Confederation of Indian Industry as a part of its capacity building initiatives had organized the 10th National Food Safety and Quality Summit. Science plays a vital role in making Food Safety System more effective, transparent, accountable and trustworthy. New science-based approaches to food safety provide an effective way for governments to protect consumers against food-borne diseases.
Mr Bhanu Pratap Sharma, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare emphasised that a multi-sectoral approach with involvement of all stakeholders in PPP model would result in effective implementation across the supply chain. It was important to include the entire value chain starting from agriculture, processing, transportation and end consumption. The FSSA compared to PFA regime has brought in the concept of self-regulation, scientific approaches to risk assessments. FSSAI has been currently focussing on release of various standards and around 80% will be released during December 2015, however some speciality foods will require product approval. He stated that the capacity of FSSAI lab infrastructure in terms of manpower and their skills , needed improvement and suggested issuance of appropriate SOPs to ensure transparency and effective enforcement.
Mr. Jagdish Prasad Meena, IAS., Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industry mentioned that food processing sector is on a growth path and has an immense potential for generating employment, alleviating agriculture economy, raising farmer incomes and creating export earnings. He further stressed that Industry can take the responsibility of creating awareness on difference in the nutritional value of fresh and processed food. He also emphasized the importance of backward integration for better traceability of primary produce to ensure food safety.
Dr V Prakash Distinguished Scientist of CSIR – INDIA & Hon. Director of Research, INNOVATION and Development, at JSS – MVP & Chair, Scientific Panel on Nutraceuticals, Nutritionals, Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements, FSSAI, Govt. of India emphasized the three key words food, safety and quality and mentioned that while safety is a regulatory concern, quality is a consumer concern. He mentioned that nearly 72% of the produce gets processed minimally whereas only 2 % is packaged. He suggested the regulation has to be dynamic in the larger interest of consumers and the food safety. He stated that the product approvals should be based on the ingredient approval just like any other country. He commented that the regulation should be flexible, adaptable, affordable and one which involves innovations of healthy and nutritional food. He emphasized that the onus of implementation of Food Safety is on the Industry and the government only plays the role of monitoring.
Mr Piruz Khambatta, Chairman, CII National Committee on Food Processing & Chairman & Managing Director, Rasna Ltd. highlighted how food processing can catalyse growth and the importance of food safety in the food processing sector. He highlighted the work being undertaken by CII national committee of food processing like creating a robust infrastructure, enabling regulatory framework, focussed fiscal environment, skill development and promote Made in India brand. He briefed on the various capacity building initiatives of CII including National Food Safety and Quality Summit, National Food Safety Awards program and most recently Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan, a National Campaign on safe food in line with “Jago Grahak Jago”, in partnership with Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Body VOICE, NASVI and industry partner Cargill. This campaign is also aligned to the countrywide mission “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”
Mr Ravi Mathur, Chairman, CII Expert Group on Food Safety & Quality & CEO, GS1 India emphasized the importance of traceability domestically and internationally to ensure food safety. He quoted the example of Grapenet by APEDA which increased exports of grapes by 25%.
Other eminent speakers included Dr. Mathew T. Thomas, Director, USFDA – India Office, Mr. Dean Rugnetta, Deputy Director, USFDA- India Office, Mr Patrik Jonasson, Director – Public Policy International, GS1 and Mr. John Figgins, Technical Specialist for Food, BRC Global Standards
More than 200 Food Safety & Quality professionals and more than 50 speakers of national and international repute gathered for the Annual Flagship event supported by the Industry partners to discuss the various ways through which Food Safety and Quality can be improved in the Food Chain. This 2 -day event focussed on deliberation on Food Safety Regulatory regimes, framing and implementing food safety standards and scientific approaches to risk assessment. This Summit will serve as a platform for sharing Capacity Building Initiatives and insights of other countries and sharing of views about current food safety and quality trends while providing extensive networking opportunities with industry peers and domain experts.
New Delhi
1st December 2015