The Apex Food Regulator ‘FSSAI’ has launched its new initiative FSKAN (Food Safety Knowledge Assimilation Network) for identification of gaps in the areas of Food Safety & Quality. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India which is working under the aegis of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Govt. of India) organized a workshop cum conference on July 12, 2016, on “Scientific Cooperation Framework for Food Safety”.
The FSKAN (Food Safety Knowledge Assimilation Network) aims to work as a framework for Scientific Cooperation through exchanging the information & expertise and joint implementation of projects to ensure food safety.
The conference was attended by over 100 scientists & researchers from all parts of the country. FSSAI had received over 90 proposals from the scientific institutions for research work in the areas of Food Safety & Nutrition. FSSAI had earlier invited the stakeholders through an expression of interest notification in this regard.
This new initiative (FSKAN) would work in line with the Food Authority’s objective of providing safe food to the citizens of India and helping FSSAI for laying down the science-based standards and to better implement the new & still evolving Food Act – Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006.
Prior to this conference, the Food Authority had already screened & identified 44 proposals which were aligned with the responsibilities of the FSSAI. The 44 proposals were discussed by dividing into 5 groups and one investigator from each group represented & presented the research proposal for funding approvals. Thirteen research proposals were recommended for funding amounting to Rs. 5 crores.
FSSAI’s workshop is seen as a successful event with the launching of FSKAN. A lot of engagement activities involving the scientists, experts, research institutions, research funding agencies & the industry R&D could frequently be seen in the future. This participation & association is for mutual interest and cooperation as food safety is a matter of concern for all of us.
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