Prepare for the unexpected: World Food Safety Day 2024

"Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have" by Winston Churchill

?Introduction        

World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2024 will draw attention to food safety incidents. This year’s theme underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be.

Food safety incidents are situations where there is a potential or confirmed health risk associated with food consumption. A food incident can happen, for example, due to accidents, inadequate controls, food fraud or natural events. While being ready to manage food safety incidents requires dedicated efforts from policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers and food business operators, consumers also can play an active role.

Every day, on average, 1,600,000 people get sick due to unsafe food, contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances. It affects all countries.

The United Nations General Assembly established World Food Safety Day in 2018 to raise awareness of the importance of food safety. The campaign is jointly facilitated by WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

In India, the journey towards ensuring food safety has been a multifaceted one. With a diverse food landscape and a population of over a billion, the challenge is immense. However, recognizing the critical importance of food safety, India has made significant strides in formulating and implementing comprehensive food safety laws.

The backbone of food safety regulation in India is the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA). This landmark legislation brought about a paradigm shift in the regulatory framework governing food safety in the country. It established the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as the apex regulatory body responsible for laying down standards for food products, regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import, to ensure their safety and quality.

Under the FSSA, various regulations have been enacted to address specific aspects of food safety, including labeling and packaging requirements, permissible food additives, hygiene and sanitation standards, and the prevention of food adulteration. Moreover, the Act emphasizes the importance of food testing and inspection, with provisions for the establishment of food testing laboratories and the accreditation of food testing facilities.

However, while India has made significant strides in strengthening its food safety regulatory framework, challenges persist. Enforcement remains a key concern, with issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness among stakeholders, and limited resources hindering effective implementation of food safety laws.

As we commemorate World Food Safety Day, it is crucial to not only celebrate the progress made but also reflect on the road ahead. Enhancing food safety requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including governments, industry players, civil society organizations, and consumers. It calls for increased investment in food safety infrastructure, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns.

World Food Safety Day serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safe food for all. In India, while significant strides have been made in strengthening food safety laws, there is still much work to be done. By working together, we can create a future where safe, nutritious food is accessible to everyone, safeguarding the health and well-being of present and future generations.

Global Food Safety Initiatives        

Many countries work together with international organizations like the FAO and WHO to improve worldwide food safety systems. They offer support and technical help to enhance food laws, standards, and procedures. The following Global Food Safety Initiatives contribute to a more secure global food supply system:

The Codex Alimentarius

Aim: Codex Alimentarius aims to create standardized global food standards, rules, and codes of conduct.

Execution: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) collaborated to create the Codex Alimentarius. It establishes guidelines to safeguard consumer health and encourage ethical food trade practices.

Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)

Aim: To guarantee ongoing development of food safety management systems across the globe.

Execution: For food safety certification programs, GFSI offers a benchmarking and recognition mechanism. It promotes businesses throughout the food supply chain to embrace global standards for food safety.

International Network of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN)

Aim: The goal is to quickly disseminate information concerning crises and problems about food safety.

Execution: Under the direction of WHO and FAO, INFOSAN links national food safety authorities and facilitates the sharing of knowledge and best practices to promptly address food safety issues

Food safety incidents that require intervention to protect the health of consumers can range from minor events to major crises. And because hazards have no regard for the lines humans draw on maps, an increasingly interconnected global food supply means that risks posed by unsafe food have the potential to rapidly evolve from a local problem to an international emergency.

In 2004, FAO and WHO jointly created?INFOSAN, a global network of national food safety authorities, to facilitate the rapid exchange of information across borders and between members, recording hundreds of food safety incidents every year. Countries can and are encouraged to report international food safety events to INFOSAN.?

World Health Organisation (WHO) Food Safety Initiatives

Aim: The objective is to lessen the prevalence of foodborne illnesses worldwide.

Execution: The World Health Organisation (WHO) researches newly developing food safety challenges, develops global food safety plans, and assists nations in analyzing and managing food safety risks.

WHO’s Five Principles for Safer Food

Aim: The goal is to inform food handlers, vendors, and customers about important food safety procedures.

Execution: Use safe water and raw materials; keep food at safe temperatures; cook it properly; and maintain cleanliness. Globally, there is a push to prevent foodborne illnesses by following these easy rules.

EFSA: European Food Safety Authority

Aim: To offer unbiased scientific guidance on hazards associated with food.

Execution: To support European food safety policies, EFSA carries out risk assessments and offers expert scientific judgments. It collaborates closely with both international and national entities responsible for food safety.

Food Safety Initiatives in India        

India has improved food safety in several ways. The main organization in charge of enforcing food safety regulations is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI establishes many Food Safety Initiatives in India and monitors adherence to them for food products:

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Function and Accountabilities: FSSAI is India’s main food safety regulating authority. It establishes guidelines for food goods and uses strict inspections and monitoring to guarantee adherence.

