FSSAI, Australia’s DAFF ink MoU on food safety

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the area of food safety in New Delhi on September 24.

• DAFF is the lead government agency for the agricultural sector (agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries) in Australia.

• The signing of MoU represents a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between India and Australia, reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to food safety. 

• The MoU will strengthen cooperation in the field of food safety, through the exchange of best practices, knowledge sharing, import procedures and other technical collaboration including capacity-building initiatives.

• Both sides expressed confidence that the MoU will foster stronger institutional ties and contribute in advancing food safety standards in both nations.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various Acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various ministries and departments. 

• The FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

• FSSAI was created for laying down scientific standards for food articles and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

The main functions of FSSAI include:

i) Setting globally benchmarked regulations, standards and guidelines.

ii) Facilitating compliance through licensing, registration, inspection and improved laboratory network.

iii) Building capacity of regulatory staff as well as food business operators.

iv) Driving public health initiatives in the true spirit of convergence.

v) Leveraging IEC (Information, Education & Communication) and BCC (behaviour change communication) techniques to build a food safety culture.

vi) Embracing technology to streamline processes. 

vii) Forging strategic partnerships to generate and exchange knowledge and best practices.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)