Measures to Strengthen Food Testing System in India
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced various measures to strengthen the food testing system in India. These initiatives aim to enhance food safety and quality across the country.
Background
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for setting science-based standards for food products and regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. The implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is a shared responsibility of the central and state governments.
Key facts
FSSAI has notified 259 laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for analysis of food samples, and 24 referral food laboratories for analysis of appeal samples.
Under the SOFTEL scheme, 47 state food testing laboratories have been structurally upgraded with advanced analytical equipment, and 34 specialized microbiology laboratories have been established to detect chemical, heavy metal, and biological contaminants.
Mobile Food Testing Laboratories (MFTLs), also known as 'Food Safety on Wheels', provide wide outreach for food testing, training, and awareness programs, especially in villages, towns, and remote areas. Currently, 305 FSWs operate in 35 states/UTs.
The 'Magic Box' is a compact and user-friendly kit with simple and rapid test methods to detect common adulterants in seven different food items.
The 'Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test' (DART) booklet includes 44 tests that can be easily performed at home using simple solutions like water and iodine tincture.
Rapid Analytical Food Testing (RAFT) kits are advanced, easy-to-use, portable, and handheld devices that do not require sophisticated equipment or traditional reagents for field-level testing. So far, 88 RAFT kits have been approved.
Prelims pointers
- FSSAI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- NABL: National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- SOFTEL scheme: Strengthening of Food Testing Laboratories
- MFTL: Mobile Food Testing Laboratory
- FSW: Food Safety on Wheels
- DART: Detect Adulteration with Rapid Test
- RAFT: Rapid Analytical Food Testing
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of FSSAI in ensuring food safety in India.
- Examine the effectiveness of government initiatives like SOFTEL and Food Safety on Wheels in strengthening the food testing infrastructure.
- Critically analyze the challenges in implementing food safety standards in India and suggest measures to overcome them.