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FSSAI CEO on Strengthening Food Safety and Global Cooperation

In A to Z, Event, Food Laws, Food Safety, News
January 3, 2025
Editorial Team
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As India enters 2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is intensifying efforts to strengthen the country’s food safety ecosystem. In an interview with Ashwani Maindola, FSSAI CEO GKV Rao outlined key initiatives, international collaborations, and focus areas to ensure consumers receive safe and quality food.

Global Alignment of Standards and Regulations

Rao highlighted FSSAI’s commitment to aligning food safety standards with global best practices, particularly those of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). FSSAI’s scientific bodies, such as the Scientific Committee (SC) and Scientific Panels (SPs), play a key role in developing standards based on solid scientific evidence. The regulatory process also incorporates the stances of global authorities like the USFDA, EFSA, and Health Canada. After the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) approves a draft regulation, FSSAI opens it for public comment. The authority then reviews and incorporates the comments, ensuring the standards remain comprehensive and globally aligned.

Focus on Ensuring Safe Food for Consumers

To ensure food safety, FSSAI actively monitors, surveils, and randomly samples food products across the country. The authority collaborates with state and regional food safety departments to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

International Collaborations and Learnings

FSSAI has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 11 countries to foster scientific cooperation in areas such as Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), laboratory standards, import procedures, and risk management. These international collaborations help India stay aligned with global food safety standards while strengthening its regulatory processes.

India’s Role in Codex Alimentarius and Global Dialogues

As a long-standing member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, India actively shapes international food standards. FSSAI’s National Codex Contact Point (NCCP) advises the government on food safety and standardization issues, ensuring that India’s interests are represented in global discussions. Rao also highlighted the success of the 2024 Global Food Regulators Summit, co-hosted by FSSAI, which facilitated the exchange of knowledge on food safety regulations worldwide.

Food Industry Compliance and State Collaborations

In 2023-24, India achieved an 88.26% compliance rate in food safety enforcement and surveillance activities. Rao emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between FSSAI and state governments to strengthen the food safety ecosystem. FSSAI has signed MoUs with various States and Union Territories to provide financial and technical support, further enhancing the country’s regulatory framework. In 2025, FSSAI is continuing its drive to enhance food safety protocols, assuring consumers across India of the safety and quality of their food.

Source: Food & Beverage News