To enhance food safety in the airline catering sector, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) convened a crucial meeting with leading flight caterers and airlines on Tuesday.
The objective of the meeting was to evaluate and elevate existing food safety protocols, with a strong emphasis on the commitment to delivering safe and high-quality inflight meals to passengers. Concerns about the lack of accessible information for passengers regarding inflight food prompted the FSSAI CEO to direct all flight caterers and airlines to strictly adhere to sub-regulations 5(10)(f) and 8(4) of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
This directive mandates increased transparency by providing passengers with comprehensive information about the nature, origin, and manufacturing details of the food served during flights. The focus is on empowering passengers with detailed insights to make informed choices.
During the meeting, the importance of menu labelling was highlighted as a powerful tool for communicating the contents of the food served, ensuring passengers are well-informed about nutritional aspects and ingredients, thereby facilitating a conscious decision-making process.
Addressing the need for prompt and effective handling of consumer grievances, airlines and caterers were urged to establish robust mechanisms for swift resolution, including corrective and preventive actions to minimize food safety-related incidents. The session emphasized the industry’s role in guaranteeing the safety and satisfaction of passengers.
Recognizing the crucial role of well-trained staff in ensuring food safety and hygiene practices, the meeting also underscored the necessity for specialized training programs for catering personnel. This move aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of food safety standards and promote best practices within the industry.
The directives from FSSAI showcase the authority’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety and hygiene within the airline catering sector. This meeting marks a pivotal step towards aligning industry practices with global standards, ensuring passengers can enjoy their inflight meals with confidence in their safety and quality.