Encouraging States/ UTs to step up surveillance, inspections and sampling of food products

FSSAI to strengthen testing infrastructures with new labs, workforce – Food Industry News

To strengthen the testing infrastructures in the country States/UTs have been advised to send proposals for setting up of labs and their upgradation to FSSAI for technical and financial assistance. States/ UTs have also been advised to create posts for recruitment of Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers (FSOs) and fill vacant posts, if any, to strengthen the enforcement machinery in the country

Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, IAS, has informed that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will coordinate with the Ministry of Education in setting up Health clubs in schools under CBSE across the country, like Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodya Vidyalayas. He also asked State/UT FDAs to coordinate with municipal bodies in identifying areas that can be developed as clean and hygienic street food hubs.

States/UTs have also been directed to ensure testing of 10 samples of milk per day by Food Safety on Wheel (FSW) available with them. A total of 168 FSW vans are available across the country for on-the-spot food testing.