Four steps to improve food safety in India

The Strategy will help businesses to implement demanding food standards legislation.

The Food Standards and Safety Act 2006 (FSSA) has proved a serious challenge for a country with poor general awareness towards the hazards of unsafe food practices. The ASSOCHAM proposals were contained in a study recommending four steps to ensure compliance.

Highlighting common sources of contaminates and creating awareness of good hygiene practices, particularly with regard to outside food, was outlined as the first step.

Secondly, the report said a training programme should be put in place involving local government, NGOs, trade associations and other service providers to “educate the masses”.

The trade group (ASSOCHAM) also advocated the creation of models/protypes for the preparation, storage and distribution of food in the Indian climate.

Finally, the study called for a simplified registration and licensing system to reflect the nation’s diverse range of food retailers.

ASSOCHAM secretary General DS Rawat said: “The study hoped to serve the purpose of catalyzing positive growth in the trade of safe and good quality food products from India by providing all relevant information about food safety issues in the country.”

Source: FoodqualityNew

Aporte: Jecsi Esparza