Nov 11, 2019
After Aflatoxin M1 alert, Tamil Nadu panel to study milk safety
Image of milk vendors used for representational purpose
CHENNAI: Two weeks after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s report revealed presence of Aflatoxin M1 - cancer causing substance in milk samples taken from the State for national level survey- the State government has formed a high-level committee for a detailed study.
A highly placed official of health department told ‘Express’ that the panel comprises officials from food safety, health and animal husbandry departments, Aavin, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) and a few more research agencies.
“The committee will take samples from cattle feed, fodder and milk from across the State and conduct tests for various quality and safety parameters. Besides, checking the presence of Aflatoxin M1 and other toxic contents impact of climatic condition on cattle and regulation of food grain waste disposal will be looked into.”
Following this, food safety department has taken milk samples from over 135 milk manufacturing units across the State and sent them to National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
According to the ‘National Milk Safety and Quality Survey 2018’ released on October 18, by FSSAI, in 88 milk samples out of 551 collected from the State it was found that Aflatoxin M1 level did not comply with permissible limit.
While FSSAI standards prescribes 0.5 PPB (parts per billion) Aflatoxin level in milk and milk products, the toxic content level exceeded permissible limits in the milk samples taken for survey.
A senior veterinarian from Animal Husbandry department said Aflatoxin M1 comes in milk through cattle feed and fodder. “The food grain waste from industries and fodder which are fed to cattle are mostly stored in the open. The feed gets fungal infection when moisture level goes beyond 11 per cent. Subsequently, the fungus gets converted into carcinogen (Aflatoxin) in the cattle and transferred to milk. “
The State produces over two crore litres of milk a day, of which 34 lakh litres are procured by State-owned milk union federation ‘Aavin’, while the remaining quantity is sold to private companies. The food safety department claims it is yet to get details of brand names of milk samples.
Food safety dept to watch poultry farms
Tirupur: Food safety and drug administration authorities have decided to monitor poultry farms after seizing 450kg dead chickens.
The authorities on October 27 seized dead chickens from K Inbavalli, 46, Vijay, 24, Gayathri, 30, Latha, 45, and Amutha, 36, at Kumarananthapuram and near the Tirupur fish market.
All of them were relatives, who had migrated from Ramanathapuram district. They were staying in Kumarananthapuram. “They used to buy dead chickens from poultry farms in Namakkal every day and transport them along with live chickens. They would clean them in an open place on Maruthachalam Nagar Road,” said FSDA designated officer B Vijaya Lalitha Ambikai. “They would clean them at night and supply them to hotels and meat stalls. The dead chickens were sold opposite to the fish market only on Sundays.”
“They have been doing the illegal business for the last eight years. When we were preparing chargesheet, two of the accused absconded. But we caught them and confirmed their identities,” said Ambikai. “In two days, the chargesheet will be filed before the district revenue officer. We have been planning to invoke apt sections against them, so that heavy fines can be imposed on them.”
“We have informed to Namakkal FSDA about the illegal supply of the dead chickens from poultry farms. Soon, a meeting with poultry farms will be held to create awareness about the issue,” the official added.
Kozhikode to get state’s first beach street food centre soon
Kozhikode: Kozhikode beach is all set to get the state’s first beach street food hub. District food safety department with the help of Kozhikode corporation, port department and other government departments are all set to convert Kozhikode beach to a clean street food hub.
The scheme considered to be first of its kind in the state will be set up as a model street food hub, adhering to the guidelines of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The hub will come up in the Kozhikode beach area situated between beach stretch opposite the Kozhikode corporation office and beach open air stage. The food safety department here has entrusted D G College of Architecture to prepare the blueprint of the food hub and also the design of the vending carts.
All carts will have a unique design with facilities to keep vessels and to store generated waste. The officials will carry out a series of classes on FSSAI Act and hygienic food handling for the 90-licensed vendors at the beach stretch to maintain cleanliness. Proper lighting, drinking water and waste disposal facilities will be ensured by the corporation for the licensed vendors at the beach.
The decision to develop the beach stretch was taken based on the proposal submitted by assistant commissioner of FSSAI through the office of the commissioner of food safety of Kerala. FSSAI had conducted a pre-audit before giving final approval for the development of Kozhikode beach as model clean street food hub in Kozhikode district. Sheena Anilkumar, a resident of Karaparmba said that they refrain from buying snacks and ice creams for children from the street vendors at beach stretch, fearing hygiene. “If the beach gets a FSSAI standard street food hub then the parents will stop worrying about health effects on children due to consumption of street food. We also need more seating facilities and toilet facilities on the beach,”she said. P K Aleyamma, assistant commissioner of food safety Kozhikode said that the civic body with the help of port department and traffic police have already shifted the street vendors on the Kozhikode beach stretch to specific areas marked for vendors on the beach. “The area where street vendors used to carry out their business is now marked as a parking zone. A meeting will be held with D G College of architecture once they submit the blueprint of the model street food hub scheme for its implementation,” she said adding that the project will be implemented through sponsorship. “With the execution of the scheme, street vendors with a license will be allowed to carry out vending business. The scheme aims to ensure healthy, hygienic and quality street food items for consumers which is free from artificial food colours and flavours”, she said adding that project will be executed under the supervision of district collector Sambasiva Rao with the active participation of various government departments.
Advice ignored repeatedly, plan afoot to ban junk food at schools
New Delhi: Soon, junk food will go completely off the menu at school canteens with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposing to ban food items like burgers, pizzas, chowmein and french fries from December.
Several guidelines have been made in the past to check the consumption of food items, which are of little or no nutritional value, by children. But they continue to be available at school cafeterias. With the proposed ban coming into effect from December, one can expect a “healthy change” at city’s schools.
