In a bid to bolster food safety measures, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has embarked on a comprehensive quality check initiative covering various domestic food items such as spices, dairy products, fortified rice, and more. The move comes in the wake of recent concerns over norm violations in branded spices.
The FSSAI is intensifying its scrutiny of powdered spices, targeting all brands including popular ones like MDH and Everest. Samples are being collected nationwide to ensure compliance with FSSAI norms, prompted by quality concerns raised by countries like Singapore and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety (CFS) had flagged issues with pesticide ethylene oxide in samples of certain Indian spice mixes, prompting directives against specific brands. Singapore’s Food Authority followed suit with a recall of ‘Everest Fish Curry Masala’ imported from India.
In addition to spices, the FSSAI is broadening its surveillance to include other food categories like dairy products. Recently, Nestle’s Cerelac baby cereal came under scrutiny for allegedly containing elevated sugar levels, prompting nationwide sample collection.
The FSSAI’s proactive stance is reflected in its increased sampling activities, which have risen significantly over the years. From 1,07,829 samples analysed in 2020-21, the number has surged to over 4,51,000 in 2023-24, indicating a concerted effort to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
The escalating number of samples analysed underscores the FSSAI’s commitment to upholding the standards outlined in the FSS Act 2006. As the authorities ramp up their enforcement efforts, the aim is to safeguard consumer health and maintain the integrity of India’s food industry.