FSSAI Proposes Inter-Ministerial Committees for Pesticide Control, Enhances Food Safety Measures

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened its 44th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) on the 22nd and 23rd of August 2024, under the leadership of CEO Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao. The meeting was pivotal in discussing the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to address the pressing concerns over pesticide usage in agriculture.

CEO Shri Rao proposed that each state establish its inter-ministerial committee during the meeting. This committee’s primary focus would be on reducing pesticide use, implementing stringent control measures, and developing strategies to monitor and regulate pesticide application at the farmer level. The initiative seeks to ensure that agricultural practices remain safe and sustainable, safeguarding consumers from potential health risks associated with pesticide residues in food.

In addition to addressing pesticide concerns, Shri Rao highlighted the ongoing efforts to fill the vacant positions of Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and Designated Officers (DOs) through interstate zonal council meetings. He also underscored the urgent need to upgrade food testing laboratories across the country, urging states to submit proposals for establishing new microbiology laboratories to enhance testing capabilities.

A significant part of the discussion also revolved around the deployment of mobile labsโ€”Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs)โ€”across key locations in the states. These mobile labs, equipped with state-of-the-art testing equipment and RAPID kits, are designed to quickly assess food quality and safety parameters as per the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. The rapid results, available within hours, enable prompt corrective actions to ensure the safety of food products for public consumption.

The two-day meeting saw the participation of over 50 officials, including Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS), representatives from States and Union Territories (UTs), senior officials from FSSAI, and members from the food industry and agriculture sector.

Shri Rao concluded the meeting by reaffirming FSSAI’s commitment to ensuring food safety remains a top priority. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts from all stakeholders to provide safe and nutritious food to consumers across the country. FSSAI continues to explore and implement measures to enhance the food safety landscape in India, reflecting its dedication to protecting public health.

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