New Delhi: Food regulator FSSAI on Thursday asked the industry to fully comply with its regulations, strengthen quality assurance system, adopt digital traceability and communicate transparently with consumers, amid rising complaints on social media platforms.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also said it will adopt a strong digital traceability system to address any foodborne illness outbreaks.
In the last few months, the FSSAI has issued a notice to a large number of food business operators (FBOs), including e-commerce companies, on consumer complaints related to the quality of products. It has acted against energy drink makers and alcoholic beverage manufacturers for alleged misleading claims and labelling.
Addressing a FICCI conference, Satyen Kumar Panda, Advisor (Quality Assurance), Additional Charge (Science & Standards & Regulations Division), FSSAI, noted that the food processing sector plays a crucial role in enhancing value addition, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening exports.
He said there is a need to boost the processing level and reduce wastage.
“…The expectations of the consumers are evolving rapidly. You must have seen the outburst in social media related to food safety. The concern that has been raised in recent days in social media may be giving punching thing to FSSAI, but the way it has grown up in the last two years, it’s a worth introspection by the industry as well by the regulators,” Panda said.
He stated that there is a growing demand for safe, nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food.
Panda said the FSSAI remains committed to building a science-based, predictable, and progressive regulatory framework.
“However, the regulation alone cannot transform the food ecosystem. Industry is a key partner in this journey,” he said.
The FSSAI asked food business operators to focus on innovation, invest in R&D and cleaner technologies, improve supply chain efficiency, reduce food loss, and communicate transparently with consumers.
“This is one very important point that I would like to again stress. Communicate transparently with the consumers,” Panda said.
He also told food businesses to strengthen their quality assurance system, adopt digital traceability and leverage artificial intelligence, while embedding food safety cultures across organisations.
“The strong compliance systems, adherence to food safety standards are essential for protecting consumers as well as enhancing food business competitiveness. Public health and business growth are not mutually exclusive. In fact, responsible practices are the foundation of long-term competitiveness and consumer trust,” Panda observed.
Adherence to robust food safety and quality standards would remain critical to enhancing export competitiveness and consumer confidence, he added.
“We have a framework for FSER, or Food Safety Emergency Response, where now FSSAI, in the coming days, will be taking up very seriously the outbreak that happens across the country. We are also developing a very strong digital traceability system to address any such outbreak that happens and find out the root cause,” Panda said, while seeking the industry’s full support on this issue.
The FSER is a framework for managing foodborne illness outbreaks and contamination crises.
Panda informed that the FSSAI has reconstituted 21 scientific panels and expert committees.
He asked the industry to participate in the coming stakeholder meetings for framing the standard and regulations in the pipeline.
“Our approach is guided by the global best practices, while remaining rooted in India’s diverse food cultures and dietary habits. We remain committed to promoting a regulatory ecosystem that supports innovation, facilitates ease of doing business…”
He talked about recent reform initiatives taken by the FSSAI, including the perpetual licensing system as well as labelling rules.
Panda said the FSSAI continues to strengthen the food testing infrastructure, and it is funding state governments to establish labs.