Some of the schools have already started preparing fresh menus and instructions for parents. “We tried to impose ban on such food items several times, but children and parents keep on coming with requests. If the ban is enforced, it will be easier for us to convince them,” said the principal of a popular school in south Delhi.
“The ban is okay, but the implementation has to begin at home. In our school, sale of such items is not allowed, but during an inspection we found that parents had packed pasta and Maggi for lunch. We have warned them about the ill-effects of such foods, and a fresh guideline will be to issued to them soon,” said another school principal.
Some schools have already taken steps to keep unhealthy options off the menu. Tania Joshi, principal of The Indian School, said, “In our canteen, we do not allow maida momos. They are replaced with wheat momos. White bread is not allowed in our school. We also have designated dates for different food items, and that helps.”
At the state level, members of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) have been conducting inspection of the schools to check sale of foods and drinks ‘high in fat, sugar and salt’ (HFSS) content.
“Recently, we had received a series of complaints, and inspections revealed that many schools were providing foods and drinks high on fat, salt and sugar content. Notices were sent to 10 schools earlier this week, and they have been asked to reply by November 20,” said DCPCR member Ranjana Prasad.
In December last year, another 10 reputed private schools were served notices in connection with the sale of junk food.
TOI team’s visit to a few city schools revealed that most of the students’ favourite food items were part of the HFSS list. They were easily available in the school canteens and the shops located nearby.
The rule, however, bans sale of junk food within 50 metres from the schools.
“Our school does not have a canteen, so I don’t have to worry much. When the children leave school, the teachers are posted outside till they get into their buses,” said Jyoti Arora, principal, Mount Abu Public School, Rohini. “We are hosting a national-level chess championship, and HFSS food is banned at the venue,” she added.
Goa: High court tells FSSAI to file formalin report by November 28
PANAJI: After the food safety and standards authority of India (FSSAI) failed to submit its report specifying standards regarding naturally-occurring formalin in different species of fish, the high court of Bombay at Goa directed the central authority to file its report by November 28.
The FSSAI did not request a time-extension to submit the report either.
“If the report is not being filed by the said date, then the executive officer of FSSAI is to remain present in this court personally along with all records to indicate the steps taken in this matter and the reasons for non-compliance. There is a batch of public interest litigations on the issue and from time to time, these matters are required to be adjourned only because of the FSSAI report,” the division bench comprising justices Mahesh Sonak and C V Bhadang stated.
In its October 2018 order, the court had directed FSSAI to specify standards in the context of issue of presence of formalin in fish. The court was informed that the exercise would involve consultations with experts and as a result “had deliberately granted sufficient time to FSSAI” for this purpose.
The report was expected to be filed within six months.
On August 28,the court noted the statement of the counsel representing FSSAI that the report would be filed within four weeks. “This time period expired on 28.09.2019. However, neither is any extension applied for, nor is any report filed,” the court observed in its latest order.
Report on GM corn-derived animal feed likely to be taken up today
After the starch in GM corn is fermented, the remainder is rich in nutrients and can be used as animal feed.
Amid growing demand for permitting import of animal feed derived out of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), the country’s apex biotechnology regulatory body, is expected to take up a report on the guidelines for import of Dried Distillers’ Grains with Solubles (DDGS) derived out of GM corn at its meeting scheduled in New Delhi on Monday.
A sub-committee constituted by the GEAC, headed by Lalitha Gowda, a retired scientist from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, has already submitted a report on the guidelines for import of DDGS for livestock and aqua feed.
The GEAC meeting to discuss the report assumes significance in light of the severe scarcity of corn, a key source of animal feed for the burgeoning poultry industry in the country, following the failure of maize crop on account of drought and disease. A number of applications from the poultry industry seeking permission to import GM corn and soyabean are pending.
The sub-committee also included representatives from the agriculture and poultry sectors, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, National Dairy Research Institute, and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Though its report has been submitted, it up to the GEAC to a take a decision on permitting import.
The report was submitted along with an elaborate background note on DDGS. Corn that is grown in the United States and many other countries is GM corn, which is also used for producing bio-ethanol. After the starch content in the corn is fermented, the remainder is rich in protein and other nutrients and can be used as animal feed. This byproduct, DDGS, is also used as animal feed in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Dismissing the concerns expressed by anti-GM crusaders over the import of animal feed derived out of GM crops into the country, a food scientist ruled out the possibility of GM food entering the food chain when human beings consume livestock fed on a GM diet. “Any food that we eat gets digested and broken down into very small molecules or building blocks. So when it gets broken down into the building blocks, it cannot reform again. The body cannot absorb Genetically Modified DNA.”
Nov 9, 2019
13 milk samples collected to test presence of carcinogens
Coimbatore: Three weeks after the National Milk Safety and Quality Survey found that 74% of milk samples tested in the district contained the harmful cancer-causing aflatoxin, the state food safety department has collected around 13 fresh milk samples sent it to Chennai for testing.
The survey, which was released in October, tested 35 sample of processed and raw milk from eight locations in the district – Coimbatore city, Pollachi, Mettupalayam, Singanallur, Kavundampalayam, Kurichi, Kuniamuthur and Valparai. Nearly 26 of them found to have aflatoxin M1, a harmful mycotoxin that is known to cause severe digestion issues, liver problems and cancer in the long term.
Following that, the state food safety authorities had decided to trace the milk samples back to its origin - cow sheds or dairy farms - where the fodder could have been contaminated. Aflatoxin enters milk only when the fodder gets contaminated and starts containing the same.
Officials said the 13 samples were sent to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). “The results are yet to reach us,” said an official. “This is not for us to take action against any cow shed or dairy farm. We just check the quality of milk in the state. Also, this entire investigation is taken up only by the food safety headquarters officials and not by us.”
Veterinarians said the dairy farmers should be educated on the importance of keeping the fodder free of moisture or wetness and drying them completely if they get wet. “These moulds form only when the fodder gets wet due to rain or excess humidity. So, keeping it in dry condition in a closed space is important,” said Dr Deepa, animal husbandry department.
