The Union Health Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya released the Third State Food Safety Index Report 2020-21 on 20 September, 2021. The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) report is a measure of the performance of States across five parameters of food safety and it works towards ensuring safe food for citizens. The Union Health Minister felicitated the nine leading States/UTs based on their ranking for the year 2020-21 and on their impressive performance. This year, among the larger states, Gujarat was the top-ranking state, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Among the smaller states, Goa stood first followed by Meghalaya and Manipur. Among UTs, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and New Delhi secured top ranks.
On this occasion Shri Mansukh Mandaviya also flagged off 19 Mobile Food Testing Vans (Food Safety on Wheels) to supplement the food safety ecosystem in the country. With this the total number of such mobile testing vans has reached 109. Shri Mandaviya observed that food is an essential component of health in a holistic sense. He stated that, “Balanced nutrition is an integral part of health.” He expressed hope that the mobile food testing laboratories will not only help functionaries in the States/UTs to enhance their outreach to conduct surveillance activities in the far-flung areas, but will also be utilized as an effective tool for training and awareness generation activities amongst citizens.
He also released the results of PAN-India survey for identifying the presence of industrially produced trans fatty acid content in the selected foods were released. Samples of various packaged food items under six pre-defined food categories were collected from 419 cities/districts across 34 States/UTs. Overall, only 84 samples, i.e., 1.34%, have more than 3% industrially produced trans fats from the total of 6245 samples; India is on the right track of becoming industrial trans fats free in the 75th year of India’s independence.
Shri Mandaviya launched various other innovative initiatives by FSSAI including the Eat Right Research Awards and Grants that has been instituted to encourage and recognize high-quality research in the area of food safety and nutrition in India. A logo for Vegan Foods for easy identification and distinction from non-vegan foods for empowering consumers to make informed food choices was also unveiled. Further, the Minister released various e-books that advocate and capture recipes around local seasonal food items, indigenous millets and plant-based sources of protein.
As part of the ongoing efforts to engage industry on the issue of plastic in food packaging, 24
food businesses signed a pledge on becoming “Plastic Waste Neutral” by collecting, processing and recycling of 100% post-consumer plastic waste from source. These 21 companies have committed to reducing the levels of virgin plastic in the food and beverage sector.
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya applauded the actions taken by the FSSAI along with industry partners to take the country forward in Food Safety and emphasized that the citizens are a stakeholder for food safety along with Government and Industry. He stated that people who bring attention to issues like food adulteration and low-quality standards automatically benefit other non-conscious consumers who might be harmed because of being unaware. Ms Rita Teaotia, Chairperson, FSSAI, Shri Arun Singhal, Chief Executive Officer and Member Secretary, FSSAI, Shri Vikash Sheel, Additional Secretary (Health) were also present during this occasion.
Source: FSSAI
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