Enhanced Monitoring with Real-Time Surveillance
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is launching real-time surveillance, tracking, sampling, and analysis of food items amid the festive season. CEO G. Kamala Vardhana Rao revealed that the initiative will focus on items like spices, milk, and milk products. This advanced monitoring includes live updates from districts, enabling officials to oversee food safety measures remotely.
Addressing Recent Food Safety Concerns
The initiative follows reports from Hong Kong detecting ethylene oxide in pre-packaged spices from MDH and Everest. To ensure consumer safety, FSSAI has sensitized quick-commerce platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart to adhere strictly to food safety and quality standards during deliveries.
Ensuring Hygiene in Food Handling and Transportation
FSSAI emphasizes the importance of hygienic practices among food handlers. Food Business Operators (FBOs) are required to ensure proper packaging and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs). Additionally, food handlers must maintain good health and avoid work when experiencing symptoms like cough, cold, or fever. Transporting vehicles must be well-maintained to prevent spoilage during transit, even in adverse weather conditions.
Challenges in Training and Awareness
With over 7.5 million FBOs in India, FSSAI faces significant challenges in creating awareness and providing training at the state and Union Territory levels. Of these FBOs, 36,000 have a turnover exceeding ₹20 crores and operate under central licenses, while the rest hold state licenses. FSSAI has urged FBOs to train food handlers in hygiene protocols to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Commitment to Food Safety
FSSAI’s mandate is to ensure high-quality, safe food across the country. Through initiatives like real-time surveillance and emphasis on hygiene, the organization aims to build public confidence and safeguard consumer health.