Will the ban on junk food make kids seek healthier alternatives?
It has become a norm for youngsters these days to munch on fast food while hanging out with their friends. Unlike in the past, the children now have more pocket money to buy food from outside and working parents, who are stifled for time to cook lunch for their children, also play a part in enabling these eating habits. The craving for processed food items among the youth has now resulted in an unhealthy and obese generation and recently forced the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to come out with regulations with respect to the diet of schoolchildren.As part of Eat Right project, the nodal agency has banned the sale of food items high in fat, salt and sugar in school canteens, mess premises, hostel kitchens and within 50m radius of the school campus. As an additional measure to curb the consumption of junk food, FSSAI has also proposed to revise the menu of school cafes and day-care centres.
Will the ban on junk food in schools persuade students to consume healthier alternatives?
Teachers and nutritionists share the opinion that the no-junk-food policy must be nurtured from home by parents. Thiruvananthapuram-based clinical dietician Mini Mary Prakash says that many parents want to see their kids put on weight. “They ask why should they ban their children from eating anything? This is the age to eat. But what they don’t understand is that eating unhealthy food makes children obese and diabetic early. Young years are like a building’s foundation. So, if it isn’t strong enough, the whole building will collapse,” says Mini.
Incidentally, she says that it’s the parents who encourage their children to eat outside. “Most parents complain that their children are obstinate about eating ice creams and other fast food items such as burger, pizza and deep-fried chips,” she says. “I believe parents should take the effort to divert their children’s eating habits to homemade products. For instance, instead of wraps, they could give chapathi rolls or brown bread sandwiches and fruit juices.”
As part of the new regulations, a team from Network of Professionals of Food and Nutrition, a FSSAI initiative, will visit schools to educate children and parents on the need to shift towards good eating habits, says Mini.
Many canteens in the State have already made plans to change their menu. Rajeev Menon, corporate chef of a leading educational institute in Kochi, says that the new regulation is a revolutionary change but it also has many economic implications.
Rajeev says that it’s the quality of the ingredients that turns certain snacks into junk. “In foreign countries, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, cheese, pasta, noodles and rolls are staple food. But when the burger is made of low quality flour and cheese with added flavours, it becomes unhealthy. Children require a minimum of 1,600 calories, and if prepared well, these food items can be healthy for them too. For instance, the maida dough in pizza can be replaced with multi-grain or wheat, and you can use less cheese and more veggies,” says the chef, adding that his institute is already following a healthy menu with salads, fruits and fresh juices, and has avoided packaged chips at their canteens.
Supporting Rajeev is Suja S, a kindergarten teacher of a school in Peyad, Thiruvananthapuram, that recently organised a programme called Healthy Go Wealthy, in keeping with the FSSAI’s Eat Right campaign. “We observed the day to encourage students to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.Many parents still pack fresh fruits as snacks for children. In support of the regulation, we had also eliminated all kinds of packaged food items and other bottled juices from the canteen,” says the teacher.
Meanwhile, most of the parents hail the ban on junk food as a good initiative. Sumitha Sanjayan, an IT professional and mother of a 13-year-old, says that they give money to children to eat as they skip breakfast due to early morning tuition classes. “However, children only opt for burgers and pizzas as they think they are tastier. My daughter buys these even from her school canteen. We can control their eating habits only when they are around us. But if they get these food items in their school canteen, they would surely crave for these,” says Sumitha, urging schools to promote naadan snacks such as kozhukatta, ada, unniyappam, vada and pazhampori along with tea and coffee.
Some students too are positive that they would opt for naadan snacks, if they are healthier. Class 11 student Amritha Sajeev, from a reputed ICSE school in Thiruvananthapuram, says, “I know many friends who skip lunch from home to eat junk food in our canteen. But if we get good bread toasts, less oily pazhampori, homemade cakes, cutlets, crispy vadas and bondas, then we have no other option to go for such items.”
On how healthy naadan snacks are as compared to the junk food items mentioned by FSSAI, Mini says, “Anything deep fried using the oil repeatedly is not healthy. Even in our homes, if we cook using the same oil in which we prepared 10 vadas the previous day, it will contain chemicals. Also, it is good to opt for coconut oil than sunflower and corn oil as the latter results in transfat in people. So, the best alternatives to junk food would be boiled sweet potatoes, boiled bananas, yams, ada and kozhukatta.”
Nov 8, 2019
Chennai: As FSSAI proposes junk food ban, schools say curbs in place
CHENNAI: Amid a push to curb junk food consumption among children, many city schools said they have banned items such as chips, pizza, burgers and some baked products on campus, though they said they can’t do much about the sale of unhealthy food in the vicinity of the institutions.
With the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposing a ban on foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) in schools and within 50metres of the campuses, principals have welcomed the move.
FSSAI has sought public comments on the draft Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019, which listed several measures for monitoring the quality of food sold and supplied to school children. It advises curbing availability of HFSS foods such as French fries, fried chips, samosa, chola bhatura, gulab jamun, carbonated beverages, confectionery, noodles, pizza and burgers.
“The proposed ban is a good move. We are discouraging packaged food items on our campus,” said Radhika Unni, principal, SBOA School and Junior College, Anna Nagar. “But, there are vendors selling junk food like chaat items near the school after school hours. As it’s outside the school, we do not have any control. Everytime we send them away with the help of police, they return after 30minutes,” she said, adding that the school offers healthy items like chappathi and dhal to the students.
P G Subramanian, principal of Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidhyashram in Kilpauk said awareness on the ills of junk food is slowly spreading among schools and students. “We cannot eradicate junk food immediately. Many schools are trying to avoid junk food on campus. In our school, we have banned almost 90% of junk food items. But, we cannot do much about their availability outside the school,” he said.
