect human exposure to animals, their products and/or their environments. More than 60% of the newly identified infectious insects affect the people by originating the pathogens from animals.
• Microbiological risks in food
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are formulating policies for the development of risk based approaches towards the management of food safety procedures.
• Chemical risks in food
The factor which affects the food safety is the chemical contamination which is a worldwide public health concern. Contamination may occur through environmental pollution of the air, water and soil, such as the case with toxic metals, PCBs and dioxins, or through the intentional use of various chemicals, such as pesticides, animal drugs and other agrochemicals.
Since the year 1976, WHO has formulated the Global Environment Monitoring System and Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme (GEMS/Food) with regard to public health and trade. Food additives and procedures in food manufacturing system also causes adverse health effects on a person.
• Biotechnology (GM foods) and nanotechnology
Recent developments in food science and technology have made massive contribution to the field of food safety. WHO has been addressing a wide range of issues in the field of biotechnology and human health, including safety evaluation of vaccines produced using biotechnology, human cloning and gene therapy.
• Food borne diseases
The changing polluted environment causes food borne diseases in infants, young, children and elders.
BIS to set new standards for food retail in hygiene and processing soon
In order to ensure quality and best practices at par with global standards in the food retail sector, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will soon be launching three new standards.
According to sources, the three new standards to be launched would be in terms of management, hygiene practices and processing of food.
"FICCI appreciates BIS initiative of formulating three new standards in the areas of food safety management, hygiene practices and processing of food,"Shilpa Gupta, deputy director, head, retail and FMCG Committee.
Gupta said that it would have direct implications on the food retail sector and would lead to improvement in the quality and safety of entire food retail chain.
She further said that upgrading of standards according to current requirements was a move in the positive direction.
In this regard, Gupta mentioned that this would further promote public health by reducing the risk of food, protect consumers from adulterated food and would also enhance the competitiveness of Indian food retail sector.
"The BIS initiative of finalising Indian standards on basic requirements for street food vendors is also a notable move," she said, adding that with growing popularity of street foods in India and increasing importance of nutritional security it was critical to ensure safety in the entire street food chain.
However, another step which was vital was to increase awareness and sensitise the food retail companies and street vendors on the importance of maintaining quality and safety in the entire food value chain by adhering to good hygiene and manufacturing practices, she trailed off.
The new standards to be launched would include IS 16019:2012 for basic requirements in food retail, IS 16020:2012 for good hygiene and food safety management, and IS 16021:2012 for good manufacturing practices in food processing.
According to sources, the three new standards to be launched would be in terms of management, hygiene practices and processing of food.
"FICCI appreciates BIS initiative of formulating three new standards in the areas of food safety management, hygiene practices and processing of food,"Shilpa Gupta, deputy director, head, retail and FMCG Committee.
Gupta said that it would have direct implications on the food retail sector and would lead to improvement in the quality and safety of entire food retail chain.
She further said that upgrading of standards according to current requirements was a move in the positive direction.
In this regard, Gupta mentioned that this would further promote public health by reducing the risk of food, protect consumers from adulterated food and would also enhance the competitiveness of Indian food retail sector.
"The BIS initiative of finalising Indian standards on basic requirements for street food vendors is also a notable move," she said, adding that with growing popularity of street foods in India and increasing importance of nutritional security it was critical to ensure safety in the entire street food chain.
However, another step which was vital was to increase awareness and sensitise the food retail companies and street vendors on the importance of maintaining quality and safety in the entire food value chain by adhering to good hygiene and manufacturing practices, she trailed off.
The new standards to be launched would include IS 16019:2012 for basic requirements in food retail, IS 16020:2012 for good hygiene and food safety management, and IS 16021:2012 for good manufacturing practices in food processing.
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