FSSAI Drive to Curb Spurious Drugs

June 22, 2023

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently issued a stern warning to nutraceutical firms in Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations to curb the menace of spurious products. With the objective of ensuring public health and safety, FSSAI has launched a comprehensive surveillance drive targeting the manufacturing practices of nutraceutical companies operating across the country.

FSSAI’s Stern Warning and the Role of NHRC

The FSSAI has played a vital role in safeguarding the quality of food and food-related products in the country. In response to reports indicating a rise in the production of spurious drugs disguised as food supplements in Himachal Pradesh, the FSSAI issued a stern warning to nutraceutical firms. This warning highlights the absolute necessity for strict compliance with nutraceutical regulations to avoid severe consequences.

Taking cognizance of the situation, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also intervened and sent notices to the Health Ministry and the Drug Controller General of India. The NHRC’s involvement further emphasizes the significance of this issue in ensuring the well-being of the general public.

Surveillance Drive and Inspections

To tackle the production and distribution of spurious drugs, the FSSAI has initiated a surveillance drive in Himachal Pradesh. The Regional Office, North, of FSSAI has been directed to take immediate action against defaulting Food Business Operators (FBOs) involved in the manufacturing of such drugs. In the initial phase of the drive, 21 facilities in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, were inspected meticulously between the 7th and 9th of June, 2023. Samples were collected during these inspections to further assess the quality and authenticity of the products.

Future Inspections and Compliance Measures

The FSSAI plans to intensify its efforts by inspecting an additional 25-30 percent of the nutraceuticals manufacturing facilities in Himachal Pradesh by the end of June 2023. These inspections will help identify and rectify non-compliant practices that pose a risk to public health.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

During a meeting with major manufacturers of health supplements and nutraceuticals in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, the CEO of FSSAI underlined the severe consequences for non-compliance with nutraceutical regulations. Violators may face license suspension or cancellation, and in some cases, criminal charges may be initiated under Section 59 of the FSS Act 2006, which could lead to lifetime imprisonment or a fine of not less than Rs 10 lakhs.

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