The Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill had been introduced in the Rajya Sabha this year in February. However, taking into considerations some judgments of the Supreme Court and the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, the Government feels that the Bill must be withdrawn as it needs further amendments.
At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government gave its approval to withdraw the Bill. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will examine the Bill and make further necessary amendments before reintroducing the Bill. While making amendments the Ministry will also take into account representations made to the government.
The Food Safety and Standards (Amendment) Bill had been presented under the previous UPA government but the present Government feels that the Bill needs to be looked at with a fresh perspective as new developments are required to be studied and further consultations made before fresh amendments can be proposed.
The continuous objections made to the amendments from the stake holders in the food processing industry, by food business operators and food importers will also be studied. There have been a number of objections as the Bill was seen to be too harsh by the food industry. This is why FSSA Amendment Bill had previously been stalled numerous times and deadlines had been repeatedly extended even under the previous government.
The UPA Government had proposed amendments to the Act to expand the composition of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The decision to withdraw the FSSA Amendment Bill at the Cabinet Meeting is being seen as a ray of hope by the food industry and other stake holders.
DR. KRISHNA KUMAR MISHRA says
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to know why the bill has not been approved?
Are we going to compromise public health or some other issue.
Regards
FSH Team says
Dr. Mishra, thanks for your time in writing this comment on our blog.
We believe, there must be some additional & important considerations, which the Government think should be included for bringing more transparency into the system to ensure safe food for all the consumers of India.
Let’s wait till the bill will be further presented with the proposed amendments taking into account the inputs of all stakeholders.