The Indian government has greenlit amendments to food safety and standard regulations, streamlining the certification process by mandating only one certification from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for food products. This significant decision aims to enhance the ease of doing business, adhering to the principle of ‘One Nation, One Commodity, One Regulator’.
Amendments Underway
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will soon release a draft notification regarding the proposed amendments. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback before the finalization of these changes. By consolidating certifications under FSSAI, the government seeks to simplify regulatory compliance and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for food businesses.
Facilitating Ease of Doing Business
The initiative aligns with the broader objective of facilitating ease of doing business in India. By centralizing the certification process under a single regulator, the government aims to streamline operations for food businesses, thereby promoting efficiency and competitiveness in the sector.
Chairmanship of Union Health Secretary
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra. This move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing food safety standards while simultaneously fostering a business-friendly environment.
In summary, the government’s decision to mandate FSSAI certification for food products signifies a significant step towards simplifying regulatory processes and promoting ease of doing business in the food sector.