However, parents complained that some schools continue to sell food rich in carbohydrates and fat such as pasta and channa samosa in their canteen.
R Srinivasa Raghavan, principal, Bala Vidyamandir Senior Secondary School in Adyar, said banning junk food in schools and within 50metres from the institutions would not yield results. “They say liquor drinking is not good but everywhere we have shops, likewise for tobacco. We will allow the shops and then create awareness. If food items like pizza or burger is not good for health, they should cancel the licence for these shops instead of banning sales in or outside schools,” he said.
As our students are from the neighbourhood, we do not have a canteen. But, we have banned chocolates along with junk food and are creating awareness through the health club among primary, middle and secondary students. Though teachers advise, we can’t say students refrain from having junk food,” said K Mohana, principal, Modern Senior Secondary School, Nanganallur.
A majority of government schools do not have canteens. But, they are also creating awareness on junk food and its side effects. “Some junk foods can cause severe health complications. So, we advise our students to stop eating packaged food items, including chips and noodles,” said R C Saraswathi, headmistress, Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Ashok Nagar.
Junking fast food: On norms against food rich in fat, sugar and salt
Enforcement is key in preventing school children from accessing unhealthy food
In a welcome step, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified a draft regulation aimed at prohibiting the sale and advertisement of food rich in fat, sugar and salt to schoolchildren inside the school premises and within 50 m around it. It comes in response to the 2015 order from the Delhi High Court directing the central agency to frame norms to promote healthy diets in schools. Besides prohibiting the sale of junk food, the FSSAI requires schools to simultaneously encourage and promote a safe and balanced diet. In a bid to shield the children from consuming unhealthy food items and snacks, the FSSAI prohibits food companies that manufacture such items from advertising or offering for free such foods in school premises and within 50 m of the campus. To thwart food companies from luring children to consume foods rich in fat, sugar and salt, the companies are prohibited from using their logos, brand names and product names on books and other educational materials, as well as on school property such as buildings, buses, and athletic fields. As a general guidance to provide wholesome food, the agency recommends the use of a combination of whole grains, milk, eggs, and millets; it also listed a set of general guidelines for selection of food products that can be offered in schools.
Even as malnutrition accounted for over seven lakh (68%) deaths in children under the age of five years in 2017 in India, there is rising obesity in schoolchildren in many States. According to a July 2017 study, India, with 14.4 million, had the second most number of obese children among 195 countries. A recent study found 23 States to have child overweight prevalence more than the national average, with six States having a prevalence of over 20%. Several studies have shown how a western diet affects the composition and diversity of gut bacteria and sets the stage for many metabolic diseases. Hence, any attempt to reduce and discourage the intake of unhealthy foods, which is a major cause of unhealthy weight gain in children, should be welcomed. The challenge will be in enforcement, particularly in preventing the sale and promotion of unhealthy food near schools. For instance, despite the sale and advertisement of tobacco products within 100 yards of a school being prohibited, violation is more the norm than the exception. Shops that sell tobacco products very often also sell many of the packaged unhealthy foods that the FSSAI now wants to ban. The onus of inculcating healthy eating habits also starts at home. Besides taking steps to reduce the intake of unhealthy food, both schools and parents should ensure children get adequate physical activity, which is increasingly being neglected for various reasons. It is a combination of healthy food and regular physical activity that will go a long way in bringing up healthier children.
Traders, manufacturers told to get rid of excessive colours
A large number of candy traders and manufacturers from the city took part in a meeting conducted jointly by food safety officials and the District Small Scale Candy and Biscuits Manufacturers Association at Ismailpuram in Madurai on Thursday.
Food safety officials led by designated officer for food safety, Madurai, Dr M Somasundaram addressed the meet, which was attended by more than 100 members of the association. Officials explained the legal aspects of manufacturing and selling substandard products and excessive usage of colours. The members were told to immediately get rid of candies prepared using excessive colours.
Somasundaram asked the traders to get bills from manufacturers without fail as it will be a proof to take action against them for the issues found in the food materials distributed by them. At present, most of the manufacturers are not issuing bills and traders do not press for it.
One of the sellers said that most of the manufacturers are part of cottage industry and do not have bill books with them. Somasundaram said that it is a must to obtain bills and they will surely issue it if insisted.
The food safety officials said that the 100 parts per million standards was fixed way back in 1950’s, at a time when people do not get to eat food purchased from outside. Nowadays, people eat food items purchased outside every single day. It is better to manufacture and sell food products without any colour. They are regulating all industries such as hotels, bakeries and snack shop on using colours, they said.
Food adulterers to be fined Rs 1L at Baliyatra
Cuttack: Health department officials have warned food vendors to remain extra vigilant during the upcoming Baliyatra as they could face a hefty fine for adulteration. Compared to Rs 500 earlier, the vendors will be imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh in case the food sold by them is found to be adulterated under the revised Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Act.
City health officer Umesh Panigrahi said, “As per the new regulations of FSSAI, a corporation health officer is authorized to impose the fine on the spot. Earlier, we were imposing a fine of Rs 500 on vendors for violation of the food safety policy. But this year, the FSSAI has given us guidelines to slap a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh if food articles are found to be unsafe for human consumption.”
He added, “We have already informed the food vendors to be cautious about the safety and hygiene of food during Baliyatra this year. If anyone is found to be guilty of such offences, immediate action will be taken against the vendors. The license of the food vendor may be cancelled.”
Panigrahi further said maximum weightage will be given to the hygiene of food during Baliyatra this year with a provision of a hefty fine for adulteration.
Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has one food safety inspector. “We have hired three food safety officers from the food safety commissioner’s Bhubaneswar office and two retired food safety officers for checking the quality of food this year,” CMC commissioner Ananya Das said.
