Introduction

Health Minister JP Nadda urges for regulations for innovative foods such as lab-grown meat and plant-based proteins. The minister emphasized the importance of stringent food safety regulations and a flexible regulatory framework to tackle emerging food trends. He highlighted the importance of organic farming in reducing pesticide dangers and India’s initiatives in sustainable packaging. The state food index and new FSSAI portals were also launched during the summit.

Report

Health Minister J P Nadda emphasized the importance of strict food safety regulations and a flexible regulatory system to accommodate new food trends like plant-based proteins, insect proteins, and lab-grown meat. While addressing the opening session of a two-day international meeting of food regulators in the capital, Nadda emphasized the importance of widespread organic farming to mitigate the risks associated with pesticide residues in food.

The minister raised alarm about recent findings showing the “alarming presence of microplastics in humans”. He further praised India’s progress in creating sustainable packaging to lessen environmental harm.

“The rapid globalisation, technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping our food systems at an unprecedented pace. We face a complex area of challenge from persistent foodborne illness and emerging concerns such as nutraceutical safety, novel foods and microplastics in our food chain while striving for sustainability,” Nadda said.

He further stated that the importance of food regulators is now more vital than ever, requiring ongoing cooperation, persistent creativity, and dedication to continuously enhancing food safety systems.

Bottom Line

Nadda advocated for increased worldwide implementation of organic farming, “India’s efforts in promoting organic farming, an alternative pest control method, are steps in the right direction. But more widespread adoption is needed globally.”

The minister revealed that India has set up a National Research Foundation with an almost USD 5.9 million budget from 2024-28 to expand research in different sectors, such as food safety. He also noted that India’s AMR 2.0 is harmonizing maximum residue limits and pesticides with CODEX standards, improving its international trade status.

source: The Economic Times