Key Update

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Odisha government to submit an action taken report over allegations that supplementary food under the Chhatua nutrition programme is being distributed without timely safety testing. Acting on a complaint by Jeypore-based advocate and human rights activist Anup Kumar Patro, the commission referred the matter to the state’s chief secretary. It sought a detailed response within four weeks. The NHRC will review the case after receiving the report.

What Is the Chhatua Nutrition Programme?

Chhatua is a protein-rich mix of roasted grains and pulses. The programme aims to reduce malnutrition in Odisha and runs under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). It provides take-home rations to children aged six months to three years, as well as to pregnant and lactating women.

Complaint Flags Testing Delays

The complaint points to the distribution of chhatua through nearly 8,000 self-help groups across the state. It highlights a mismatch between testing timelines and product shelf life. The state food testing laboratory in Bhubaneswar reportedly takes up to 60 days to issue quality reports, while Chhatua has a shelf life of only 30 days. As a result, testing often occurs after consumption, undermining safety checks and potentially exposing beneficiaries to health risks.

Monitoring and Compliance Concerns

The petitioner also questioned the effectiveness of the current monitoring system, arguing that delays in laboratory verification make digital tracking inadequate for ensuring food safety. The complaint further flagged possible violations of norms set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which require scientific validation of food safety before distribution. It warned that continuing the current practice beyond January 1, 2026, could amount to regulatory non-compliance. The complaint also highlighted risks in remote tribal districts such as Koraput and Nabarangpur. Logistical delays in these areas may further shorten the safe consumption window for the product.

Call for ‘Test-First, Distribute-Later’

The petitioner urged the state to adopt a “test-first, distribute-later” protocol for supplementary nutrition. The complaint also recommended decentralising food testing by establishing laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories in southern and western Odisha. As an interim measure, the petitioner suggested halting the distribution of untested food or providing direct benefit transfers so beneficiaries can purchase certified products from the open market.

Source: The Times of India