As per the new FSSAI rules, anyone who stores, sells or distributes any food article unsafe for human consumption will be punishable where the contravention does not lead to injury – an imprisonment of three months and a fine up to Rs 1 Lakh will be imposed. Even adulteration of food will be a serious offence where one can be booked under the FSSAI Act and a hefty penalty would be imposed on the vendors.
Contaminated rice stock seized
Workers unloading stock develop uneasiness and get hospitalised
The food safety authorities here on Thursday seized 81 sacks of rice on suspicion of chemical contamination. Unnikrishnan Nair P., Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, said the sacks were seized following reports that five workers who had been unloading the stock at a shop in Peroor developed uneasiness and were hospitalised. During an inspection, the workers also recovered a few empty packets of aluminium phosphide along with the rice sacks.
“The rice stock was being transported from a godown at Ettumanoor and preliminary probe suggests that the chemical, a highly toxic one often used as a fumigant in godowns, somehow got into it. Samples have been collected and sent to the government analytical lab in the capital,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the authorities also inspected the godown where the stock had been kept and collected evidence. Further course of action will be decided upon receiving the sample analysis report. Besides the food safety department, the police too have launched a probe into the episode.
Food safety drive: FSSAI chief on 3-day State tour
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Chairperson Rita Teaotia is on a visit to Odisha to take stock of efforts for ensuring food safety compliance in the State.
Teaotia is on a three-day tour from Thursday as the FSSAI has started a special drive for licensing and registration of food businesses operators (FBO).
The FSSAI has directed the State food safety authorities to take it up to ensure food safety compliance under their jurisdiction. There is a special drive started from October 1 will continue till December 31.
During the visit, she will meet Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy as well as Secretary Health and Family Welfare PK Meherda.
Teaotia will discuss issues with the Commissioner Food Safety and Food Safety Enforcement Officer regarding food safety measures being taken up in the State.
She will be meeting FBOs representing various food sectors at various levels along with Food Safety Commissioners.
Teaotia will also visit State food safety laboratory and will guide the authorities about the latest steps to be taken for improvement.
She will guide the State authorities for strengthening the laboratory infrastructure in the State.
The FSSAI Chairperson is visiting various States as FSSAI has started a special drive to address various non-compliances for food safety norms.
Nov 7, 2019
No more junk food in Kerala schools
KOCHI: In a major initiative to promote healthy food habits among children at school, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) – an autonomous body established under the central ministry of health & family welfare – has come up a new directive to ban the sale of junk foods in and around schools as part of its ‘Eat Right’ campaign.
In the draft regulation –titled Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations 2019 – FSSAI proposed a 10-point charter to clamp down on unhealthy eating habits of students. The charter said foods which are referred to as foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) cannot be sold to school children in canteens, mess, hostel or shops within a 50m radius.
FSSAI also directed state food authorities/departments of school education to frame healthy diet for students in accordance with the points mentioned in the notification
FSSAI said the availability of HFSS foods like french fries, fried chips, samosa, chola bhatura, gulab jamun, sugar sweetened carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, ready-to-eat food, noodles, pizzas, burgers, confectionery items, sugar and sugar-based products should be discouraged.
FSSAI also directed state food authorities/departments of school education to frame healthy diet for students in accordance with the points mentioned in the notification. It asked the state-level advisory committee to form a subcommittee to monitor the implementation of regulations and ensure inspections.
But, a senior official said the food safety department has not received an official communication from FSSAI. “Once we get a formal directive, we will be bound to implement the same. Schools too will have to take steps to follow regulations. The state, being one of the first to implement restrictions on tobacco near school campus, will take proactive steps in this regard,” he said. Food safety commissioner Rathan Kelkar, who is away on training, was unavailable for comments.
The charter also stated the advertising of HFSS food products in school premises or within a 50m radius will not be permitted. “Food business operators (FBO) should not market, sell, or give low-nutrition foods anywhere on school campus,” it said.
It added that schools will no longer get sponsorship for events from FBOs so that they can’t use their logos on banners at field meets or issue wallpapers for school computers/canteens.
Schools or agencies selling or catering school meals under the midday meal scheme must obtain a registration or licence as specified under schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) regulations, 2011. Nutritionists, dieticians may be engaged, periodically, by schools to assist preparation of menu for children.
FSSAI has also invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders within 30 days from the publication of the draft regulations, based on which it would be finalized for implementation.
No more junk food near schools, says Karnataka govt
BENGALURU: While the Union Government is considering a ban on the sale of junk food in and around schools, the Karnataka Government has already got into the act. The Department of Public Instruction, in association with the Police Department, no less is planning to crack down on junk food joints near schools. So, if a small vendor tries to sell French fries or burger to students outside school, the cops very will chase him out of sight. And more trouble may follow!
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released the ‘Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019’ in New Delhi on Tuesday. The draft regulations emphasises that food with high fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) content cannot be given to children in school canteens or sold within 50 metres of school campuses.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Suresh Kumar said, this should have been done long ago. “We will take the help of the police to ensure that junk food is not sold near schools. Children tend to buy such food stuff. This has to stop,’’ he asserted.
He also said they are planning to issue a circular to school managements which will insist that parents do not send junk food in children’s lunch boxes. Whether the cops will check tiffin boxes, is not clear though.
Vasudeva Sharma of Child Rights Trust said, “We welcome the decision to ban the sale of junk food. But one has to clearly describe what constitutes junk food. The authorities concerned should create awareness among parents and children and also the vendors,’’ he said.
Pointing out that there is ban of the sale of tobacco products near schools, Sharma also questioned how effectively it has been implemented.
Nutrition consultant Shalini Manglani said there is no concept of ‘junk food’. “It is either junk or food, there is no in between. If it is not available near schools, children will not consume it. The less they see of it, the less they eat. Children are tempted to eat and once they start eating, it is difficult to stop. Instead of buying junk food, one can buy fruits. The policy is a welcome one,” she added.
