In India, food adulteration has been a big problem. We occasionally read about stories about people who have health problems after consuming food that has been tainted in some way. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently started programs to identify and manage food adulteration as a response to the problem. As per an ANI report, the food regulation authority is reiterating its dedication to upholding the food supply chain’s integrity, thereby augmenting the protection of public health.
FSSAI Initiative 1:
A “Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test (DART) Book” was released by the FSSAI website, which helps consumers recognize common food adulterants in everyday objects. Fifty quick tests covering foods from various categories such as milk, oil, sugar, and spices are included in the guidebook. These brief assessments include simple-to-follow guidelines and visual aids to aid in comprehension. “These initiatives aim to empower consumers, enhance surveillance, and raise awareness about food safety across the country,” according to the report.
FSSAI Initiative 2:
Additionally, the FSSAI has started an initiative called “Food Safety on Wheels” (FSW), which will provide mobile food testing labs equipped with the necessary tools for qualitative testing that can be done immediately. In public events, educational institutions, outlying regions, and consumer groups, these vehicles will make their rounds “conducting quick tests for specific adulterants in commonly consumed food items like ghee, milk, sweets, and spices,” the report says.
FSSAI Initiative 3:
Furthermore, the food regulatory body has developed the “Food Safety Magic Box,” a food safety testing kit designed for school-age children. With the help of the guidebook in this portable box, students will be able to conduct over 100 simple tests to identify contamination in a variety of food products. According to the report, “This test will help in fostering awareness and promoting responsible consumer behavior from a young age in the country.”
Speaking about these programs, FFSAI officials say that their goal is to raise public awareness in order to effectively fight food adulteration throughout the nation. In addition, it gives customers the ability to choose what they consume with knowledge.
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