Training: To make sure food handlers, street sellers, and food business owners follow food safety regulations, FSSAI offers training programs.

Eat Right India Campaign

Aim: The movement’s goals are to support sustainable, wholesome, and safe eating habits. By empowering consumers to make educated food decisions and take up healthy eating practices, it seeks to enhance public health.

Execution: Public gatherings are held to raise awareness of food safety and good eating practices.

Clean Street Food Hub Project

Aim: The goal is to guarantee the hygienic conditions and safety of street food, which is extensively eaten in India.

Execution: To ensure food safety and hygiene criteria are met, designated street food hubs are located and renovated. Vendors receive regular vendor training and inspections.

Food Fortification

Aim: To address the population’s micronutrient inadequacies by adding vital vitamins and minerals to staple foods like rice, wheat flour, milk, and edible oil.

Execution: Food producers are encouraged to adhere to the requirements that the FSSAI has established for fortified foods.

Safe and Nutritious Food (SNF) Initiative

Aim: The goal is to instill a national culture of eating safe food through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.

Execution: Covers all facets of daily life and includes programs such as Safe and Nutritious Food at Home, School, Workplace, and Market.

FSSAI has also introduced several web and mobile channels to disseminate information regarding food safety in India. With the use of these technologies, customers can report problems with food safety, verify the safety of food products, and obtain food safety guidelines.

?Call For Action        

?Governments

Develop?and regularly update national food safety emergency response plans and use “lessons learned” from food safety events to identify gaps and limitations.

Ensure?a coordinated approach across government agencies and national authorities including mechanisms for rapid exchange of information.

Provide?rapid, accurate and open information to stakeholders during food safety events and report international emergencies to the?International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN)

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Food operators

Establish?and regularly update food safety management plans.

Know?how to avoid food safety incidents by following good hygiene practices.

Provide?regular staff training.

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Consumers

Practice?safe food handling at home and follow?WHO's Five Keys to Safer Food: keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures and use safe water and raw materials.

Know?how to keep food safe before, during, and after emergencies, such as floods, fires, natural disasters or the loss of power.??????

Know?how to report poor hygiene standards and misleading food labelling

Some of the food laws in India are as follows;        

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

FSSAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and implementing food safety standards in India. It formulates regulations, sets standards, and licenses food businesses.

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

This is the central legislation that provides the legal framework for regulating food safety and standards in India. It covers various aspects of food safety, including the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of food products.

Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA), 1954

Although the PFA Act has largely been replaced by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, some provisions may still be relevant in certain cases. The PFA Act primarily focused on preventing the adulteration of food products and regulating food quality.

Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011

These regulations outline the licensing and registration requirements for food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011

These regulations specify the labeling and packaging requirements for various food products, including information on ingredients, nutritional facts, allergens, and more.

Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Regulations, 2011

These regulations set limits for various contaminants, toxins, and residues that may be present in food products.

Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011

These regulations establish specific standards for different categories of food products, including dairy, meat, fish, and more.

Meat Food Products Order, 1973

This order governs the processing and sale of meat and meat products in India. It includes provisions related to hygiene, sanitation, and labeling of meat products.

Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992

This order regulates the production and distribution of milk and milk products, with a focus on quality standards and safety.

Fruit Products Order, 1955

This order covers the processing and marketing of fruit products, including fruit juices and preserves. It sets standards for the quality of fruit products.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

BIS has developed various standards for food products, including those related to packaged drinking water, packaged foods, and food additives.

State-Specific Regulations

In addition to national regulations, different states in India may have their own food safety and hygiene regulations and guidelines.

Export and Import Regulations

Food products intended for export or import must comply with specific regulations, including inspections and certifications to ensure compliance with international standards.

The Pure Food Act, 1906

Although outdated, this was one of the earliest legislations in India related to food safety and quality.

The Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947

The Vegetable Oil Products Control Order, 1947 was published vide Notification Gazette of India.

The Solvent Extracted Oil, De- oiled Meal and Edible Flour (Control) Order, 1967

The Order is basically a quality control order to ensure that the solvent extracted oils in particular are not reached to the consumers for consumption before the same are refined and conformed to the quality standards specified in the Order for the purpose. Standards for the solvent (hexane), which is to be used for extraction of oil from the oil-bearing materials, have also been specified so as to eliminate possible contamination of oil from the solvent used.

Salient Features of this order are as follows:

• Governs the manufacture, quality and movement of solvent extracted oils, de-oiled meal and edible flour.
• Consumer protection through quality assurance of solvent extracted oils, de-oiled meal and edible flour.
• Eliminates the possibility of diversion of the oils for uses not intended.
• Prohibit by, offer to buy, use or stock for use, any solvent not conforming to the quality standards for extraction of vegetable oils, and Specifies particulars to be declared on the label affixed to the container.

The Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order, 1998

In order to ensure availability of safe and quality edible oils in packed form at pre-determined prices to the consumers, the Central Govt. promulgated on 17th September, 1998, an Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order, 1998 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to make packaging of edible oils, sold in retail, compulsory unless specifically exempted by the concerned State Govt.

Salient Features

• Edible oils including edible mustard oil will be allowed to be sold only in packed form from 15th December, 1998.
• Packers will have to register themselves with a registering authority.
• The packer will have to have his own analytical facilities or adequate arrangements for testing the samples of edible oils to the satisfaction of the Government.
• Only oils which conform to the standards of quality as specified in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules made there under will be allowed to be packed.
• Each container or pack will have to show all relevant particulars so that the consumer is not misled, so also the identity of the packer becomes clear.
• Edible oils shall be packed in conformity with the Standards of Weights and Measures (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 1977, and the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules made there under.
• The State Governments will have power to relax any requirement of the packaging order for meeting special circumstances.

Main Features of Food Laws in India        

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• Food Safety and Standards Regulations: FSSAI has framed numerous regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act to specify detailed standards and guidelines for different categories of food products. These regulations cover various aspects, including labeling, packaging, additives, contaminants, and hygiene standards.
• Food Licensing and Registration: Under the FSSAI regulations, food businesses must obtain licenses or registrations, depending on the scale and nature of their operations. This is to ensure that food businesses comply with safety and quality standards.
• Food Product Standards: FSSAI has established specific standards for various food products to ensure their quality and safety. These standards cover a wide range of products, including dairy, meat, beverages, packaged foods, and more.
• Food Labeling: Food labeling regulations require manufacturers to provide accurate information on labels, including ingredients, nutritional information, allergen declarations, and expiry dates.
• Food Additives and Contaminants: Regulations specify permissible levels of food additives and maximum limits for contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological parameters.
• Food Imports: The import of food products into India is subject to specific regulations and quality checks to ensure that imported food complies with Indian food safety standards.
• Food Sampling and Testing: Food safety officials conduct regular inspections, sampling, and testing of food products to check for compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Food Recall and Enforcement: If a food product is found to be unsafe or does not meet the specified standards, FSSAI has the authority to order product recalls and take legal action against violators.
• Food Hygiene and Safety Practices: Food establishments are required to maintain hygienic conditions and follow safe food handling practices to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.
• Food Safety Training and Awareness: FSSAI promotes training and awareness programs to educate food businesses and consumers about food safety practices.

It’s essential for food businesses in India to understand and comply with these food laws and regulations to ensure the safety and quality of food products. Non-compliance can result in penalties, product recalls, and legal action. Consumers are also encouraged to be aware of food labeling and safety standards when purchasing food products. Please note that regulations and standards may evolve over time, so it’s advisable to refer to the latest guidelines and consult with relevant authorities or experts for the most up-to-date information on food laws in India.

It’s important to note that food laws and regulations may change over time, and compliance with the latest standards is crucial for food businesses and consumers alike. Food businesses should keep abreast of any updates or changes in regulations to ensure they are operating within the legal framework. Consulting with legal experts or regulatory authorities can also provide guidance on specific food laws and regulations applicable to a particular type of food business.

Conclusion        

World Food Safety Day serves as a crucial reminder of the paramount importance of food safety regulations and legal frameworks. Through a comprehensive legal overview of food laws, we have explored the multifaceted strategies employed globally to ensure the safety and quality of the food we consume. From stringent labeling requirements to rigorous inspection protocols, these laws are designed to safeguard public health and instill consumer confidence in the food supply chain.

However, challenges persist, ranging from inadequate enforcement mechanisms to emerging foodborne threats exacerbated by globalization and climate change. Thus, as we commemorate World Food Safety Day, it is imperative for policymakers, stakeholders, and consumers alike to renew their commitment to enhancing food safety standards, fostering international cooperation, and promoting transparency across the food industry. By prioritizing proactive measures, fostering innovation, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, we can collectively strive towards a world where safe, nutritious, and sustainable food is accessible to all, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

Food laws in India are primarily governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with various associated regulations and orders. These laws are designed to ensure the safety, quality, and proper labeling of food products throughout their production, distribution, and sale. Additionally, there are state-specific regulations and standards, as well as specific orders governing products like meat, milk, and fruit.

Compliance with these food laws is essential for businesses to operate legally and maintain the safety and trust of consumers. Regular updates and amendments to these regulations may occur, so staying informed about the latest standards and consulting with relevant authorities or experts are crucial steps for both food businesses and consumers to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality in India.