Why children should not be served junk food in school
01/7No junk food zone
If junk food is one of the leading causes of so many health problems, why is it being promoted in schools? Most school canteens across the country offer a number of foods that most health experts will deem unhealthy. These foods provide no real nutrition, and might even get in the way of a child’s nutritional requirements. With a steep ascent in health awareness all around the country, many people feel that junk food should not be sold in and around school premises, and here are some details that surround the idea.
02/7The FSSAI intervention
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India proposed a ban on the sale and advertisement of junk food in school canteens and anywhere within 50 metres of school premises. The objective is to provide children with wholesome and safe food, while keeping them away from HFFS (high in fat, salt and sugar) foods. This even includes banning advertisements that promote such foods. There are many reasons why this ban should be implemented.
03/7Food provided should be wholesome and nutritious
Most junk food contains little to no nutrition, and substituting a healthy meal for something like a burger or a packet of chips rids the child of much needed nutrition. Children are growing at all times, and growth is supplemented by good nutrition, therefore focussing on nutritious food is top priority. Moreover, junk foods are not wholesome, and children are highly capable of feeling hungry shortly, encouraging binge eating.
04/7Food provided should be safe
Junk food contains a lot of unhealthy ingredients like trans fats, hydrogenated oils, artificial sugar, and a whole lot of empty calories. All these are unsafe not just for children, but for people of all ages, and consuming them can cause some serious health problems like damage to the organs and chronic conditions like diabetes or obesity.
05/7There is a lot of false advertising
A lot of products are falsely advertised as being healthy and nutritious, when in fact they are nowhere close to living up to those claims. Products like fruit juice or soya chips are advertised as being healthy, when in fact they are loaded with unhealthy ingredients like sugar, salt, fats, and preservatives, bringing the concept of ethics in the equation.
06/7Children are gullible
False advertising brings us to the next point, which is that children are usually gullible, and are quick to believe any information that is presented to them. Children are tempted by smell and appearance, which are enhanced for that very reason, and are persuaded by false advertising. This way, children end up indulging in food devoid of nutrition and end up compromising on vitamins and minerals.
07/7Engagement of nutritionists and dietitians
Food safety and standards can be maintained if the preparation of food in terms of wholesomeness, nutrition, and safety is assisted by nutritionists and dietitians periodically. This would help in ensuring that children end up getting nutritious food which is of utmost important at that stage.
FDA organizes workshop for Anganwadi workers
JAMMU, Nov 6: Food Safety wing of Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu in collaboration with Middle Level Training Centre (MLTC) Jammu conducted one day workshop for Anganwadi workers on storage of food articles and norms to be adopted as per FSS Act 2006.
The workshop was organized by Neha Gupta, Principal, MLTC Jammu with the objective to provide awareness among the Anganwadi workers on storage of food materials meant for children and adolescent girls at Anganwadi Centres.
Dr Parvesh Kumar, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Jammu, was the resource person for the workshop. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Parvesh educated Anganwadi about norms of Food Safety & Standards Act 2006 and asked them to strictly adhere to these norms while storing food articles.
He emphasized on maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation in order to prevent spoilage of food materials from insects and rodents. He asked them to utilize pest control services in stores of Anganwadi centres from registered pest control agency and ensure that the floors and walls of the store rooms are tiled.
Dr Parvesh also told them that the wooden/steel pallets should be placed below the stored food items which should be stored in a manner that it should be one feet away from the walls of the room. “Proper exhaust system should be installed and doors of the store rooms be fitted with automatic door closers. Stored stock should be distributed to the Anganwadi centres and beneficiaries on basis of FIFO (First In and First Out) system,” he said and advised them to also check the proper label declaration on each packed food.
The workshop was attended by Anganwadi workers, who are also under going job orientation course at MLTC, besides instructors, Food Safety Officers of Municipal Limit Jammu and NYK participants.
Nov 6, 2019
Govt mulls ban on advertising unhealthy food in & around schools
NEW DELHI: In a move to ensure healthy eating among school children, the food regulator has come up with draft regulations proposing a ban on sale as well as advertisement and promotion of unhealthy food — high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) — in school premises and within 50 meters of the school campus.
The draft regulation titled - ‘Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019’ – also listed several measures for monitoring and surveillance of the quality of food sold, and supplied to school children.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought public comments on the draft by December, after which it would be finalised for implementation.
“Food business operators manufacturing HFSS food products shall not advertise or offer for free sale of such foods to children in school premises or within 50 meters of the School campus,” the draft regulations said.
The proposal also contains guidelines for providing safe and wholesome food to school children. This includes guidance on selection of foods. For instance, it suggests 75-80% of the foods should be cereals, pulses, milk products, eggs, fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, nuts etc. It also advises discouraging availability of HFSS foods such as deep fried foods like french fries, fried chips, samosa, chola bhatura, gulab jamun etc., sugar sweetened carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, ready to eat food, noodles, pizzas, burgers, confectionery items, sugar and sugar based products etc.
In June this year, FSSAI CEO Pawan Kumar Agarwal had announced that the regulator has proposed banning advertisements of unhealthy food in and around school. However, the notification of the draft norms were pending with the health ministry for approval.
The school authority itself or food business operators (FBOs) contracted by it and FBOs contracted by Department of School Education for operation of the mid-day meal scheme will have to “obtain a registration or license” as applicable and comply with the requirements of sanitary and hygienic practices specified under the food safety law, the draft says.
The FSSAI has proposed that school authorities will have to adopt a comprehensive programme for promoting safe food and healthy diets among school children.
“Encourage school authorities to promote consumption of a safe and balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN),” the draft regulation said.
It also prescribes regular inspection of premises to ensure that safe, healthy and hygienic food is served to students
The FSSAI proposes creation of a sub-committee by the state level advisory committee to monitor the implementation of regulations and to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food to school children.
