Report

The Centre has set up a 19-member committee led by the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, to combat false information in the processed food sector. The committee, which includes representatives from various ministries and industry bodies, aims to address deceptive advertising and promote ethical marketing practices.

Committee’s Role and Responsibilities

The committee will focus on identifying, preventing, and addressing misleading advertising related to processed food. It will ensure that consumers receive accurate information while encouraging transparency and responsible marketing within the sector. The committee will also suggest regulatory frameworks, review existing advertising practices, and propose new guidelines to fill gaps in enforcement.

Industry Representation

The 19-member committee includes key figures from various government bodies, such as the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, the Secretary of Food Processing Industries, the Secretary of Consumer Affairs, and the Chairmen of FSSAI (The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and APEDA (The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority). Industry representatives from FICCI (The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry), CII (The Confederation of Indian Industry), ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), the All India Food Processors’ Association, and the Federation of Sweets & Namkeen Manufacturers will also be involved.

Growth of the Food Processing Industry

The food processing sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of 5.35% from 2022 to 2023. The sector has consistently outpaced agriculture and related industries, contributing significantly to the economy.

Economic Impact and Employment

In 2022-23, the food processing industry accounted for 7.66% of Gross Value Addition in the manufacturing sector and 8.45% in the agriculture sector. The industry has also been a major source of employment, with 20.68 lakh people employed in the registered food processing industry, according to the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2021-22. The unregistered food processing industry also provided jobs to 51.11 lakh workers, accounting for 14.18% of employment in the unregistered manufacturing sector.

Source: The Indian Express