Nadda Highlights Importance of Consumer Empowerment in Food Safety at FSSAI Review Meeting

Shri Nadda highlighted FSSAI's contributions to developing global standards, establishing a robust testing infrastructure, and launching initiatives like the Eat Right India campaign.

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, emphasized the need to empower consumers with evidence-based information on food safety issues during his review meeting at the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) headquarters today. He stated, "It is important to empower consumers and citizens on various food safety issues through evidence-based information. It is only then that our work will be accomplished in totality."

Shri Nadda underscored the critical role of food safety in citizens' well-being, urging FSSAI to educate consumers, industry, and stakeholders not only on regulatory issues but also on behavior change to promote healthy eating habits. He pointed out that while regulatory issues are a significant part of FSSAI’s mandate, achieving food safety objectives requires effective communication and consumer sensitization.

"In a large country like India, different regions have varied dietary habits and preferences. Let us broaden our understanding of their behaviors. This will help us to frame our policies aligned with these diversities," he added.

FSSAI's CEO, Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, briefed the Union Health Minister on various initiatives undertaken by the authority. Shri Nadda praised FSSAI for its progress since his last visit in 2016, noting significant advancements in strengthening the food safety ecosystem, fostering behavioral change, and raising awareness among stakeholders. He commended FSSAI's leadership in areas such as millets and CODEX standards and appreciated initiatives to train and equip street vendors, emphasizing the importance of consumer empowerment.

“The issue of food safety is a huge responsibility on FSSAI. Let us become global leaders in this area,” he stated, also complimenting FSSAI on the widespread awareness created about millets, known as Shree-Ann.

Shri Nadda highlighted FSSAI's contributions to developing global standards, establishing a robust testing infrastructure, and launching initiatives like the Eat Right India campaign. He stressed the need to address emerging food safety trends, promote sustainable farming practices, and leverage technology to enhance food safety management.

The Union Health Minister advocated for proactive communication with the industry and stakeholders, urging FSSAI to engage them as partners in promoting healthy eating initiatives. “Let us take a proactive lead and communicate with the industry and stakeholders and make them our partners in our healthy eating initiatives and efforts,” he urged.

Shri Nadda also emphasized the importance of assessing the strengths, limitations, and challenges of various states to ensure uniform pan-India standards. “Let us understand their individual issues so that we can support them and strengthen their efforts,” he stated.

During his visit, the Union Health Minister planted a mango sapling in the FSSAI premises and launched several significant initiatives, including:

Manual on Methods of Analysis of Foods - Microbiological Examination of Food and Water: A crucial reference for ensuring microbiological safety.

Guide for Food Analysis: Opinion on Test Reports as per FSS Act, 2006, Rules, and Regulations made thereunder.

Food Safety Bytes: A series of engaging videos featuring social media influencers to raise public awareness about food safety practices.

Manual for Food Safety Officers: Designed to support officers in effectively enforcing food safety regulations.

Senior officers of the Health Ministry and FSSAI attended the meeting, with over 1000 officers joining virtually from regional and branch offices.