“A healthy food make our kids feel better, grow better and learn better and right eating habits can be engrained in the children from a young age. At the heart of these regulations is a fundamental idea to make it clear what is healthy for children and what is not,” FSSAI said.
FSSSAI seeks to clamp down on junk food served in schools
- The FSSAI has proposed to restrict sale of foods high in fat, sugar and salt among school children
- It will also monitor how such foods are sold and marketed to school kids
New Delhi: To get school children to eat better, India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has notified a draft regulation that aims to monitor the quality of food being served to children in schools. The FSSAI has proposed to restrict sale of foods high in fat, sugar and salt among school children and also monitor how such foods are sold and marketed to school kids.
In the draft regulation titled Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019, the regulator has listed several points to monitor the quality of food sold, and supplied to school children. As part of its move, the FSSAI--that falls under the ministry of health and family welfare--has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders. "These regulations, after consideration of stakeholder comments and finalization, would be finalised for implementation," the FSSAI said in its press note detailing the draft notification. The aim is to ensure safe and wholesome food for school children.
Among other things, the FSSAI aims to restrict HFFS or highly fatty and salty foods “sold to school children in school canteens, mess premises, hostel kitchens or within 50 meters of the school campus." It has also sought to bar food business operators or FBOs manufacturing HFSS food products from selling or advertising their products to school children. “Food business operators manufacturing HFSS food products shall not advertise or offer for free sale of such foods to children in school premises or within 50 meters of the School campus."
Further, it has laid down strict guidelines on how FBOs can market their products to children: “when marketing foods to children, FBOs shall depict and package or serve food in reasonable portion sizes and not encourage overeating directly or indirectly." It has directed food operators to "develop new products that help children eat healthy, especially with regard to nutrient density, energy density, and portion size. FBOs shall support healthy eating in schools and not market, sell, or give away low-nutrition foods or brands anywhere on school campuses."
It has also made it harder for such food operators to market and distribute samples of such foods through logos, brand names, spokes-characters, product names, or other product marketing on vending machines; books, curricula, and other educational materials; school supplies; posters; etc.
The FSSAI has urged regular inspection of school premises to ensure that safe, healthy and hygienic food is served to students. It has also sought that "FBOs supplying prepared meals in the premises are on the basis of general guidance provided in the regulation and as per the direction issued by the Food Authority or the Commissioners of Food safety."
Ban proposed on sale, ads of junk food in school
FSSAI releases draft regulations
Aimed at enabling children to eat and grow healthy, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Tuesday released draft regulations titled Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019.
“At the heart of these regulations is a fundamental idea to make it clear what is healthy for children and what is not,’’ said a senior FSSAI official.
One of the important regulations proposed is that foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) cannot be sold to children in school canteens/mess premises/hostel kitchens or within 50 m of the school campus.
Schools should adopt a comprehensive programme for promoting healthy diets among children. The school campus should be converted into ‘Eat Right School’ focussing on local and seasonal food and no food waste as per the specified benchmarks.
According to studies, about 8% of schoolchildren are obese. FSSAI has also proposed that children have to be encouraged to consume balanced diet in the school as per the guidelines issued by the National Institute of Nutrition. “Nutritionists, dieticians may be engaged by the school to assist in the preparation of menu periodically. Also it has been proposed that there should be regular inspection of school premises where safe, healthy and hygienic food should be served to students,’’ noted FSSAI.
The FSSAI has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders within 30 days.
No Junk Food in Schools! FSSAI releases 10 point charter for food sold, supplied or advertised to school kids
Taking a step towards promoting healthy eating habits, FSSAI has released a 10 point charter that bans sale, supply or advertisement of junk food in and around school premises. All you need to know!
No colas, chips or un-healthy food in school canteens: FSSAI
Come December, junk food – colas, chips and even instant noodles may be banned from the schools and vendors close to schools. In an attempt to promote Eat Right and healthy eating habits in young kids, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI has released a draft regulation. The draft titles Food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and healthy diets for School Children) Regulations, 2019 is a 10 point charter that prohibits sale and even promotion of unhealthy food items in schools and near by schools.
The complete list of proposed changes and recommendations are listed below. Apart from banning junk food in schools, FSSAI has asked schools to ‘adopt a comprehensive program for promoting Safe food’. The 10 pointer also recommends banning all ‘foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) in school canteens/ mess premises/ hostel kitchens or within 50 meters of the school campus’.
The Ten-point Charter of this regulation as released by FSSAI on November 4, 2019 is listed below.
- Schools, FBOs contracted by School Authority for selling or catering school meals and FBOs contracted by Department of School Education for operation of the Mid-Day Meal scheme would be required to obtain a registration or licence that complies with the mandated sanitary and hygiene requirements under schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) regulations, 2011.
- Blanket ban on selling on foods high in fat, salt and sugar or HFSS (includes junk foods like colas, chips, instant noodles and other packed foods) in schools or to school children inside school canteens/ mess premises/ hostel kitchens or within 50 meters of the school campus.
- Adopting a comprehensive program to encourage healthy eating habits and Safe food and Healthy diets amongst school children. The draft also proposes converting school campuses into ‘Eat Right School’ which focusses on safe, local, seasonal foods and emphasize on no food wastage.
- Schools to be encourages to promote consumption of a balanced diet in schools as per National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) guidelines.
- Schools would also be required to check that the vendors supplying prepared means are doing so basis the general guidelines set by FSSA or the Commissioners of Food safety.
- Schools to periodically engage nutritionists, dieticians to assist in the preparation of menu for the children.
- HFSS foods are also barred from advertising such products to school children within school premises or 50 meters from school campus.
- Ban on support or marketing (including through logos, brand names, posters, textbook covers etc) or giving away free samples of foods which are low in nutrition anywhere on school campus.
