The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the direction of CEO Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, held the 44th meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) on August 22, 2024, a Thursday, and August 23, 2024, a Friday.
Rao actively pursued the creation of an interministerial committee to address concerns regarding the use of pesticides.
In order to reduce pesticide use, implement control measures, and develop ways to monitor and regulate pesticide application at the farmer level, CEO, FSSAI proposed that each state establish this inter-ministerial committee.
Through this program, customers will be protected from any health hazards related to pesticide residues in food and agricultural methods will remain safe and sustainable.
Shri Rao further underlined the importance of the ongoing interstate zonal council meetings, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance food testing laboratories in addition to filling open positions for Designated Officers (DOs) and Food Safety Officers (FSOs).
In order to improve testing capacities, he encouraged States to submit plans for the establishment of additional microbiology laboratories.
He also underlined the significance of identifying crucial state areas for the deployment of Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs), mobile labs.
These mobile labs will play a critical role in educating consumers and providing essential information on food safety procedures.
The Food Safety and Standards Regulations are followed when evaluating food quality and safety parameters by the FSW vans, which are outfitted with testing apparatus and RAPID kits.
Results are accessible in a matter of hours, allowing for quick corrections to ensure the safety of food products for public consumption.
More than fifty officials attended the meeting, including members of the food business and the agriculture sector, Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS), representatives from States and Union Territories (UTs), and top officials from FSSAI.
The FSSAI is still dedicated to investigating and putting into action ways to improve the nation’s food safety environment.
CEO, FSSAI concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work together in making sure food safety stays a top priority and represents the nation’s joint effort to supply customers with safe and wholesome food.
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