STATE FOOD SAFETY INDEX

Copyright infringement not intended

Context - The Union Health Minister has released the 4th State Food Safety Index.

Details

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has released the 4th State Food Safety Index (SFSI) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The index measures the Food Safety performance of Indian States.
The index aims to create a competitive food safety ecosystem in the country.
The index will help in ensuring safe and nutritious food for our citizens.

Key Point of the Index

Among the larger states, Tamil Nadu topped the Index, followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Among the smaller States, Goa stood first, followed by Manipur and Sikkim.
Among the Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir are at the top followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.

Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
It is a statutory body that works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food
Power and Responsibilities of FSSAI;
- It Formulates the Regulations to lay down food safety standards.
- It prepares guidelines for the accreditation of laboratories for food testing.
- It provides scientific advice and technical support to the Government.
- Collecting data regarding food consumption, contamination, emerging risks, etc.
- Promoting awareness about food safety and nutrition in India.
- Lay down science-based standards for articles on food.
- Regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, import, and sale of food.
- To promote food safety.
The Chairman of FSSAI is appointed by the Central Government.
The FSSAI has its headquarters in New Delhi.
The authority also has 6 regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Chennai.