FSSAI Boosts E-Commerce Food Safety Regulations

November 8, 2024

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced new measures for e-commerce food delivery. This comes as India prepares for a surge in tourism from November to March. Increased surveillance aims to ensure food safety during this busy period.

FSSAI’s Directive

FSSAI has instructed state authorities to enhance the monitoring of e-commerce warehouses. The goal is to ensure that food delivered to consumers is safe. The agency emphasized the need for standard operating procedures (SOPs) for warehouse operations and delivery personnel.

Central Advisory Committee Meeting

The announcement followed the 45th Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting. FSSAI officials, including CEO G Kamala Vardhana Rao, urged state food safety commissioners to act swiftly. They brought into light the importance of increased surveillance, especially in popular tourist areas.

Surveillance at Tourist Destinations

With the anticipated influx of tourists, states and union territories are advised to ramp up food safety measures. FSSAI suggested using mobile food safety labs at tourist spots to conduct inspections. This will help maintain high standards during peak tourist season.

Training Initiatives

FSSAI also stressed the need for training food business operators (FBOs) across states. The aim is to enhance food safety and hygiene practices. The target is to train 2.5 million food handlers by March 2026, including those in educational institutions.

Integrated Food Safety Approach

The meeting brought into light the necessity of a collaborative approach to food safety. FSSAI encouraged all relevant ministries and stakeholders to work together. Regular advisory committee meetings at state and district levels were recommended to ensure ongoing communication.

Consumer Engagement

FSSAI aims to involve consumers in promoting healthier eating habits. This is part of the broader Eat Right India movement. States were encouraged to organize outreach initiatives, including fairs and street plays, to raise food safety awareness.

Participation in the Meeting

The CAC meeting saw participation from over 60 officials. This included food safety commissioners, representatives from various states and union territories, and members from the food industry. The diverse group aimed to strengthen food safety regulations across India.

FSSAI’s measures reflect a proactive approach to food safety in the e-commerce sector. By increasing surveillance and training, the agency aims to protect consumers and ensure safe food delivery. The upcoming tourist season presents both challenges and opportunities for food safety management in India.

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