FSSAI asks food businesses to stop using metallic pins, wires in packaging

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) asked all food business operators (FBOs) to immediately stop using metallic pins and wires for packaging of food items and parcels.

• The FSSAI observed that metallic/staple pins and wires are being used by FBOs for preparing decorative cakes and other such products and for fastening food packets, cake boxes, sweet boxes, snack pouches, takeaway food parcels and other food packages.

• There is a significant risk that such pins might inadvertently be consumed by consumers. This could result in injury and adverse health consequences.

• The FSSAI warned that if the FBOs do not comply with this directive, appropriate penal action would be taken as per provisions of the FSS Act, 2006, and applicable Regulations. 

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.)