Adulteration cases reported during season of festivals, weddings and other events
Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, IAS, has encouraged States/UTs to increase the regular surveillance, monitoring, inspections and random sampling of food products and their compliance with the laid down standards at the 39th Meeting of Central Advisory Committee (CAC) held under his chairmanship on 9th -10th March, 2023, at Panaji, Goa.
As per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Food Authority constitutes the CAC for close cooperation between the Authority and enforcement agencies/organisations operating in the field of food. The committee meets 3-4 times a year and advises the Authority on various matters including prioritisation of work, identifying potential risks, pooling of knowledge etc.
The States/UTs have been advised to plan their special surveillance drive considering the rise of food poisoning and adulteration cases of commonly consumed food products during the seasons like festivals, marriages, events etc. CEO also advised the States/UTs and Regional Offices to lift about 5 lakh samples by March 2024. To ensure the quality and safety of milk and milk products, State/UT FDAs have been advised to coordinate with Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of their respective States/UTs for effective surveillance drive.
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