Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-founder & Director, Leucine Rich Bio Pvt. Ltd.
The global wellness trend has steered people towards a more conscious approach to their health and nutrition. As a result, the microbiome supplements market has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance gut health and overall well-being. India, with its rich cultural heritage rooted in Ayurveda and traditional medicine, is poised to tap into this burgeoning market. To bolster the growth of India’s microbiome supplements market, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) must embrace a proactive agenda for the next decade, focusing on awareness, quality assurance, research, and collaboration.
Promoting General Awareness
One of the fundamental steps FSSAI can undertake is promoting general awareness about the benefits of functional food. By endorsing functional foods, FSSAI can empower consumers to make informed choices and thereby drive the consumers towards healthy food choices.
Combatting Misleading Claims
The digital age has ushered in an era of information overload, and unfortunately, some unscrupulous entities take advantage of this by making false claims about nutraceuticals and functional foods. FSSAI should harness digital and mass communication channels to counter these spurious claims. By providing accurate and evidence-based information, FSSAI can equip consumers with the tools to identify reliable products and avoid potentially harmful ones.
Introducing a Quality Mark
A distinctive quality mark, akin to the red and green dots on non-veg and veg food products, could be a game-changer in the functional food market. This mark would signify that a product has undergone rigorous quality checks and or efficacy studies. This step not only differentiates superior products from average ones but also empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases.
Enabling Post-Market Surveillance
The long-term effects of nutraceuticals and functional foods need continuous monitoring. The FSSAI could establish a mechanism for post-market surveillance that includes feedback from the public, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders. By gathering data on the usage and outcomes of these products, FSSAI can make informed decisions about regulations and improvements.
Nurturing Industry Collaborations
The growth of the functional food market is intertwined with the success of the industry players, including startups. FSSAI should proactively engage with these stakeholders through regular meetings and dialogues. By fostering an environment of collaboration and open communication, FSSAI can gain insights into the challenges faced by the industry and work together to find effective solutions.
Synergy of Stakeholders
The next decade holds immense potential for India’s functional food market. The FSSAI’s role in shaping this market’s trajectory is pivotal. By aligning its agenda with the need of the hour, the FSSAI can drive growth, ensure quality, and create a robust ecosystem that benefits consumers, manufacturers, and the overall health of the nation. The synergy between public awareness, education, research, quality assurance, and collaboration will be the cornerstone of a thriving functional food market in India. As FSSAI moves forward with this agenda, India can position itself as a leader in promoting not just good health but also responsible and evidence-based nutrition choices.