- FSSAI also proposed regular inspection of premises to ensure safe, healthy and hygienic food is being served to students.
- A sub-committee is proposed to be created by the State Level Advisory Committee to monitor the implementation of the above said rules and regulations.
FSSAI has asked the stakeholders to review the draft and to provide suggestions within 30 days from the date of notification – that is by December 4. These regulations, the draft reads, would be finalized and implemented after that.
AHAR discusses illegal kitchens, licence, delivery commission rates with Zomato
Several issues, including delivery from illegally run kitchens to discounts offered for Zomato Gold members, were discussed at a meeting between the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) and Zomato officials on Tuesday.
AHAR president Santosh Shetty said there are problems of compliance with rules, which are yet to be solved by Zomato. “We have instructed the officials to service the restaurants which have a legal licence, and adhere to fire safety norms under Section 394 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act. According to our reports, there are many outlets listed on Zomato who have just the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licence.”
The AHAR also suggested that Zomato request all its partner restaurants to display their MMC Act licence numbers against the restaurants’ names on its portal.
The issue of high delivery commission rates also found mention. “The delivery commission rates are very high on Zomato. The customer has to bear the brunt as the prices of items listed on its website go up. The AHAR also raised concerns on Zomato Gold delivery discounts. The association has asked the officials to abolish the offers as it is a loss-making proposition for restaurants,” Mr. Shetty said.
Another aspect discussed was the unavailability of delivery executives. “There were cases where Zomato’s website showed the restaurant could not deliver at a particular time but the truth is the food delivery company did not have a delivery boy at that time. We have asked Zomato to share the customer’s data with the restaurants, so that they can directly deliver the food in such cases,” the AHAR president said.
The association also raised issues over food aggregators who deliver food till early morning because these are places running without proper licences.
“Duplication of names of restaurants and brands on the platform has been a source of major problems for restaurants and customers. This leads to confusion and the non-branded restaurants are trying to take advantage of the reputation of the branded ones. The AHAR has requested Zomato to put up pictures of the restaurants, so that the customer gets food from the restaurants he wants,” Mr. Shetty said.
Nov 5, 2019
Food safety officials to check trans-fat content in oil
Madurai: The food safety officials from Madurai district will check trans-fat content in cooking oil sold in the city and rural areas by testing their quality. Officials are planning to take 50 samples from various places and check them in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) certified laboratory, based on the instruction from higher officials. This decision came following the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)’s initiative of bringing down trans-fat in food items to 2% from its current 5% in a few years.
Designated officer for food safety, Madurai district, Dr M Somasundaram told TOI that they will start lifting oil samples to be given to lab for testing in a couple of days. Appropriate action will be taken based on the test results, he said. We were told to work in the area by higher officials in a meeting held in Chennai on Monday, he said.
An official said that trans-fat is formed during hydrogenation of vegetable oil and other processes such as heating of oil at high temperature. Trans-fats are considered to be the worst type of fats one can consume. A diet-laden with trans-fat increases the risk of heart diseases and decreases good cholesterol in the human body, official said.
He added that while trans-fat content is already limited to 5%, a target has been fixed by FSSAI to further reduce it to 3% by 2021 and 2% by 2022. The FSSAI has already introduced a logo, which can be used by food business operators like hotels on voluntary basis, if their food content did not have trans-fat more than 0.2g per 100 gram.
Simultaneously, the food safety officials will also take measures to curb the sales of cooking oil in loose.
Private hospital canteen sealed
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Monday sealed the canteen of a private hospital at Tatabad after the food regulator found various faults in its functioning.
The canteen of Kongunad Hospital was sealed based on a complaint filed by Ramasubramaniam, said a food safety official.
Officials found that the facility was being operated without complying to certain standards.
Government issues draft regulation to ban junk food near schools
The draft also prohibits sponsorship from brands selling food and beverages with low nutritional value such as carbonated drinks, chips, pre-cooked packaged noodles, fries etc at sporting, school and other events for children.
The Centre has notified in a gazette a draft regulation against the sale, distribution and advertisement of junk food within 50 metres of a school campus, including in the school canteen and hostel kitchen.
“The draft was in the works for sometime but this is the first time that it has been formally notified. The challenge lies in defining junk as it is a very loose term. What we are looking at is prohibiting ready-to-eat packaged food that’s high in fat, salt, and sugar in and around schools,” said Pawan Agarwal, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that notified the draft regulations.
It also prohibits sponsorship from brands selling food and beverages with low nutritional value such as carbonated drinks, chips, pre-cooked packaged noodles, fries etc at sporting, school and other events for children.
Experts feel if junk food is unavailable in schools, it will help in cutting down its intake among children.
“I have worked with schools and seen how eating habits of children improve for better if junk food isn’t available in the kitchen. A plate of rajma-chawal is any day better than a burger or noodles. About one-thirds of a child’s nutritional requirement is met in school, so what a child eats in school plays an important role in their healthy growth,” says Ritika Samaddar, regional head, dietetics, Max Healthcare.
The state food authorities will conduct surveillance and periodic inspection to ensure compliance, and failure to comply with the regulations could lead to action against the defaulters by the state education department or the affiliation body.
Considering the rising incidences of obesity among school goers that makes them prone to lifestyle-related disorders later in life, the Delhi high court in 2015 had directed the central food regulator to form regulations for healthy diets for school children.
The recently released government report on adolescent nutrition in India found half of the country’s adolescents (10 to 19 years) – almost 63 million girls and 81 million boys – to be either short, thin, overweight or obese.
“School authorities shall ensure that no person shall offer or expose for sale of pre-packaged foods which are referred to as foods high in fat, salt and sugar as per the Food Safety and Standards (labelling and display) Regulations, 2019 to school children...,” the draft published on Thursday said.
The food regulator expects the new regulations to be effective by June 2020. When contacted, Pepsico declined to comment for the story.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)