The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stern directive emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to safety and quality standards for edible products and raw materials in preparation for the upcoming festive season.
In a recent meeting held on September 25, FSSAI convened with Indian sweet manufacturers to underscore the need for strict compliance measures to ensure the safety and quality of edible goods and raw materials. The meeting witnessed active participation from sweet manufacturers and industry associations from across the nation, with more than 150 food business operators in attendance.
The primary focus of the meeting was to sensitize all stakeholders within the ecosystem about the perishable high-risk nature of certain edible items, with an aim to guarantee the safety of food products at every stage, including manufacturing, storage, distribution, and the point of sale to consumers.
One of the central themes of the discussion was the need to curb adulteration in raw materials, particularly in dairy products such as Khoa, Paneer, and Ghee, which are highly susceptible to contamination and adulteration during the heightened consumption period of the festive season. FBOs (Food Business Operators) were strongly advised to conduct rigorous testing and to procure raw materials like milk, khoa, ghee, and paneer exclusively from vendors registered and licensed by FSSAI.
Furthermore, all FBOs were reminded of their responsibility to monitor the quality of cooking oil during frying, ensuring strict compliance with FSS regulations. Additionally, they were encouraged to adopt safe display practices for loose sweets and to discourage outdoor cooking methods; as such practices can expose food and raw materials to environmental contaminants, posing significant risks to food safety.
As India prepares for a season of festivities and culinary delights, the FSSAI’s proactive stance aims to safeguard the health and well-being of consumers by ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality are maintained throughout the supply chain. Compliance with these directives is expected to play a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of India’s rich culinary traditions during this celebratory season.