The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in its press release dated 13th December 2019, has decided to get food testing done through the consumer organisations. FSSAI in a workshop at New Delhi with representatives of over eighty (80) voluntary consumer organizations decided to create a nation-wide network of consumer organizations which shall initially work in three specific areas, namely –
1) Awareness and training,
2) Mobilization of small and petty food businesses for various schemes,
3) Food testing and surveillance.
FSSAI has large volume of high quality content on food safety and nutrition. The VCOs will play an important role in food testing and surveillance activities. The VCOs with their ground level connect will use this content for awareness and training programs by translating and adapting it to the local conditions.
VCOs will be provided ‘Food Safety Magic Box’ that has over 100 simple do-it-yourself tests for common adulterants and kit for testing in midday meal scheme. Supported by the FSSAI, VCOs can play an important role in food testing and surveillance activities.
Click here to read the Notification.