In a significant move aimed at enhancing consumer safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has announced plans to monitor various food items, including fortified rice, dairy products, and spices, sold in Indian markets. This initiative comes in the wake of increased scrutiny on branded spices following alleged quality breaches.
Expanded Scope of Oversight
FSSAI has formulated a plan to monitor a wide range of food products, including fortified rice, dairy items, fruits, vegetables, fishery products, spices, herbal products, and dairy products, for contaminants like salmonella. This comprehensive approach underscores FSSAI’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food consumed by the Indian population.
Quality Checks on Spices
Following concerns raised in reports from Singapore and Hong Kong regarding quality-related issues in the food sector, FSSAI has initiated the collection of samples from various brands, including MDH and Everest, among others, to investigate alleged breaches of standards. This proactive step aims to assess whether these brands adhere to FSSAI’s quality standards.
Exported Spices Not Under FSSAI’s Control
It’s worth noting that FSSAI does not regulate the quality of spices exported from India. However, the authority’s focus on domestic products reflects its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests within the country.
This initiative by FSSAI signifies a proactive approach towards ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by millions of Indians daily. By expanding its oversight to include a broader range of food items, FSSAI aims to bolster consumer confidence and uphold the highest standards of food safety and quality across the nation.