The CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), presided over the 41st Meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) held on 24th August, 2023, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The meeting was convened to review the status of food product sampling across States and Union Territories (UTs) and promote adherence to prescribed food safety standards.
The meeting witnessed active participation from more than 50 officials, including Commissioners of Food Safety (CFS), representatives from States/UTs, senior FSSAI officials, and members representing various facets of the food industry, consumers, agriculture, laboratories, and research institutions.
One of the recommendations made during the meeting was that food business operators (FBOs) would no longer be required to renew their licenses annually. Instead, licenses can now be issued for up to 5 years, providing a significant boost to the Ease of Doing Business in the food sector—an adjustment welcomed by the food industry.
During the gathering, the CEO, FSSAI also discussed his recent meeting with the Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, on 23rd August, 2023. The discussions centered on the enhancement of laboratories, training programs for food handlers, and the modernization of canteen infrastructure under various Eat Right India initiatives. These efforts will facilitate the rigorous testing of essential raw materials like ghee, milk, spices, and more, ensuring the provision of high-quality and wholesome food to the daily influx of over 2.5 lakh pilgrims at TTD.
As part of this collaboration, FSSAI will impart training to food handlers in hygiene protocols such as Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP), contributing to elevated food safety standards in the region.
Additionally, the CEO, FSSAI urged States and UTs to expedite the identification and establishment of 100 Healthy and Hygienic Food Streets across the country, with support from the Government of India. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of safe and nutritious food options to the public.
The importance of fortified rice in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among children and pregnant women, was stressed during the meeting. FSSAI intends to raise awareness about this crucial issue in rural areas across states.
